Author Topic: block warmer on timer(its cold!) (Read 6392 times)

dillenger1 · « **on:** January 16, 2009, 04:06:01 pm »

does anyone leave timers out in the weather to start up the block heater a couple hours before?Im wondering what brand will hold up to -10f.It doesnt get much colder then that here.I know the round face ones have clock workings so they would freeze up.anyone use digital

commuter boy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:41:30 pm »

The Noma brand sold in Canada at Canadian Tire works well. They were on sale last week 1/2 price so I picked one up. Full digital, no clockwork required.

zukgod1 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2009, 06:18:17 pm »

i bought one designed for x mas lights, has a nice case and its easy to set up. when its as cold out as it is now i dont use it just plug it in when i get home but when its not 10 out i have it set to turn on @ 4am and i leave @ 6:30

cyrus #1 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2009, 06:21:49 pm »

I'm using an indoor model from home depot. It's survived down to -25° C so far with no problems. I think as long as you keep them relatively dry you have no worries.

jtanguay · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2009, 06:42:28 pm »

i've used the noma kind for my block heater with great success... never actually checked the temp but one day it felt like -20C or below...

i've toyed with the idea of hooking up an electrical system right in the car to power an oil pan heater + block heater + cabin air heater. quite a bit of juice though... probably in the 1500w+ range, which is like most microwaves out there. i would wire it all up to a single plug up front with fault protection of course... never quite got around to it because it seemed too complicated, and i just stuck to the block heater. now with the TDI's slow heating situation, i think more about it...

AudiVWguy · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2009, 07:46:45 pm »

Can you leave the timer inside and run the extension cord out to the car?
I usually run mine about an hour in the morning. After starting, I go back in and finish making a cappuccino. This way its not so "rattle" as much when I first take off.
Cheers,
-JB

the caveman · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2009, 02:02:38 pm »

I think they make some specifically for block heaters because of the high current they can pull. As long as it's up to spec.

dillenger1 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2009, 02:23:31 pm »

I bought a real nice outdoor GE unit that specified "engine block heater" as a duty.It has a plastic cover that flips open for access,pretty nice.Got it on ebay,some store was liquidating.I was wondering if its possible to run a separate battery in the trruck just for heating.Someone needs to make a 12v block heater/timer that can be charged by the alternator when not in use then switched on by a timer on a relay.You would need a 12v converter and some thinking.

cyrus #1 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 17, 2009, 02:33:54 pm »

Quote from: "dillenger1"

I was wondering if its possible to run a separate battery in the trruck just for heating.Someone needs to make a 12v block heater/timer that can be charged by the alternator when not in use then switched on by a timer on a relay.You would need a 12v converter and some thinking.

I've been seriously considering doing this. There would be a bit of cost involved to do it right but it wouldn't be that difficult. You would need a very large cable, fused near the alternator. A deep cycle battery would be best suited for this type of use.

I would also use a relay/solenoid of some sorts to isolate the two batteries. This way you would be able to choose when you want the circuit closed. Close the circuit when the car is running so you can charge the battery. Then you would open it when parked so you drain the battery in the trunk without touching the main battery.

jtanguay · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2009, 02:57:47 pm »

Quote from: "cyrus #1"

Quote from: "dillenger1"
I was wondering if its possible to run a separate battery in the trruck just for heating.Someone needs to make a 12v block heater/timer that can be charged by the alternator when not in use then switched on by a timer on a relay.You would need a 12v converter and some thinking.

I've been seriously considering doing this. There would be a bit of cost involved to do it right but it wouldn't be that difficult. You would need a very large cable, fused near the alternator. A deep cycle battery would be best suited for this type of use.

I would also use a relay/solenoid of some sorts to isolate the two batteries. This way you would be able to choose when you want the circuit closed. Close the circuit when the car is running so you can charge the battery. Then you would open it when parked so you drain the battery in the trunk without touching the main battery.

i've also thought about this... problem being is that for short trips you'll need to leave the car running to re-charge the battery... but other than that, all you'd need is an inverter. zerostart sells some oil drain plug heaters that thread right in. not sure if for a VW app though. best part about this type of setup, is that when you need extra cranking juice, or you accidently leave your lights on, etc, you can simply switch to the 'reserve' battery :wink:

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2009, 03:06:50 pm »

I would be weary of this actually having and possitive effects. It takes a ton of juice to get something hot. Heat is LOTS of energy.

What would be more work but more effective would be a heating system that KEPT the block hot from it already running.
Take way way way less draw and would especially be effective if you could insulate the hood/lights really well.

Just my two cents. I think it would torture that battery in just a few minutes. i mean, sure it might "work" but at what cost to the battery.

jtanguay · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2009, 03:37:09 pm »

Quote from: "Smokey Eddy"

I would be weary of this actually having and possitive effects. It takes a ton of juice to get something hot. Heat is LOTS of energy.

What would be more work but more effective would be a heating system that KEPT the block hot from it already running.
Take way way way less draw and would especially be effective if you could insulate the hood/lights really well.

Just my two cents. I think it would torture that battery in just a few minutes. i mean, sure it might "work" but at what cost to the battery.

aha! thanks for reminding me of the other idea... people have been testing this for quite some time now, but essentially it is a coolant-thermos. you keep the engine coolant in a thermos so that it retains its heat that way. apparently the toyota prius can retain its coolant temp for about 3 DAYS!!! now thats a thermos!!!! i've also heard that BMW uses a can of wax that melts when the coolant (that is circulating through it) reaches full temp. it could be considered a 'heat store' which would rapidly reheat the cold coolant.

i guess the only downside to those types of systems would be the complexity. even a system which could retain the heat for an hour or two would be nice. its stupid how you go to the movies with a warmed up car, and walk out to a freezing ice box :lol:

jag555 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2009, 02:10:17 am »

hi,,
used to use, but now i use remotecontroll, exellent when you dont know when you gonna take your next ride, just press the button inside the house, wait a whaile and go. mine has a distans of 20-25meter, just enough to my carport,,,

Author Topic: block warmer on timer(its cold!) (Read 6392 times)

AudiVWguy