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Old 11-07-2008, 02:38 PM #1
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Anyone use a block heater?

Just picked up an '08 T4R SR5 V6 and was wondering if anyone uses a block heater. Where I am going will probably be -30 to -40 below 0F. Do I even need one? Any recommendations? Anybody install their own? The toyota bh for ravs and 'landers are a "dry" unit design that uses a machined hole in the block. I was hoping to be this lucky.
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Old 11-07-2008, 09:20 PM #2
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Congrats on the new T4R

I use a block heater up here in Canada where the winter temperatures in my area can get to -30 to -40 F. I find that combining the use of a block heater with full synthetic oil makes it so much easier for the engine to turn over on those really cold days. I got my T4R used and I had the dealer install the block heater at the time of my purchase (as the vehicle came from a more southern part of Canada).
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Old 11-03-2015, 09:38 PM #3
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So I'm in the same boat as you were some seven years ago because I got a V6 2008 T4R SR5 4WD this past May of '15! Now I'm in an area (Western ND, USA), which you probably know gets downright cold. I didn't use a heater in my last vehicle, but I'm looking to put one in this one. So did you happen to find that port that the heater pod is supposed to plug into? And also, what heater pod did you get?

Thanks!
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Old 11-03-2015, 11:34 PM #4
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Hey - I'd also love to know if anyone has installed one and documented it.
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Old 11-04-2015, 12:12 AM #5
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This thread might help you out.

04 V8 Block Heater Install Question
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Old 12-06-2015, 12:48 AM #6
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Marfy,

Maybe you've already figured it out, but I just installed mine today, and it was way easier than I expected. Granted I do have a V6. My buddy has a 2013 V6 Taco, and he told me where he found the hole for his cartridge block heater--it was the same place that I found mine.

Basically, I reached down to the catalytic converter on the back of the engine on the driver's side and I literally got my hand on the O2 sensor going into the cat as if I were going to try to pull out the O2 sensor. This way, my fingers were curled around that rear part of the sensor, where I could then relax my hand and feel around the engine block in that direct vicinity, just inches away from that O2 sensor, where eventually one of my fingers found a hole that probably an average-sized finger can fit into.

I'll see if I can enter some pictures here next. And by the way, a plug, zip ties, the cartridge, the electrilube stuff all came together from my local Toyota dealer, where I ordered the block heater by simply getting in touch with the parts department. Was maybe $75 total including shipping.

Anyone use a block heater?-20151205_162821-1-jpg

The part that slides into the port. Lube the hole and the port, but not the prongs where the cord will connect.

Anyone use a block heater?-20151205_164525-jpg

As you see, the port is right near that rear part of the O2 sensor.

Anyone use a block heater?-20151205_164603-jpg

Magnified.

Anyone use a block heater?-20151205_165309-jpg

Looking up from below, you can see the prongs of where the cord will plug into the cartridge. You can also, before installation, see the empty hole from down there if you get at just the right angle.

Other notes:
*Prior to installing the unit, test it via a simple wall outlet to ensure functionality.
*Consider sliding the unit into the port with the unit plugged in already. I say this because I had a hard time plugging the cord into the back of the unit with it installed.
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Old 01-05-2016, 10:15 PM #7
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I have a 2014 and had mine dealer installed, but when plugged in over night I don't think it worked.
1. I thought the engine would start up and run slower, more like it would if warm. The engine revved up and stayed there until it got warm enough.
2. I thought the air temp from the heater would be at least warm. It wasn't until the engine ran for 15 min.
3. I ohmed the plug and it read ~40 ohms.
4. When plugged in, I get no current flow reading.

Took it to the dealer today and they took out the heater, plugged it in and said that it went to 300 degrees. I asked if that was spec temp and they said that they have no specs on the heater at all. So, I don't know if 300 degrees is enough, but it sounds like it should be.

Does anyone know how I would know if the heater works?
Does anyone know how to correctly test the heater?



UPDATE: It's working. Maybe it just wanted to be babied or had a touchy connection, but now when I plug it in at night, I feel slightly warm heads on both sides in the morning.
Of note, I still do not register current flow even though my meter is set to max sensitivity.

Thanks

Last edited by GW17; 01-08-2016 at 03:07 PM.
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Old 01-05-2016, 10:37 PM #8
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Here are two articles about the use of the block heater

https://www.kaltire.com/the-benefits...-block-heater/

How cold should it be before I plug my car into a block heater? - The Globe and Mail

At colder temperatures, plugging in is all about keeping your oil a little warmer to help with starting. Then the oil needs to circulate in a cold engine block. It will take some time for the oil temp to rise (as seen on your instrument cluster gauge), as well as for warm air to begin circulating in your cabin.

