The 93 Breakaway has a rocker switch that says 'engine heater'. I've never used it before but with all the cold weather we've had, thought it might be wise to use it before start up this weekend. Question: Does it work off the house batteries?(DC) or the engine batteries?(again DC), or AC as when hooked up to shore power? Is it the kind of switch that you have to hold in the 'on' position, or if not, how long would you allow it to stay on? Just don't want to push the rocker before I know what's going to happen.
Jim

Jim it runs off 110 when on shore power or generator. On mine there is a plug in for it on the right side of the electrical area at the foot of the bed. The switch powers that outlet and the heater cane be plugged and unplugged for what ever reason. The switch I have is above the Data tag area.

If you have a rocker switch you may have some type of glow plugs but I have not seen any. Push on the rocker switch and see if when you release it resets back to detent.

There should be a 120 VAC outlet under the bed. The block heater should be plugged in to it. I found the heater was unplugged when I got mine. Like Dana, my coach has a residential switch above the driver's seat.

I use the block heater anytime I anticipate a start when the temp will be 55°F or under. Cold starts are hard on diesels, in spite of glow plugs, which only heat the air in the cylinder.

Rusty, what would an engine heater look like if I have one? Where would it be located on the 5.9 Cummins?

Jim, you won't see it. It is a small loop like an electric water heater element sticking inside the block (water jacket). But, somewhere is a 110V plug and cord for it.

Jim
Look in the electrical area at the foot of the bed.

I have not seen any one(Breakaway) who has a heater who hasn't had an electrical outlet with only the heater plugged into it. The plug may be unplugged and laying near by.

Mine is to the right as you look at it. Right by the transfer switch.

Jim, if you have a switch on the dash that is labeled "Engine Heater" it is possible that you have an intake air heater. That would be located on the engine intake area just below the right angle air intake coming from the intercooler. Many 5.9L had this feature and is NOT the same as the 120 VAC powered water jacket heater. The intake heater is usually powered by the chassis batteries.

There would be a heavy duty relay for this as the intake heater draws a LOT of current but only on for a short time.

My Breakaway doesn't have this but my previous trucks did

Ed, I found the plug where Dana said it would be. Next question is I have the Breakaway plugged into a 15 amp receptacle. That's all I need when it's just sitting there because that's enough to run the converter/battery charger. But would it be enough to run the engine heater? Should I flip the breaker on the converter while I'm using the engine heater?
Jim

It is like running the toaster in the kitchen or a space heater in the bathroom at home. Just don't try to run a space heater, microwave or AC of the Barth while the block heater is live. Likewise, don't add another large load in the house or barn on the same circuit.

The block heater isn't a large draw. I will measure mine when I get back and let you know.

If the house batteries are up to full charge or nearly charged the battery charger isn't drawing much at all.

Did you find the switch over your driver position? Is that toggle switch on the dash an on/off or momentary switch?

Well, it turns out the the 'aux heat' toggle switch on the dash is for the auxiliary heater that works off the engine radiator. So there is no switch on the dash that works an engine heater.
Unfortunately, there is an engine heater and it was plugged into a 110 outlet in the engine compartment and has never been disconnected as long as I have owned the Breakaway. Does that mean that the heater is probably ruined? I'll check to see if the breaker that operates that outlet is tripped. How long should you leave the engine heater on?

quote:

the 'aux heat' toggle switch on the dash is for the auxiliary heater that works off the engine radiator

I thought you knew that and had a whole thread devoted to it.

Having limited tools and instruments, I would put a continuity tester to the prongs of the block heater line cord and see if it is open. I am guessing it has burned out by now. Whenever it works, you might want to plug it in overnight prior to the day you will want to start the engine -- but only in cold weather.

On my Regency the block heater switch IS NOT on the dash. It is overhead under the cabinet beside the driver.

Nick

Mine was disconnected also when I bought it. Mine works just fine. I think the PO probably unplugged it because it is easy to overlook the switch above your head. The block heater should last a long time if engine coolant is always present.

I have used mine in the past in 30 degree weather and had it on for 4-6 hours.

I just measured the heater load power and it is 825 watts, roughly 7.5 amps. That measurement is cold and I would expect it to reduce a bit when it gets warmer.

Well, I could have looked. Guess the senility factor is kicking in.
First, overhead of the drivers seat on the underside of the cabinet, there is a regular residential switch clearly marked 'Engine Heater'. In addition, next to the switch is a red light that goes on when the switch is on. Then under the bed is a double receptacle clearly labeled
'engine heater' and that is what the heater was plugged into. So all is well. I'm just a little embarrassed that I put you all to the trouble of answering questions I should have been able to figure out myself. I guess at 76 I have a little leeway.