They are called block heaters up here, and in Canada they are standard on
Dakotas and most other new vehicles. On most vehicles that I have seen the
block heater replaces one of the frost plugs and is basically an electrical
heating element that warms up the antifreeze. Some people also put on an
oil pan heater and battery blanket. Generally I don't plug my vehicles in
until it is below -15C (5F) and you are only supposed plug in the vehicle
for an hour or two before you start it. The problem that you are describing
could be because you aren't using a thinner oil for winter (5w-30 or the
like) remember a block heater doesn't heat the oil, just the antifreeze.
Of course when the temperature goes below -40 (Celsius or Fahrenheit it
doesn't matter) my baby doesn't leave the garage.
Paul
2001 Intense Blue CC Sport Plus 4x4 4.7l 5-speed
Whitehorse, Yukon (look wayyyyyy up)
-----Original Message-----
From: A. S. [mailto:adakota4x4@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2000 6:26 AM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: DML: plug in dak?...block warmer?
These cold mornings have got me to thinking about a block warmer. I think
this is what it is. I've seen these things on rams....where you plug them
in over night to keep them somewhat warm. Kinda like plugging a diesal
in...only I'm not sure if it's the same thing. Anyway, was this ever an
option for the dakota? Could I put one on mine, or is in an "internal"
thing. I think keeping it somewhat warm would be a little easier on it
starting. Here lately (0-10 degree weather)my truck sounds like it's going
to fly apart for a couple seconds upon start-up.
Thanks for any input.
--Aaron--
95 DSRC 4x4 V6
www.geocities.com/adakota4x4_95/
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