[Vwdiesel] what temp to use block heater

[James Hansen]

When it's really cold, I just plug the things in.  A 400w block heater in a
car for the most part is too small to play catch up when it's COLD and you
need the head warm at least for starting. Ironically I'm just on the way out
the door to put a 1000w circulating heater in the 2005 Passat.  It only has
an oil pan heater, and has always been deficient in starting, but since VW's
brainchild recall campaign on the glow plugs this fall, the new ecu flash
sets things up so the car doesn't start when it's cold.  Really useful that.
Just got off the phone venting to the customer care line about it.  "they
are aware of the concern"... Told them it's the first vw diesel I've owned
that won't start in winter, and I expected improvements, not worse.
I was going to haul grain this AM, but it's too cold. There are 5 pieces of
equipment plugged in at 1000w each...  I think I may unplug a few for the
day. :-)
-james

> -----Original Message-----
> From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com]
> On Behalf Of Joe
> Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2009 10:33 AM
> To: vwdiesel at vwfans.com
> Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] what temp to use block heater
> 
> If it wasn't for the temperatures, I think I would really like to call
> Canada home... Seems much more civilized up there, every time I've
> visited.
> But -24F???  No, Thankyou.
> 
> Do you run those heaters all night long up there?
> 
> Joe
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com]
> On
> Behalf Of James Hansen
> Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2009 11:22 AM
> To: vwdiesel at vwfans.com
> Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] what temp to use block heater
> 
> > "Speaking of winter, at what temp should you start to use the block
> > heater?"
> 
> Apparently, if you have a new Toyota Celica, never.
> Neighbor's kid called asking me where the block heater cord would be on
> it.
> Turns out it doesn't have one. It was -24F this morning.  I'll have to
> see
> how that worked out for him.
> -james
> 
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