Canadian winter '99 4 runner, block heater?

[mac_1969]

I just bought a '99 V6 4 runner, and I cant find nor see anything in the op manual about a block heater

Do these models have them, or can have them fitted, or what do you do about protection for winter?

Usually drops to -40deg C for a few days in Calgary, Alberta in January and I've always had trucks plugged in because of this

Is my block and (new) battery toast come January?

thanks


(I searched and no hits for block heater)

 

[XJeepguy]

I have not noticed one in my 98 either . If there isnt one I would buy one a those ones that goes into the rad hose ( lower ) . Its the one with the built in circulation pump . I have used a few of these in different vehicles and have always thought they did a great job . Its not the same brand but it looked just like the link Im posting .

http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Specials/Kat/Kats_14800_lower_heater-hose_heater.htm

Im not sure if the above has the built in pump . The ones I have bought had a small circ. pump inside

I just bought a '99 V6 4 runner, and I cant find nor see anything in the op manual about a block heater

Do these models have them, or can have them fitted, or what do you do about protection for winter?

Usually drops to -40deg C for a few days in Calgary, Alberta in January and I've always had trucks plugged in because of this

Is my block and (new) battery toast come January?

thanks


(I searched and no hits for block heater)

 

[One_96TR4]

It gets pretty cold down here and I don't have one. I don't really know anyone that does. I have seen a few ppl post here and on other forums about getting one put in. I do know there compatible. I believe toyota offers one as well.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Since I live in the south where is does not get cold at all, I'm curious about this stuff.

How do ya'll use ya'lls cars? I would think they would be very hard to start.

Do ya'll have to use different oil or put something in the fluids?

 

[mac_1969]

Thanks for the replies earlier.

I got a cheap lower RAD hose heater, ~$40

couldn't find one locally with the circ pump attached but the hose is on such a high angle that heat is getting to the block through some circulation, tested it at -25deg C and its working well, easy start and instant heat available in the vehicle

Installation was easy, just drain coolant from radiator, mark centre & take off the hose by opening the upper and lower clips, cut out a little off the hose in the middle, & use 'jubilee clips' to hold the heater element in the middle, and replace it back as before

Now with 5w30 oil and the heater plugged in I can relax over winter. On next oil change I think I'll go to mobile1 synthetic and that should be that

I cant find a link online to the actual part but its just an aluminum one piece part sized to fit the ID of the lower rad hose, and a heater cord plug in

 

[Ron Helmuth]

is it better to keep oil or water warm?

Thanks for the replies earlier.

I got a cheap lower RAD hose heater, ~$40

couldn't find one locally with the circ pump attached but the hose is on such a high angle that heat is getting to the block through some circulation, tested it at -25deg C and its working well, easy start and instant heat available in the vehicle

Installation was easy, just drain coolant from radiator, mark centre & take off the hose by opening the upper and lower clips, cut out a little off the hose in the middle, & use 'jubilee clips' to hold the heater element in the middle, and replace it back as before

Now with 5w30 oil and the heater plugged in I can relax over winter. On next oil change I think I'll go to mobile1 synthetic and that should be that

I cant find a link online to the actual part but its just an aluminum one piece part sized to fit the ID of the lower rad hose, and a heater cord plug in

I just wanted to mention that Valvoline makes a full synthetic now-I am not here to say it is better than Mobil 1 but it may be more readily available and somewhat less dollars.

Also a 0W-30 full synthetic (not sure there is one...) may help just that little bit more since you are at the low end of the temperature range.

Generally speaking is it better for the engine to keep the oil warm or the coolant? Though I can certainly appreciate instant heat....