Drawbacks to extended plug-in..

[IRoss]

I mean I'm wondering if having our engines plugged in for several days in moderate winter temps (around 0) has any unpleasant long term drawbacks ( aside from sucking power, burning out the element, and possibly rotting out the block heater seal)...i don't really have a good excuse for why this happens, other than the fact that I leave my truck for days on end to go have too much fun....

[flashgordon]

I mean I'm wondering if having our engines plugged in for several days in moderate winter temps (around 0) has any unpleasant long term drawbacks ( aside from sucking power, burning out the element, and possibly rotting out the block heater seal)...i don't really have a good excuse for why this happens, other than the fact that I leave my truck for days on end to go have too much fun....

I would say not a good idea!!!!!! although i have done it a time or two my self


Flash

[Ace]

Why not use a timer, or only plug it in the night before you plan on using it next?

[PToombs]

I'm sure it will shorten the life of the heater, but it's made for that! As long as the heater is submerged, and the A/F is a 50/50 mix, it should be ok.
A timer is a good idea, I've used them a lot. On at 5 am, off at 7.
Of course, if you don't know when you're going to jump in the truck and go, leave it plugged in!

[Begle1]

Would the heater really know the difference from being plugged in 6 hours or 48 hours? I wouldn't think so.

[JD730]

A timer is a good idea, I've used them a lot. On at 5 am, off at 7.
Of course, if you don't know when you're going to jump in the truck and go, leave it plugged in!

If you have to leave it plugged in all the time you could get one of the bigger timers that have on/off clips that you can add on to the wheel and set it up so its one for 2 hours and off 2 or 3, then on again, so and so forth..... That would at least cut some energy usage and still keep the block warm.

Just a thought.

[cummins king]

should be fine just a bit more ware in tare