Block heater thermostat

[GalaxyGirl]

Hey guys,
Wondering how do I know if my block heaters are on? Also, I have heard thermostats are the way to go. What temperature do you set them to turn on at?

 

[davidwigler]

Some use a block thermostat that is usually a fixed range like 90 degrees on to 100 degrees off. Others use a room temp thermostat. The purpose is to save electricity. You can run them with no thermostats.

Do you have the Kim Hotstarts or some other heaters?

 

[GalaxyGirl]

Some use a block thermostat that is usually a fixed range like 90 degrees on to 100 degrees off. Others use a room temp thermostat. The purpose is to save electricity. You can run them with no thermostats.

Do you have the Kim Hotstarts or some other heaters?

I have the Hotstart. It says they are 1800w. That seems like a lot of juice.

 

[Dan Mapes]

When we surveyed the boat back in '99 the mechanic said tstats should be used because without them the heat could dry out the cylinders. Since we've been in Florida I have never used them.

 

[MikeP]

It depends on how you plan to use them. If you want them operating periodically through the winter, for example, then you need Tstats or timers - either one will work fine. I you just use them to warm up the engines prior to starting in cooler WX, or to change the oil without running the engine first, you don't need either one, just a switch and lights to tell you they are on.

 

[rsmith]

Some people will advocate heating the boat with the block heaters but if your paying your own electric bill........

 

[GJH]

What kind of thermostat? is it a room temp kind or is it in the block? I had mine in engine where the immersed in the coolant came out of the exchanger.

It was connected via Y cord to the heater element which was also immersed lower in the block. It was set in the factory at 100 degrees. Was great in the winter, stuff the ER vents, open the ER doors and it kept the lower level dry and warm. The ER itself would stay right about 72 ambient temp when it was in the 20's and 30's outside. We used and lived aboard the boat year around though.

 

[davidwigler]

I have two of the 120 volt block thermostats that I never installed.

http://www.partsfortechs.com/asapcart/hotstart-a28220b-thermo-cord-assy-w-thermostat-p-1145.html

Half-price plus shipping. PM me if you want them.

 

[GJH]

Some people will advocate heating the boat with the block heaters but if your paying your own electric bill..

You do it for the engines, the dry heat for the boat is a bonus.

I have two of the 120 volt block thermostats that I never installed.

David, I was looking at the fitment guides, those must be for something other than Detroits. (?)

 

[captddis]

Pictures would help!!
Hotstart makes a couple off engine kits that are around 1700 watts and they come with built in t stats. I have not seen a stand alone elelment at 1800 watts, but I could be.

 

[davidwigler]

Good question. Maybe they are this model:

http://www.partsfortechs.com/asapcart/a28220m-y-cord-assembly-p-1345.html

I can't tell the difference. I did notice though, the wiring harness is rated for 1800 watts or 15 amps which is where the OP probably got that spec. The immersion heaters are rated at 1000 or 1500 watts.

 

[Seas the Moment]

Years ago, while I was up in Gloucester Point, VA I installed the Kim Hotstat heaters and I wired them to greenhouse thermostats in each ER. Worked great to heat the entire boat. It also helped that the marina had a fixed $50/mo electrical charge! Try finding that these days!

item # 4820090 $39.95 2 Dayton SS Adjustable Thermost