Block heater in summer? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

bkruger · 05-13-2009, 08:20 PM

I'm fortunate enough to have an engine block heater on my Shadow. I used it some in winter, but is it still worth using in summer? Will it heat the block enough to boost efficiency?

Johnny Mullet · 05-13-2009, 09:10 PM

The sooner that engine is out of "closed loop" mode, the better the mileage. I plug mine in for 30 minutes before starting in the warm months and longer in the winter.

MetroMPG · 05-13-2009, 09:57 PM

Definitely an efficiency advantage in the warmer months too. I plug mine in when I'm not feeling lazy.

I forgot to bring an extension cord to the Green Grand Prix mpg rally, or I would have used it there as well.

Daox · 05-14-2009, 07:23 AM

Yup, I use mine too. Like the others have mentioned, I shorten the time it runs in summer, and lengthen it in winter.

bkruger · 05-14-2009, 11:46 PM

Tried it out today. Noticed it warmed up a good deal faster than without. I think ill start using it with my battery charger to top up before a trip (EOC without bumpstarting drained my battery enough to keep it from starting today.)

TomO · 05-15-2009, 10:59 AM

I've found that my block heater will bring the coolant temp up to about 80°F. So if I remember to plug it in, I use it during the warmer months, until we start getting over 80°F during the day.

Daox · 05-15-2009, 11:23 AM

A block heater should be able to provide a set temperature above ambient (delta T). If you can get 80 degrees when it is 30 out, you should be able to get up to 130 degrees when it is 80 out.

MetroMPG · 05-15-2009, 11:23 AM

But doesn't your block heater raise the engine temp more or less by a set amount, relative to ambient?

Meaning: if it'll raise it from 30F ambient to 80F, won't it raise it from 80F ambient to 130F?

MetroMPG · 05-15-2009, 11:24 AM

Haha - jinx!

MetroMPG · 05-15-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkruger

Tried it out today. Noticed it warmed up a good deal faster than without. I think ill start using it with my battery charger to top up before a trip (EOC without bumpstarting drained my battery enough to keep it from starting today.)

If your battery is getting low enough to prevent a start, won't be long before you'll be needing a new one!

Also for best longevity, you should charge as soon as possible after discharging it, rather than letting it sit discharged and then charging right before the next use.