Engine Heaters - Are they worth it? If so which kind is the best?

[traylorr]

I bought a 99 4runner this summer and I hate to do it, but I don't have a 3 car garage, so I will be parking it outside this winter.

The thing I dread the most is getting into the vehicle in the morning and having to let it warm up. I have heard about engine heaters to help solve this problem, and I have seen different styles.

Do these items work? If so, what is the best kind to get?

 

[98OzarksRunner]

The engine will still be cold and need to be warmed up even with an engine heater. They are made to help keep it 'startable' when the temp outside is like -20. With modern EFI engines I doubt you'll need an engine heater in Kansas very often, and your heater will still blow cold air for a few minutes until the engine warms up.

 

[02SE]

I have a Toyota engine block heater. It replaces a freeze plug in the block. I bought it from the Toyota Dealer where I bought my 4Runner, and installed it myself, shortly after buying the 4Runner new back in '97.

They can make a very noticeable difference in ease of starting, and how soon you'll have heat. The engine will also reach operating temperature much quicker, so the engine will be running at maximum efficiency, sooner.

I have always run Synthetic oil, and have a strong battery. I believe my 4Runner would still start without a block heater even at the temperatures it sometimes experiences, -30° F being about the coldest temp. it has seen.

It's so nice to have nearly instant heat and an engine the reaches full efficiency quickly, even at say a balmy 20° F, that I'll plug it in even at that relatively only moderately cold temp.

I would recommend one to anyone that regularly deals with cold temperatures in Winter.

 

[nevada]

I have a Toyota engine block heater. It replaces a freeze plug in the block. I bought it from the Toyota Dealer where I bought my 4Runner, and installed it myself, shortly after buying the 4Runner new back in '97.

They can make a very noticeable difference in ease of starting, and how soon you'll have heat. The engine will also reach operating temperature much quicker, so the engine will be running at maximum efficiency, sooner.

I have always run Synthetic oil, and have a strong battery. I believe my 4Runner would still start without a block heater even at the temperatures it sometimes experiences, -30° F being about the coldest temp. it has seen.

It's so nice to have nearly instant heat and an engine the reaches full efficiency quickly, even at say a balmy 20° F, that I'll plug it in even at that relatively only moderately cold temp.

I would recommend one to anyone that regularly deals with cold temperatures in Winter.

it really depends on the style of heater.

the kind that warm the coolant aren't too bad.
the ones go on the bottom of the pan, not so good.

that's said, ive never thought I needed, or wanted one. even in the coldest weather, its still only a few minutes for it to warm up.

 

[02SE]

Very true, they are not all created equal. There are heaters that replace the engine oil dipstick, battery warmers that you wrap around the battery, coolant heaters that are installed in a radiator hose, magnetic heaters that stick to the oil pan, etc.

A quality block heater that installs in place of a freeze plug, really can make a difference in comfort and engine efficiency, on bitter cold days.

 

[traylorr]

Good input. I have never had one, so I was not sure if this was even what would work. I am used to having a garage and don't really want to have it run on those really cold days with a chance of theft (we are not in a big city, but still don't want to risk it).

 

[twitchee2]

I have had my 4runner in -10, though not terribly cold compared to some others on the forum and I did not have an issue. Just let it idle for a few minutes and away I went. Did not have any issue starting at all.

Now my Duramax, that's a whole other can of worms.

Unless you live where it is -20 or colder more often then not, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I have had my 4runner in -10, though not terribly cold compared to some others on the forum and I did not have an issue. Just let it idle for a few minutes and away I went. Did not have any issue starting at all.

Now my Duramax, that's a whole other can of worms.

Unless you live where it is -20 or colder more often then not, I wouldn't worry about it.

Yeah, I'll second that even stronger, don't get one. You're in Kansas, it just ain't that cold, and engine block heater is completely unnecessary. If your vehicle can't start throughout a Kansas winter, then you have bigger problems that an engine heater won't fix.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of 4runner owners, indeed of all vehicle owners across the northern US and in Canada don't run engine block heaters and are just fine, and they have a WAY colder winter than Kansas.

If you are concerned and really want to do something, then run a thinner oil during the winter. That is a perfectly reasonable precaution and is actually helpful. Also, like some folks have said, you can let it idle for a few minutes before driving away; this gives the oil a chance to warm up a bit and to get pumped around and cover everything before you take of and start loading the engine.

BTW, a little over dramatic saying that warm up is the thing you dread most... don't ya think?:lookout:

 

[Jungoes]

I live in fort mcmurray canada , I don't have an engine block heater and don't plan on installing one
we can have temps as low as -25 to - 30 deg C yes DEG Celsius

i just use full synthetic oil which makes a huge difference when starting from cold.
Just have a good battery , proper antifreeze in your cooling system and you will be fine.

 

[02SE]

For the record, all I'm saying is that in bitter cold temps., an engine block heater can only help with starting ease, engine efficiency, and comfort for the driver. Is it necessary?, not for most climates.

FWIW, -30° C, is the same as -22° F. The Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales reach parity at -40°. Below that, the Fahrenheit scale continues to drop quicker Ie: -60° F is the same as -51° C.

Fortunately, most of us aren't on the Road of Bones, and aren't too likely to encounter temps. that cold.