I do Ray.

 

I plug mine into a timer in the garage and have it come on a couple hours prior to use. From what I've read here the consensus is 2 hours is enough.

 

On my other Ram Diesels they were on a timer but I was driving them early AM on a daily basis. Now I may decide to go at 2.00 PM on moments notice so I want it warm. I would only leave it plugged in 24/7 if the weather was forecast to be under 20 degrees.

 

Yep - did that all last year. Might buy a timer this year. But did the same thing with an old Diesel I had (a Diesel Chevette - yes - I said Chevette), so used to plugging it in and leaving it.

 

Once the temps are consistently below -15*C or so, I leave mine plugged in all the time or park it in my shop.

 

From The Owners Manual:

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the heater
cord to a ground-fault interrupter protected 110–115 Volt
AC electrical outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.

Its use is recommended for environments that routinely
fall below -10°F (-23°C). It should be used when the
vehicle has not been running for long periods of time and
should be plugged in two hours prior to start. Its use is
required for cold starts with temperatures under -20°F
(-28°C).

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
66 STARTING AND OPERATING

 

RB-Seems to me it still makes sense to have a timer. IF you are truly leaving it plugged in all the time you can have it shut off when you are sure you are not going to take the truck out. FOr example 11PM - 5AM or whatever would give you a warm truck from about 7AM-midnight and save something like $10 per month on your electric bill.

All the best

 

Only plugged mine in a few times last year. It is a pretty good cold weather starter. i usually walk the dog before going to work in the morning, and on really cold mornings I will typically start the truck before taking " mon chumm" on his morning constitutional.

 

Has the question ever been brought up, what if the block heater fails? it is my understanding that it is "built into" the motor.

 

They are installed in place of a brass frost plug in the side of the block. Usually if they fail, drain the coolant pull the old one out and press a new one in.

They don't fail as often as you'd think. The one on my '94 Chev 6.5L still worked when I got rid of it 6 or so years ago. When it does happen though, some people just cut the lower rad hose or a heater hose and put an aftermarket in-line heater in its place.

 

Right after I posted I realized I may have hijacked your thread. Apologies.