block heaters again

Anonymous-0 · Jan 18, 2014

In the previous I wanted to get an idea of wattage of block heaters. Please follow me thru this. a 600 watt block heater if it ran 24 hours a day for 30 days which it doesn't it would be 600 X 24 =14400 X 30 = 432000 divide 432000 by 1000 you have 432 kWh times .08 cents $34.56 A 250 watt heat bulb running the same time 250 X 24 = 6000 X 30 = 180000 divide by 1000 is 180 kWh times .08 cents equals $14.40 is this correct? There are people that believe that the two items would run $170 to $200 a month and that it would change depending on the temperature. but an all electric house would stay the same kWh all winter yes you are right it is dealing with family, How can you fix stupid?

JD Seller · Jan 18, 2014

Amazing!!!! LOL I have always figured $30 a month for a block heater plugged in full time.

I just have the tractors we use plugged in full time when cold.

I have tried several timers and had them fail. Then have to cold start tractors to get chores done or have to because I need the tractor for an emergency at a time that the timer is off.

I have four tractors on two farms that are plugged in 24/7 when it gets cold. I will gladly pay the $120 each month to have equipment work when I need it. Also I believe the tractor engines last longer when started warm over cold starting them. My evidence. MY 1994 JD 6400 just turned over 16,000 hours. The only engine repair was a head gasket at 14,500 hours. This tractor has a JD 640 loader on it and is ran every single day for the last 20 years.

DoubleR · Jan 18, 2014

I don't know about all the math, but.
I have two small diesels I use in the winter,30 HP. and 40HP. I have a 650 watt heater on each one. I plug them in about 90 min. before I use them in the winter below 25 degrees. Sometimes I put a timer on them when I know ahead when I use them.
I don't notice any difference in the winter from their use on my electric bill. My bill goes up about 25.oo a month in the cold months but I attribute that to a 100 gallon livestock tank heater.
Both of those tractors will start with the preheat alone. I just figure its easier on them to plug them in first. I only have to preheat them if its below zero but I may just keep them plugged in a little longer.
Maybe that may help your cause in your family fight.

Steve@Advance · Jan 18, 2014

I agree on the cold start being hard on engines. Think how long it must take to get cold oil up to the top end, especially in extreme cold. If nothing else, save the torture on the starter!

I've heard... The goal for locomotive engines, once it's started, never shut it down long enough to get cold.

dpendzic · Jan 18, 2014

your math is correct---wish i was paying .08 instead of .21 per KWH!

howdy1960 · Jan 18, 2014

Years ago a oil company hooked a oil gauge to the farthest oil port on a SB chevy. I forget the temp they tested at but was 32* or below. 20W50 took over 2 mins while 5W30 took about 15 seconds to move gauge.
Other week during sub 0* weather I watched a couple younger co-workers start car, put in gear and VOOM down the road they went. They were outa sight in less than 15 seconds.

jm. · Jan 18, 2014

That is pretty good performance from any color.

T in NE · Jan 18, 2014

The older Allis diesels, if you cold started them, ate heads and gaskets. After the second new head cracked on the D19, the (newer) dealer had someone from a more experienced dealer come in to put the third on, he put the head and a block heater on it. That one lasted a long time, once it cracked again, it got a gasser swapped in.

block heaters again

Anonymous-0

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JD Seller

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DoubleR

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Steve@Advance

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dpendzic

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howdy1960

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jm.

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T in NE

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