If your 4Runner is turning over quickly when it is cold and you have been plugged in, the block heater has done its job. Using a good oil also helps.
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Old 01-05-2016, 10:50 PM #9
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Thanks Bossman. I do use 0-20 oil and this good T4R starts fast even when it's really cold so I couldn't tell any difference. I've always like to plug in my trucks when it gets really cold just to make it easier on them. With this new truck and the new style heater, I just don't see any difference when starting.
I've done as much testing as I can and the dealer did what they could. I'll have to trust that it's working. I'm just used to the old style frost plug heaters.

Update: It works and it works great. Had a bad plug.

It starts much easier with no cold engine high rev and it idles down right away. Get cabin heat quickly too.

Just bought a 2020 Limited and will put a block heater in this if I can find one. Dealers don't sell them any more but I've seem several on line.

Last edited by GW17; 02-15-2020 at 07:01 PM.
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Old 01-06-2016, 12:44 AM #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GW17 View Post
Thanks Bossman. I do use 0-20 oil and this good T4R starts fast even when it's really cold so I couldn't tell any difference. I've always like to plug in my trucks when it gets really cold just to make it easier on them. With this new truck and the new style heater, I just don't see any difference when starting.
I've done as much testing as I can and the dealer did what they could. I'll have to trust that it's working. I'm just used to the old style frost plug heaters.
If you aren't getting the results you want from just the block heater, you could add an oil pan heater too. Up here in the colder parts of AK, it is pretty standard practice to have a block heater, oil pan heater (adhesive pad type), and a battery heating pad. Makes for a quick startup/warm up even at 40 below.
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Old 01-06-2016, 09:59 AM #11
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That is an option Runner and you definitely need something....
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Old 01-06-2016, 04:02 PM #12
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not necessary

only if you are going to park out in the open you might need a block heater. Here in Alberta I park mine in the garage(not heated) I dont use a block heater even if its -40 outside.
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Old 01-06-2016, 04:31 PM #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gm350reratliff View Post
Just picked up an '08 T4R SR5 V6 and was wondering if anyone uses a block heater. Where I am going will probably be -30 to -40 below 0F. Do I even need one? Any recommendations? Anybody install their own? The toyota bh for ravs and 'landers are a "dry" unit design that uses a machined hole in the block. I was hoping to be this lucky.
I use a magnetic heater for my tractor's oil pan so this might be an easy option for you. It looks kind of like this one pic link. Mine is 20+ yrs old and still works well.

When I lived in Chicago, I'd leave this heater on the oil pan of my landcruiser all year around as the magnet is uber strong. My priority wasn't instant heat for the cabin, but more viscous engine oil during extreme cold temp startup. It was on a timer and was set to come on at 3 am usually.

Another easy/cheap solution is to leave on a light bulb inside the engine bay, if the vehicle sits inside a garage all night. Some folks simply grabs one of those 250w halogen clamp on work light deals and place it in the engine bay, away from rubber and the like. I've also seen the same light aimed at the oil pan from the ground and that does a decent job of keeping the pan warm.

You've got few choices to ponder.
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Old 01-06-2016, 07:06 PM #14
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I put one in on my 14 and on my 16. Used the Toyota OEM one. If you want to verify it is working, you can plug it into a kill-a-watt. The issue with these is that they are only about 450watts, going through an aluminum engine and heads. I plug mine in below 30. It warms up a bit faster, but it isn't the same as having a block heater on a 7.3 diesel drawing 1500w. You start that up and you have instant heat. Not the case on either of my 4Runners. I love the concept of no split coolant when installing, but it doesn't make that huge of a difference. It does start easier when it's zero to -10 out though, I do notice that. If you're looking for instant heat, a recirculating one, or one in the radiator hose is probably the way to go, but I haven't tried one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GW17 View Post
I have a 2014 and had mine dealer installed, but when plugged in over night I don't think it worked.
1. I thought the engine would start up and run slower, more like it would if warm. The engine revved up and stayed there until it got warm enough.
2. I thought the air temp from the heater would be at least warm. It wasn't until the engine ran for 15 min.
3. I ohmed the plug and it read ~40 ohms.
4. When plugged in, I get no current flow reading.

Took it to the dealer today and they took out the heater, plugged it in and said that it went to 300 degrees. I asked if that was spec temp and they said that they have no specs on the heater at all. So, I don't know if 300 degrees is enough, but it sounds like it should be.

Does anyone know how I would know if the heater works?
Does anyone know how to correctly test the heater?

Great pix by the way.

Thanks
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Old 01-06-2016, 07:44 PM #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bossman View Post
Congrats on the new T4R

I use a block heater up here in Canada where the winter temperatures in my area can get to -30 to -40 F. I find that combining the use of a block heater with full synthetic oil makes it so much easier for the engine to turn over on those really cold days. I got my T4R used and I had the dealer install the block heater at the time of my purchase (as the vehicle came from a more southern part of Canada).
Canuck here and I run a block heater on a timer with a week schedule. Been using one for many years. Use a bright colored extention cord to avoid driving off while plugged in ;)
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