Cycling grid heater more than once

[spencerdiesel]

I've heard cycling the grid heater more than once or twice isn't recommended, anyone wanna shed light for me?

[PToombs]

If it's real cold out a couple times helps a lot. If it's only 15 or 20 out once is usually enough.

[BC847]

And before it starts worrying you, you don't need to upgrade the stock/OEM battery system, provided your existing battery is in good shape.

[spencerdiesel]

Thanks guys

[rhinodart]

I have heard this also, but nobody has ever come up with a reason it is bad, so I will keep doing it in the great white nort.

[spencerdiesel]

Yea I've only seen it in one of the "caution" blocks in a manual somewhere, saying that grids shouldn't be cycled back to back for some funky reason.

[1320Fastback]

They must be worried or have tested them to failure.
The more rapid cycles they thru go thru the hotter and hotter the grid becomes. Eventually when it fails it may crack and pieces could be sucked into the motor.
Similar to a incandescent light bulb filament when it breaks. In a way it is a grid heater when on.

[spencerdiesel]

Now that'd make some sense too

[PToombs]

I have seen grid heater failures on machines. One was so bad the heater coils were gone from the unit. One of the other techs was working on that one and I don't remember what or if it did inside the engine.

[spencerdiesel]

Thats the good stuff that gives me bad dreams

[ofelas]

This past winter my grids din't even cycle, but I had zero problems cranking the old girl up at -40......

[spencerdiesel]

What'd it take to start it?

[ofelas]

Ah I'm cheating aren't I.
A Webasto.