this is a dead thread but wanted to say thank you for taking the time to post this! i am moving to Fairbanks in feb 2016 and just ordered all of this!! wont have to worry about it when i get there!! Oh and p.s its hard finding an engine block heater in phoenix AZ .. They all thought i was crazy :der:
Block, Battery, and Transmission Heater Install Writeups
- Thread starter RunnerAK
- Start date
I just installed a block heater on my 2016 and this post was very instructive, thanks!
The only thing I would add is that I found it helpful to remove the rubber lining inside the front driver's wheel well so that I could reach through there to seat the cartridge. (I didn't need to remove the wheel, I just reached around from underneath the truck.)
Also, to anyone scoffing at the idea of a block heater in the lower 48: I'm not so much worried that my truck literally won't start. It just makes me feel better to have the engine warmed up as quickly as possible. Where I live there are maybe 10-20 days per winter when it's still below 0 ºF in the morning and I always wince a little hearing the engine struggle to turn over. Plus let's be honest, anything that helps get the cabin up to temperature faster is nice.
$50 + 1 hour well spent, I would say.
The only thing I would add is that I found it helpful to remove the rubber lining inside the front driver's wheel well so that I could reach through there to seat the cartridge. (I didn't need to remove the wheel, I just reached around from underneath the truck.)
Also, to anyone scoffing at the idea of a block heater in the lower 48: I'm not so much worried that my truck literally won't start. It just makes me feel better to have the engine warmed up as quickly as possible. Where I live there are maybe 10-20 days per winter when it's still below 0 ºF in the morning and I always wince a little hearing the engine struggle to turn over. Plus let's be honest, anything that helps get the cabin up to temperature faster is nice.
$50 + 1 hour well spent, I would say.
RunninWarrior
New member
Great work on the install, and I appreciated the pictures with play by play lol. Getting ready to head to Fairbanks so I gotta get the 4R all ready to go.
Montego Murph
Member
I've got a ridiculous question about installing the battery pad.
How do you get the battery to sit flat with the pad installed so that the heating element makes contact with the battery?
There is a "lump" in the pad where the wires connect to the heating elements. Since the battery tray is flat, and the base of the battery is flat, what is the best way to deal with this, since the pad needs to make contact with the battery for more efficient heat transfer.
I've considered making a thin platform out of something to raise the battery up a 1/4 inch or so with a cutout for the "lump," allowing the heating pad to make full contact. Maybe a piece of sintra or thin plywood or something.
How do you get the battery to sit flat with the pad installed so that the heating element makes contact with the battery?
There is a "lump" in the pad where the wires connect to the heating elements. Since the battery tray is flat, and the base of the battery is flat, what is the best way to deal with this, since the pad needs to make contact with the battery for more efficient heat transfer.
I've considered making a thin platform out of something to raise the battery up a 1/4 inch or so with a cutout for the "lump," allowing the heating pad to make full contact. Maybe a piece of sintra or thin plywood or something.
Most of the battery heaters I've seen have that lump - it usually isn't enough to warrant any spacer but if you do go that route make sure to use something that doesn't store or absorb moisture. Some materials will also react with the sulfuric acid fumes that all batteries vent off - try to stick to plastics that are compatible.
Sarge
Sarge
