| From | Message |
Anthony
Dodge Dakota
10/26/2001
11:15:59
|
 Subject: z-tube & winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
I recently purchased a 2k1 QC 4whldrv w/4.7L.
I read some on the Z-tube and how it can improve performance some. As soon as I have a few bucks I think I may give one a try. One question though...
how will it perform when it gets around 10-20 degress outside. Will I have to let the truck idle in the morning for some time to warm up. I do this anyway for a minute or two now.
Second question, with winter approaching, I have been thinking about some type of block heater. I live in lower NY state, temp in winter around 10-20 degress in the morning. I would like something easy to install. ideas ???
Thanks
Tony
|
billarf
Dodge Dakota
10/26/2001
14:22:18
|  RE: z-tube & winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, I live in lower NY (Wappingers Falls) and have an '01 4.7 QC with the Z Tube, 180 degree Robert Shaw T-Stat, Borla muffler.. Anyway, it really does not get cold enough to warrant or necessitate a block heater where I live. Years ago yes, but no more.... I figure the most I will have to do and doubt even that will be necessary will be to place a piece of cardboard painted black in front of the radiator for those colder days. I have spoke with others in colder areas of the USA and Canada with similar setups as mine and they have no problem with the colder T Stat and/or the Z Tube. Anyway, I'd say nay on the block heater and YES, YES go for the Z Tube as I am very happy with mine. Bill in NY
http://www.auffarth.com/dodge.html
|
Anthony
Dodge Dakota
10/26/2001
15:56:44
| RE: z-tube & winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Bill for the info. I live not too far from you, across the river , by Middletown. I am only interested in a block heater beacause when I go to work in the morning, I like to just jump in, start er up and go. I don't like to wait for the warmup.
Anthony
|
BillArf
Dodge Dakota
10/27/2001
10:07:08
|  RE: z-tube & winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
Personally, before I bought a block heater I would buy one of those automatic push a button remote call starters and just start the car from inside the house about 15 minutes before I was ready to leave home.
By the way, ya ever want to check out the Z Tube on my QC I could meet you say in the Fishkill area sometime. Bill in NY
|
xplikt
Dodge Dakota
10/27/2001
11:57:53
| RE: z-tube & winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
"I like to just jump in, start er up and go. I don't like to wait for the warmup."
I have been told by multiple mechanics and by books that that's a better method anyways; rather than letting it idle, just don't go over like 40-45 for the first mile or two. It only takes my truck like 1/3 of a mile in about 30degrees (brand new 2002) to warm up to normal operating temerature.
|
Andy VH
Dodge Dakota
10/29/2001
10:54:08
| RE: z-tube & winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
If you want your engine to wear out earlier, continue to start it and let it sit and warm up. I live in east-central Wisconsin (-10 to -20 possible). Once my truck shows normal oil pressure after starting, I'm rolling. The mechanic is right, it'll warm up faster if you get it moving. I had a block heater in my 87 Dak and I plan to put one in my 99 Dak. Electric fan also helps the engine to heat up faster. Remote starters are convenient, but you waste a lot of gas just letting it run. Your truck, your choice.
|
Bruce P
Dodge Dakota
10/29/2001
20:27:20
| winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
Here in Nortern Vermont, I use the factory block heater in my 2000 4.7LV8 Hemi.
An outdoor timer turns it on a couple hours before I wake up. It saves $$ in electricity and heater burnout is lessoned. ( I burned out a block heater many years ago by having plugged in all night/every night )
There is warmth from the vents upon startup even in -10F temps.
Letting a cold engine idle is just plain stupid. Anyone that took basic physics should know this.
Most wear occours during warmup and this just prolongs the engines agony. Gentle driving is ALWAYS the better way to warm up any IC engine.
Also, excessive idling during cold weather causes the dreaded "scum" buildup within the engine. (Look inside your oil-fill cap on the 4.7L during cold weather and read the TSB about it too.)
IC=Internal Combustion
TSB= Technical Service Bulletin
|
xplikt
Dodge Dakota
10/31/2001
10:39:16
| RE: z-tube & winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
Where do you get timers to turn on your block heaters? I just don't drive over 40, usually around 30 for the first mile or so anyways and then turn on my heater when I reach an ok engine temp. to run it.
What is it now, it's real low... like shutting down the car and turning it back on is better than over like 30 seconds (just a guess, I dunno) of idling.
I havn't seen my truck get to halfway point on the engine temp. since I got it..engine stays pretty cool, even when driving for a good distance on the highway...
|
Brucep
Dodge Dakota
10/31/2001
20:00:56
| Radiator cover
IP: Logged
Message:
Ohh... another trick I have used for many years.
I cut an old cardboard box up to fabricate a cover to place directly in front of the radiator. (actually laying on the radiator fins)
I cover about 60% of it leaving all of the tubes some airflow. (you have to know wether you have a vertical or horizontal flow radiator)
This provides 2 benifets for my vehicles.
1) It comes up to temp faster which means less warm-up time. (warm-up means wear-out!!)
2) The radiator is protected from all of that @%#$ salt spray that desinigrates it in 3 years otherwise.
Keep in mind that here in Vermont, there is salt on the roads for almost 6 months a year and it is below 0F for about 2 of those months. (not contiguously)
If we get a warm day... I can easilly pop the hood and slide the cardboard to uncover more of the radiator as I see fit.
PS... I keep ALL of my vehicles over 10 years 120K miles!!
|
Bruce P.
Dodge Dakota
10/31/2001
20:16:06
| TIMER FOR BLOCK HEATER
IP: Logged
Message:
(xplikt)
Mine is just a heavy-duty outdoor timer. It is housed in a weatherproof plastic box about 6" square that mounts on a wall. It has a short 3-prong cord that plugs into an outdoor outlet. A cover protects the timer and outlet where I plug in the xtension for my block heater. I paid Less than $40 and have used it for many years.
I have seen them farm supply stores, hardware stores and electrical supply outlets. (Try Home Depot)
Heck... my 10-gauge extension cord for my block heater cost more than the timer. I like the cord with a built-in indicator light in the end. It gives me pease-of-mind that there is power being supplied to the block heater.
DO NOT USE A WHIMPY EXTENSION CORD WITH A BLOCK HEATER. Nothing less than 12Guage will do. (smaller numbers mean BIGGER wire so this means use 12 or 10 gauge ONLY) This is not just a SAFETY thing... but your block heater will be current-starved and not heat up properly if too small wire is used.
|
Crystal Miner
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/02/2002
09:24:14
| RE: z-tube & winter / block heater
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm moving to Anchorage, AK. (From Florida, so I know nothing) I plan on getting a block heater for my 01 Dak in Seattle. Besides the xtension cord, timer and radiator cover is there anything else I should know to do and not do? Also, can I get a little more info on that radiator cardboard cover?
Thanks
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
