Block heater as easy as it sounds?

[Lee Savoy]

Ok, so I'm a total noob when it comes to diesel engines. I know what a block heater is, but never owned anything with one on it. Our bus has a block heater I believe (I assume that's what the 110 input on the front is, pic attached). Is it as simple as it sounds, plug it in and it keeps the crank case warmed up to make cold starts easier? Anything I need to look out for?

It's going to be in the mid 30s this weekend and I would like to work on the electrical more, so I'll be starting it after each circuit is unhooked. Would it be worth it to plug it up for a while before I start that process Sunday morning?

[Booyah45828]

It's as simple as it sounds.

Plugging it in gives electric to a heating coil in the engine coolant. The coolant, through convection, will heat up the block, cylinder head, etc.

If it's that cold out, and you're going to be starting and shutting off repeatedly, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have it plugged in, and also have a battery charger on the batteries too.

[Lee Savoy]

Originally Posted by Booyah45828

It's as simple as it sounds.

Plugging it in gives electric to a heating coil in the engine coolant. The coolant, through convection, will heat up the block, cylinder head, etc.

If it's that cold out, and you're going to be starting and shutting off repeatedly, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have it plugged in, and also have a battery charger on the batteries too.

Cool, thanks for the info. I just ran a new 30a circuit to where the bus is and I have a heavy duty 50ft cord. I'm going to give it a go this weekend. We're going over late Saturday and spending the night so I'll plug the block heater and the batteries in when I get there so it will be ready for Sunday. I have a float charger for the batteries. I may start leaving them plugged up, they're on a isolation switch so it should be safe enough.