Blocker Heater

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VCW
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2022 12:04 am

Blocker Heater

Post by VCW »

we are planning a trip in the winter and expecting some sub zero temps. WE have a 1998 Safara Sahara 30 ft with a cat diesel. What is the recommendation for the block heater.
TDJohn
Posts: 552
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 11:34 pm

Re: Blocker Heater

Post by TDJohn »

If your manifold grid heater is working properly, I don't think it is necessary. On those cold days, I would suggest using the boost switch to give optimum cranking amps to the starter. If you do use it, make sure you engage the boost switch before engaging the starter.
John
'95 Serengeti, Cummins C8.3-300
Allison 6spd.
CactusTwo
Posts: 70
Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2019 12:06 pm

Re: Blocker Heater

Post by CactusTwo »

I would cycle the grid intake heater 3-4 times before cranking it over....and use the boost switch. Change oil to 5w40 for the cold times
Len and Brenda Nugent
Alberta, Canada, fulltimers since 2012
1996 Safari Serengeti 3740 front door, bought in Feb 2019
Cat 3126 300hp, Allison MD3060, VelvetRide suspension
sold 2008 GMC Duramax 3500 and 37' Cedar Creek 5th wheel
wolfe10
Posts: 222
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 4:12 pm

Re: Blocker Heater

Post by wolfe10 »

https://www.hotstart.com/assets/Catalog ... umbers.pdf

And, I absolutely agree, in sub-zero temperatures, a block heater is a very good idea.
Brett and Dianne Wolfe
Ex: 2003 Alpine 38'. Ex 1997 Safari Sahara. Ex 1993 Foretravel U240
Moderator, FMCA Forums 2009-2020
Chairman, FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011- 2020
Moderator, http://www.dieselrvclub.org/ (FMCA chapter) 2002-
VCW
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2022 12:04 am

Re: Blocker Heater

Post by VCW »

I guess I really did not post the correct question. When stopped over night at what temperature dose cat recommend the use of a block heater
wolfe10
Posts: 222
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 4:12 pm

Re: Blocker Heater

Post by wolfe10 »

VCW wrote: Tue Aug 02, 2022 11:24 am I guess I really did not post the correct question. When stopped over night at what temperature dose cat recommend the use of a block heater
Actually that could be answered in two ways:

What is the absolute lowest temperature at which the engine would start without pre-heating?

What is BEST for the engine when starting in below freezing temperatures? Here is where I land! Install the block heater.
Brett and Dianne Wolfe
Ex: 2003 Alpine 38'. Ex 1997 Safari Sahara. Ex 1993 Foretravel U240
Moderator, FMCA Forums 2009-2020
Chairman, FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011- 2020
Moderator, http://www.dieselrvclub.org/ (FMCA chapter) 2002-
VCW
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2022 12:04 am

Re: Blocker Heater

Post by VCW »

Thank you, Do you happen to know the answers to the two questions. We had a Safari Trek 1993 Diesel puller. So we now have Safari Sahara 1998 with a cat 3126 diesel pusher. Is a different beast all to gather. Most thing with can figure our but the block heater is different and all we find is the basic information. So if you know the answer to the two question. Would you please share.
Thank you very much for all the infor.
"V"
ProCycle
Posts: 135
Joined: Sat Oct 03, 2020 1:28 pm

Re: Blocker Heater

Post by ProCycle »

This info about using the block heater was pulled from a Winnebago manual for a coach with a Cat C7.

above 32F - do not use
15-32F - 2-3 hours
10-15F - 4hrs or overnight
below 10F - 8hrs or overnight
Jeff
1997 Ivory Edition 3740 Cat 3126 Allison
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