Block heater in summer?

[Daox]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Haha - jinx!

We even used the same numbers... weeeeeeeeeeeeeeird.

[TomO]

Originally Posted by Daox

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.

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

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?

I'll have to check it out...all last winter the block temp would get up to 80°F no matter what the temp was in the garage and the temp would range from -5°F to 20°F. ooh, ooh, time for a little experiment!

[cpeter38]

I'm considering getting one, but I cannot find any direct data on whether there is a pump in it (I believe there is, but it is darn hard to prove it) or what the temperature cutoff is. I did find the following: link1, link2 (go to page 71-73 on link 2).

Anyone compare fuel economy numbers at 70F?

[stevey_frac]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

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.

That's your EV experience speaking!

Originally Posted by TomO

I'll have to check it out...all last winter the block temp would get up to 80°F no matter what the temp was in the garage and the temp would range from -5°F to 20°F. ooh, ooh, time for a little experiment!

I suspect there is a temperature cutoff built into your block heater. I've seen a few like that. That way they can sell i single over powered system, that would destroy smaller cooling systems.

[TomO]

Originally Posted by stevey_frac

I suspect there is a temperature cutoff built into your block heater. I've seen a few like that. That way they can sell i single over powered system, that would destroy smaller cooling systems.

I doubt there is a control of any sort, in my block heater as it's just an element that plugs into the wall.

I'm going to go plug it in now for two hours and see what I get for temps.

[TomO]

RESULTS:
I started at 2:30PM CDT @ 74°F at the block heater location and temp sensor location. Ambient temperature was 75.2°F
At 3:50PM, Temp at the heater was 159°F, temp at the temp sensor was 101°F

*All temps were measured using my Fluke 62 mini IR temp gun for the block heater readings, the coolant temp readings were taken with my Megan Racing water temp gauge and then double checked with the Fluke 62.

Thoughts: I think I might get into the habit of plugging in my car during the summer as well as the winter now. I know that the cost offset for the winter is worth it, but now I'll collect data to see if the cost offset is worth it in the summer as well.

[Daox]

Originally Posted by cpeter38

I'm considering getting one, but I cannot find any direct data on whether there is a pump in it (I believe there is, but it is darn hard to prove it) or what the temperature cutoff is. I did find the following: link1, link2 (go to page 71-73 on link 2).

Anyone compare fuel economy numbers at 70F?

I gave the company a quick ring, and there is no pump on them. They rely on the natural convection of the coolant.

I'm sure the thermal overheat protection is just for their unit and/or rubber hoses connected to them.

In winter, I can't say for sure what the fuel economy impact is, but it seems to be decent. I think the first time I started using it on my Matrix I saw roughly a 2-3 mpg increase. The previous tank or two was around 31-32, and after that I saw 33-35. I can't comment on summer, but it would make sense that the penalty for not using one isn't quite as large.