Block heaters and when to use them?

[hotplate]

Hi there I am curious if I will require a block heater for my L300 while I am in Quebec into December. Being from BC I know absolutely nothing about them. Does anyone know if I will need one here and if so does it stay plugged in all the time? My Deli will be sitting in a parking lot for 2 weeks or more at a time. Can anyone give me any advice on this? Thank you very much guys

[Jungle Jon]

Quebec in December... hmmm... yep chances are you'll need one.
Doesn't need to be plugged in all the time though, as that would waste a lot of electricity. Just set a timer if you can for a few hours before you plan on starting it up, or get a friend to plug it in for you if you are away. 3 - 6 hours should do it, depending on how cold it is. Having it on for longer wouldn't hurt it, but at that point you're just losing heat to the atmosphere.
Also make sure your battery is in good shape - diesels take a lot of juice to start. (assuming yours is a diesel)

[Fishtank]

...Being from BC I know absolutely nothing about them.

Ouch, I'm a BC boy born and raised and I grew up digging into the snow bank to plug block heaters in for my dad. Guess it all depends on where in BC you are from.


Drop by your local CT on the way out of town and pick up one of THESE and you'll be able to set what time and how long your block heater is on for.

If it's sitting for 2 weeks at a time in an unsecured parking lot, just add heat for 5-6 hours or so before you start it. If it's secure parking where you can leave a timer cord plugged in, set it to turn on for a few hours a couple times every day.

Regardless, make sure your coolant is in a condition that can handle the constant cold. If it's condition is doubtful or unknown, change it out before you go.

[snelson]

September and already a block heater discussion-a new record!
Other than a block heater one of the best things you can do for a cold weather deli is lighter oil - 5W or 0W..

[hotplate]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm an island boy, not much snow in the winter out there.
Unfortunately my car will be sitting in a parking lot with no plugins so I will have to find some sort of portable system.
Can anyone suggest a place in Montreal to have a block heater installed?
Once again thank you very much for the advice guys. I'm definitely going to switch out to a lighter oil when I can.

[EnviroImports.com]

First , Dont get your block heater installed in Quebec, get it put in here so you know its working before you need it , if you dont have a plug in then its pointless unless you have a small generator to plug it into,

Second, make sure you have High quality ALUMINUM compatable coolant and a recent thermostat

Third, Have HIGH quality batterys as you will need to cycle your glow plugs probably at least two times before starting your van.

Fourth
Enjoy being one of the only RHDs in PQ

[Pajero]

I live in PG and my Pajero would hardly start at -10 with reg oil, but switched to synthetic oil and a huge differance in starting. I also have a proper block heater for this winter. Beware of company's that sell you a "block heater" but actually install a lower rad hose heater...it not the same Japanoid......


good battery's and synthetic oil and a block heater for when it get really cold and your good to go. Oh and if it does not start right away keep cranking it over continuously as it will warm up and start as your turning it over.

good luck


Joe

[jessef]

best things you can do for a cold weather deli is lighter oil - 5W or 0W..

Here is the secret answer to diesel in cold weather.