Canadian Hummer Club Forums

Hello, everybody!

One more question for all owners of Hummer H1.Usually,in winter time,it's problem to start diesel engine early in the morning in cold freezy winter time. Due to the big size of the Hummer H1 truck it almost impossible to keep it in garage in winter time. So truck is obliged to stay outside on freezy driveway. Do You need to keep engine warm all night long with electrical engine heater or there are ,may be,another ideas? I have heard that some people who have diesel trucks have sometimes problem in winter times. What is Your opinions about it?

Thank You very much.

[quote name='collega' date='12 April 2010 - 08:54 PM' timestamp='1271120085' post='15582']

Hello, everybody!

One more question for all owners of Hummer H1.Usually,in winter time,it's problem to start diesel engine early in the morning in cold freezy winter time. Due to the big size of the Hummer H1 truck it almost impossible to keep it in garage in winter time. So truck is obliged to stay outside on freezy driveway. Do You need to keep engine warm all night long with electrical engine heater or there are ,may be,another ideas? I have heard that some people who have diesel trucks have sometimes problem in winter times. What is Your opinions about it?

Thank You very much.

[/quote]



I'm quite sure your H1 has a block heater.And,I believe it is hooked up to your collant systeme.It heats your anti-freeze and not your oil.In theory,coolant heaters are more efficient than oil heaters.Your anti-freeze will circulate throughout your block(hot liquid rises and creates mouvement) as opposed to a standard block heater that heats your oil sitting at the bottom of your oil pan.Usually ,turning on your block heater 2 to 3 hours prior to starting is enough to heat your coolant to its maximum capacity.Its capicity being relative to the temperature outside.So a timer is best used if you want save on your electric bill.The reason I say theory is this.When you start your engine in extreme cold,is it better to have hot water or hot oil?Does having a warm(expanded) block or warm oil(low viscosity)make for better starting.Your best bet is probably a combination of both.

[quote name='1650shawn' date='12 April 2010 - 09:31 PM' timestamp='1271125895' post='15588']

I'm quite sure your H1 has a block heater.And,I believe it is hooked up to your collant systeme.It heats your anti-freeze and not your oil.In theory,coolant heaters are more efficient than oil heaters.Your anti-freeze will circulate throughout your block(hot liquid rises and creates mouvement) as opposed to a standard block heater that heats your oil sitting at the bottom of your oil pan.Usually ,turning on your block heater 2 to 3 hours prior to starting is enough to heat your coolant to its maximum capacity.Its capicity being relative to the temperature outside.So a timer is best used if you want save on your electric bill.The reason I say theory is this.When you start your engine in extreme cold,is it better to have hot water or hot oil?Does having a warm(expanded) block or warm oil(low viscosity)make for better starting.Your best bet is probably a combination of both.

[/quote]

Is it possible to have both heaters: block oil heater and coolant heater and how it's possible to install them?

you just need your block heater

[quote name='T.C.' date='13 April 2010 - 07:58 AM' timestamp='1271159927' post='15598']

you just need your block heater

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And good batteries, like Odysseys, http://www.odysseybatteries.com/



There are also battery heaters, though they are not very convenient to use.



I have had my H1 sit in very sub-zero weather without the block heater plugged in, and have had no problems.



With the block heater plugged in you should not experience any difficult starts.

So,I think,Block heater will be good solution to solve this problem. Is block heater,usually, build in or I need to add it by muself if truck doesn't have it yet?

[quote name='collega' date='13 April 2010 - 09:50 PM' timestamp='1271209814' post='15626']

So,I think,Block heater will be good solution to solve this problem. Is block heater,usually, build in or I need to add it by muself if truck doesn't have it yet?

[/quote]



All diesel H1's come with block heaters.

Look under the front bumper.

You should see it hanging there, with a protective cover over the plug.

[quote name='njlondon' date='13 April 2010 - 09:43 PM' timestamp='1271212985' post='15631']

All diesel H1's come with block heaters.

Look under the front bumper.

You should see it hanging there, with a protective cover over the plug.

[/quote]

Thank You for Your help!

Does the diesel heater have a fuel pump? if so, where does the power come from - of the batteries then you will have a problem.



The cold start issue with the H1 is largely due to the low crank speed that result from the cold engine oil and cold batteries. The glow plugs first drain the stressed battery then you try to crank over the truck you don't get the required RPM to start due to the low battery. The engine needs both a minimum RPM (battery dependant) and temperature (provided by the glow plugs) to start.



110v powered Battery heaters will increase the battery output and the block heater will keep the oil warm. With that you should not need a diesel powered heater. If you drive the truck every day, you can likely dispense with the battery heaters since the battery will presumably be fully charged.



- at least from what I have seen here when it get really cold.