What Works Better?

WeymouthZ71 · January 23, 2006

For someone who lives in the colder states what works better for someone who has to be ready to go 24/7? Thanks.

hoorders · January 23, 2006

For someone who lives in the colder states what works better for someone who has to be ready to go 24/7? Thanks.

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I dont live in the states but here in Toronto Canada......we get some seriously cold weather in the winter........like -30 and such......with the windchill.

I've used both battery warmers and block heaters...........my current 2000 1500 Z71 has the block heater and I havn't bothered putting my battery warmer on it yet........just been too lazy.

But let me tell you, when I use the battery warmer, doesn't matter how cold it gets.....the truck turns over like it has two batteries in it. I would have to say, in real cold weather and if you need to be ready to go at a moments notice, I would go with the battery warmer............the block heater is just that, keeps the block somewhat warm. You get heat faster with the block heater but that wont do you any good if your battery is frozen and your ride wont start........

2000 GMC · January 24, 2006

I've never used a battery heater but my truck currently has a block heater that works great. I've used in Alaska and now here in Colorado.

mudbug660 · January 24, 2006

with the block heater you would have shorter warnup times so you could get on the road faster.

flatlander · January 24, 2006

For someone who lives in the colder states what works better for someone who has to be ready to go 24/7? Thanks.

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There is no comparison, the engine block heater is far better. Here in North Dakota it has been put to the test, believe me.

GMCStepSide · January 24, 2006

Unless you own a 2005 or newer GM truck...in which case the block heater won't work until the temp drops below zero degrees. Seems GM, in their infinite wisdom, decided that they would put a thermo plug on the truck so that you can plug the truck in, but the thermometer inside the plug won't let AC pass to the block heater until the ambient air temp is below zero.

The moral to the story, if you're going to use the block heater, it needs to be below zero for it to work. Or you can cut the plug off and replace it but that's for another whole new post under "Ask the GM Tech".

fossil · January 25, 2006

The thermo plug is there because of OBDII requirements set by the feds. The PCM is looking for a specific coolant temp rise during engine warm up in relationship to ambient air temperature. If you run that block heater steady by replacing the thermo plug with a regular plug your going to trip trouble codes.

Anyway, I think battery heaters are a waste of money. You are much better off to get a 75 watt engine heat pad for your oil pan. That way your oil is going to be roasty toasty even at -45 below.

GMCStepSide · January 25, 2006

Actually, if you cut off that thermoplug and replace it - as I did - and use a timer so that it doesn't run more than 4 hours before you start the truck, then it works just fine. Currently -11 outside and I've been doing it this way for more than a week....no codes, no lights, no problems.

And I agree with you 100% on the heat pad...on my diesel I have one on the tranny too and they work fantastic...especially when I see -30.

JimsZR2 · January 25, 2006

Yeah I also use a block heater but have had a few issues with an AC Delco brand heater. I am about to go on my 3rd one. for some reason they start leaking on me around the center portion of the heater where the electric prongs come out. I used mine on a timer 4 hours prior to work and it does make a huge difference!

Do you full size guys have leaky block heater issues?

GMCStepSide · January 25, 2006

I've been using block heaters on vehicles for more than 35 years and have only had a block heater leak once...it was on a Dodge Cummins and the mexican fella who installed it didn't tighten it. I finished tightening it and all was good.

dewfpo · January 25, 2006

I would recommend both.

The battery pad will help the battery have plenty of crank in it when you need it and it's not many watts.

The block heater will provide instant heat & defrost so that you can safely drive away immediately after a very cold start.

If I lived in the arctic, I would probably add a small (low watt) oil pan heater as well for the oil.

DEWFPO

WeymouthZ71 · January 26, 2006

GMC STEP SIDE, I am a little confused. So if I own an 04, then the whole thing with the temp does not apply to me?

GMCStepSide · January 26, 2006

No, GM didn't start treating owners like 5 year old kids until 2005. 2005 and newer trucks now have the thermoplug that won't kick on until ambient air temps drop below zero. You've got an '04 thus you're still good. And I see you own a Malibu Maxx...don't worry, the plug was only put on the trucks. My wife also has a Malibu Maxx (fantastic vehicle) and it has the regular plug on it....not a thermo plug. You'll know the thermo plug when you see it as it's alot bigger than the regular plug.

Personally, I've always believed it is easier on an engine to start when it's plugged in whenever the temp drops below 20. A little electricity can add years to the life of an engine.

MS3DALE · January 26, 2006

No, GM didn't start treating owners like 5 year old kids until 2005. 2005 and newer trucks now have the thermoplug that won't kick on until ambient air temps drop below zero. You've got an '04 thus you're still good.

My '04 has the thermoplug