| Author |
Message |
Ed Jewett (Kristinsgrandpa) (171.75.99.151)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 2:33 pm: | |
The local truck repair/parts garage quoted $55.00 for a 1500 watt block heater for a 6V92.
Is that too much, and is that enough?
I usually start the coach about once a week and go through the gears and operate a bunch of things just to keep it limber. So far no problem, but it has always been above freezing. I'm sure that having warm oil will help to lube the bearings etc. on start-up.
I probably will never move it during cold weather, but like to have that option.
The heater looked similar to the element in my water heater in the house, only smaller. (should be cheaper than house units)
I live in southern OH,where it seldom gets below zero.
Would enough heat migrate to the trans. (Allison HT 748) to keep it warm also.
Thanks, Ed. |
Phil Curtis (64.136.26.228)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 3:04 pm: | |
You got to give the guy a few bucks for putting it in.Cost me over $100 in Montana. |
mel 4104 (208.181.100.12)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 4:46 pm: | |
Ed it looks like you have the right block hater just fowwow the write that comes with it and you will be all right, as to starting it every 2 weeks unless you are going to take it and give it a good run down the road to bring the engine temp. up to opreating temp. for a while it is much better to not start it and let it fast idle as this will kill a DD real quick get the oil analized and see what the DD guy says . mine will sit for 6 months at a time and it runs great. a car yes as it is gas but not a DD.it kills them doing like you are but then do what you think is right for you ... |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (65.74.64.127)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 10:10 pm: | |
Ed, cold chambers are bad for any engine; diesel chambers will run colder than gas engine chambers.
The issue is large clearances between parts and greater than normal contaminants from blowby and condensation, as well as almost no oil on engine parts for a moment right after starting.
Volatile contaminants do not get a chance to evaporate like they would if the oil would get over boiling. Longer idling just makes the problem worse as does starting them in very cold weather.
If you take your batteries inside to keep them warm and recharge every six weeks, you can get them through the winter without much trouble.
Heat for starting the engine is worthwhile, so I would install the heater, but I would not use it for the purpose that you mentioned. Use it to ease starting if you get caught by cold weather while on a trip. It reduces the need for ether.
For what it's worth.
Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576
Suncatcher |
Rodger in WA (64.70.24.171)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 23, 2004 - 11:57 am: | |
In my opinion a adding block heater is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your DD.
I use mine for a few hours prior to starting up after more than 8 hrs of shut down time, regardless of the ambient temp. The coolant temp gauge reads 100 - 120 deg before startup.
It reduces the time it takes for the 40W oil to circulate throughout the eng. recoating dry surfaces, eliminates several minutes of cold parts clanking around until they warm and expand to optimum clearances. Smoke at initial startup is nearly eliminated. As soon as the air pressure is up, I'm ready to roll.
IMO, at $55, it's a very worthwhile expense. |
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