Can you hear the block heater when it is plugged in?

[deerseeker001]

Hearing sizzle is normal worry when you dont hear it.

The sizzle is normal.

 

[jedjoe]

So....what actually causes the sizzling? I am always grateful to hear it, as it confirms my heater is doing what needs doing!

 

[hosspuller]

So....what actually causes the sizzling? I am always grateful to hear it, as it confirms my heater is doing what needs doing!

Must be the water in the coolant boiling on the element. Since the engine is cold, the system pressure is at atmosphere. So the heating element at 212 degrees or so boils the water.

 

[BeeFarmer]

Mine sizzles... I do have it connected to a 110 Volt plug that turns on at 32 degrees...

 

[MiserableOldFart]

Coolant doesn't boil at 212 degrees. It's higher. I once considered a heater for my little tractor, but down to 10 degrees above, the glow plugs have always done the job. I do get the occasional ice or gel, but that's a separate issue, mainly from my not keeping the tank topped off all the time, which is not a good thing. The fuel filter on the 26 is way too small, else even that would be very rare. Below 10 degrees it would probably start, but since I use 15-40 oil all year, that's the recommended limit, I think. And below 10 with any kind of breeze is a little too nippy for me on an open tractor.