Block Heater On Gasser

[mark1223]

I am looking to get a block heater for my truck for college. It is a 5.3. The truck will be used in northen minnesota. I heard a guy talking about one, that uses heated water to warm the block. I didn't know if there were any good after market warmers, or oem would be my best choice? Thanks. The truck is an 07 classic, if that matters.

[jro909]

um i live in wisconsin and the winters get cold as hell just like MN and i've never once had to use a block heater...park so the front end is out of the wind and when you start it let it run for a little bit and you will be fine....hell modern diesels really don't have to be plugged in even unless you live in upper alaska or siberia

[mark1223]

The vehicle will be parked in a dorm parking lot, so keeping it out of the wind, will be hard to do.

[pwall]

I have never plugged any of my vehicles in. Ottawa doesn't get that cold in the winter, usually January will reach -35c.

Plugging in the vehicle does help, but if you're not in a hurry, it'll be just fine.

[txab]

The vehicle will be parked in a dorm parking lot, so keeping it out of the wind, will be hard to do.

 

You have electrical outlets in the parking lot?

[mark1223]

They have them in the reserved spots. I need to get my pass and I wasn't sure which if I should get the reserved or the regular. The old man thinks I need a block heater to help with wear on the motor.

[outnumbered]

We use them all the time in Alaska, but only when the temps are going to get down into the teens or below zero. They do save a LOT of wear and tear. I just put one on my 02 Yukon Denali with the 6.0 in it last week. It was a California truck without one, and I needed a new water pump, so I figured it was a perfect time to install the heater. You will need to drain all of the coolant to put it in, and the 6.0 has a threaded plug in up above the oil filter on the block which takes a 17mm allen head socket to get out. I don't know what the 5.3 uses, but you'd want to look before you start if you don't have other transportation. The aftermarket ones have never let me down yet, I bought mine at NAPA for about $50.

[mark1223]

What kind was it from napa? Has anyone seen the type, that warms the water to? Thanks for the input.

[outnumbered]

What kind was it from napa? Has anyone seen the type, that warms the water to? Thanks for the input.

Zerostart is the brand, and it is a coolant heater. It will keep all of your coolant warm throughout all of your engine. There are many different types that are easier to install, but these are the most common and work really good. You can also get a magnetic or glue on oil pan heater, battery heater, inline coolant that go in your heater lines.

[mark1223]

Thanks, I will look into that one.

[jro909]

what wear and tear? the only thing i can think of is the oil being like paste but thats easily correctable.....get a good battery and leave time to let it run and you will be fine