Block Heater?

06_GMC · February 4, 2011

My truck is from California and was obviously not ordered with a block heater. I live in Colorado and would like one on my truck anyone ever added one afterwards?

grimmysnr · February 4, 2011

Pretty sure that most of these newer Gen III and IV motors have everything prepped for it probably just plugged. You simply order the part number from GMpartsdirect or your dealer and install it. Its just two components: The element that goes in the block and the cord the plugs in the end of the element and routed to the front or wherever you desire. I heard some friends had to have their blocks drilled or something but none were GM vehicles or not late model GM vehicles. Can't imagine it would be anything too difficult just a little labor intensive with the coolant draining, gaskets, and sealants. Then of course routing the extension cord wherever is convenient. Be advised all block heaters ordered from GM have a little thermostat inline of the cord that will not allow current to pass through when outside temperature is above 0 degrees F. Some just modify the cord and then of course theres aftermarket.

brisk · February 5, 2011

You sure you want one?? I'd spend the money on remote start instead. Besides, Stephanie will probably forget to unplug it one day when she leaves. I know Lindsay would.....

06_GMC · February 5, 2011

yeah but when it takes over 30 seconds to build oil pressure when it's -30F outside and it hasn't run a in a few days it would be nice to have one.

txab · February 5, 2011

yeah but when it takes over 30 seconds to build oil pressure when it's -30F outside and it hasn't run a in a few days it would be nice to have one.

What oil are you running?

you can buy a heater from NAPA and install it. There is a block plug that unscrews and the new one screws right in

06_GMC · February 8, 2011

5w30 mobil 1 just changed it right before it got really cold so it's fresh. My '03 work truck with 224K on it took right around a minute but the motor is about done on that thing. The truck had been sitting for a few days too so the battery was a little low and it took a minute to fire.

denis1227 · February 10, 2011

You sure you want one?? I'd spend the money on remote start instead. Besides, Stephanie will probably forget to unplug it one day when she leaves. I know Lindsay would.....

I don't want to sound stupid, But can you put a remote start on a diesel?

jandersinc · February 10, 2011

Yes you can. Usually it incorporates a delay for the glow plugs.

brisk · February 10, 2011

You sure you want one?? I'd spend the money on remote start instead. Besides, Stephanie will probably forget to unplug it one day when she leaves. I know Lindsay would.....

I don't want to sound stupid, But can you put a remote start on a diesel?

Yes you can. But his truck is a 6.0 Gasser

06_GMC · February 11, 2011

Napa has one for 42 bucks, not to shabby if you ask me. It shows it does screw in so now I need to find where it goes and i'll probably get one soon if it's not to big of a pain in the ass to put in. Thanks for the info Darral!!!