Engine Heaters for sub zero climates
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block heaters
I believe they call it a frost plug on the block. You remove it and screw in the heater, the heater heats the oil. The other options are a magnetic heater that attaches to the block and heats and then there is a heater that ties into your rad hose and heats the antifreeze.
The cold weather packages from the dealers have the block heaters in the frost plugs. If your only going to use it once in awhile and its aftermarket, I would go with the magnetic one. Or spend your money on synethic oil for engine protection...I don't plug my blocker heater in until its around -25C (13F) and I leave it for the day or overnight and its outside in the wind.
I believe they call it a frost plug on the block. You remove it and screw in the heater, the heater heats the oil. The other options are a magnetic heater that attaches to the block and heats and then there is a heater that ties into your rad hose and heats the antifreeze.
The cold weather packages from the dealers have the block heaters in the frost plugs. If your only going to use it once in awhile and its aftermarket, I would go with the magnetic one. Or spend your money on synethic oil for engine protection...I don't plug my blocker heater in until its around -25C (13F) and I leave it for the day or overnight and its outside in the wind.
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Kmvreter
New member
Re: block heaters
It actually heats the coolant. I had mine dealer installed at the time of purchase because it is in a very awkward location on the back of the V6 engine.
I made a custom plug at the grill so I don't have the ugly wire hanging (not sure how to link to the thread.) Also search the forums for some good general discussions.
jimsi said:
It actually heats the coolant. I had mine dealer installed at the time of purchase because it is in a very awkward location on the back of the V6 engine.
I made a custom plug at the grill so I don't have the ugly wire hanging (not sure how to link to the thread.) Also search the forums for some good general discussions.
thatpilotguy
New member
I don't have any specific Toyota knowledge, but I can shed some light on block heaters in general.
I lived in North Dakota for several years and had one on my Yukon and my old '86 4Runner.
The block heater is a great thing, but has some draw backs. As mentioned previously, the block heater is put into the engine block via a frost plug. The frost plug is a push in (in most cases) plug that is designed to be removed for just such an application. To my knowledge most block heaters push in, they do not screw in. Although they work great, both of my plug leaked after several years. Not much, just a few drips of coolant here and there. Annoying if your anal about leaks like I am. The radiator hose option seems like a better option to be. My friend has one. Simply you cut the hose and it slips in between the 2 pieces. Much less chance to leak. I don't have much experience with the oil pan heater, but I like the idea that it is a temporary solution without the option of leaking.
If you decided to do a block heater I would wait until you are in the cold weather area to have it installed. I had one put in here in Colorado before I went up North and had to replace it when I got up there because it leaked and was not installed correctly. I also noticed that the install and parts where a lot less up North being that they do this type of modification all the time.
What ever option you do, I would suggest putting the extension cord somewhere you can see it! I can't tell you how many times I back away with my truck plugged in and destroyed the extentions cord. Also, invest in an extension cord that is rated for cold weather. The standard orange cord shadders when it gets really cold out!
I lived in North Dakota for several years and had one on my Yukon and my old '86 4Runner.
The block heater is a great thing, but has some draw backs. As mentioned previously, the block heater is put into the engine block via a frost plug. The frost plug is a push in (in most cases) plug that is designed to be removed for just such an application. To my knowledge most block heaters push in, they do not screw in. Although they work great, both of my plug leaked after several years. Not much, just a few drips of coolant here and there. Annoying if your anal about leaks like I am. The radiator hose option seems like a better option to be. My friend has one. Simply you cut the hose and it slips in between the 2 pieces. Much less chance to leak. I don't have much experience with the oil pan heater, but I like the idea that it is a temporary solution without the option of leaking.
If you decided to do a block heater I would wait until you are in the cold weather area to have it installed. I had one put in here in Colorado before I went up North and had to replace it when I got up there because it leaked and was not installed correctly. I also noticed that the install and parts where a lot less up North being that they do this type of modification all the time.
What ever option you do, I would suggest putting the extension cord somewhere you can see it! I can't tell you how many times I back away with my truck plugged in and destroyed the extentions cord. Also, invest in an extension cord that is rated for cold weather. The standard orange cord shadders when it gets really cold out!
Northof49
New member
I've never used a block heater here in southern BC. Temps average around freezing to 10-15 below freezing, sometimes dipping much lower but only for a few days.
If you're living somewhere that routinely hits -15-20 or less, it wouldn't be a bad idea at all. Full retail on the things is only like $150 so might as well if you live in such an area. Easier on the motor, faster interior warm-up....
If you're living somewhere that routinely hits -15-20 or less, it wouldn't be a bad idea at all. Full retail on the things is only like $150 so might as well if you live in such an area. Easier on the motor, faster interior warm-up....
Block Heater
I have had block heaters in all of the vehicles I have owned. The "cold weather package" pretty much comes standard with any vehicle in Alberta. I think some cold weather packages come with such things as heated side mirrors in addition to the block heater.
You can pick up a block heater for about $100 at Napa Auto Parts in Canada. These are normally coolant heaters that go into the frost plug hole. Once you plug them into an electrical outlet, you can hear the liquid heating up and convection starts moving the heat around the engine.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_heater
I have used circulating coolant pumps to keep the engine warm, but they cost more for electricity (unless you have your extension cord plugged into a timer, which most people up here do). I think I read somewhere that you only need to have your block heater plugged in for about 4 hours before you reach the maximum utility (cost of electricity versus ease of starting).
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/...000837/N-111+2005+200729268+600001645/c-10101
I also have used the magnetic heater but it is kind of a PITA to crawl under the truck in the snow to stick it on the oil pan. I suppose you could rig up a special stick to reach under and get it on the oil pan.
I normally use synthetic oil to help alleviate the extremely high viscosity on startup. In my 93 Nissan 4X4, I have converted the manual transmission, differentials and transfer case over to synthetic too. Makes shifting at -40 a little easier. I have noticed there seems to be less drag in very cold weather too.
I recall an old Malibu Classic I used to drive in my younger days. When we rebuilt the 350 motor, the side of the engine with the block heater was fine, but the side opposite of the block heater had a slightly warped head. The only thing we could come up with was uneven heating by a single block heater. At the time, replacement block heaters were cheap so I just put one in each side of the engine (in addition to getting the head planed flat again).
One of the other things some people do is to buy a special "battery blanket" that warms up the battery. I have never used one of these (except to keep fermenting grape juice at a constant temperature).
I keep the T4R in a heated garage both at home and when it is parked at work so I don't use the block heater more than once or twice a year (when visiting family in Saskatchewan). The Nissan sits out in the cold and I only plug in the block heater for a couple of hours before I need to use the truck.
I have had block heaters in all of the vehicles I have owned. The "cold weather package" pretty much comes standard with any vehicle in Alberta. I think some cold weather packages come with such things as heated side mirrors in addition to the block heater.
You can pick up a block heater for about $100 at Napa Auto Parts in Canada. These are normally coolant heaters that go into the frost plug hole. Once you plug them into an electrical outlet, you can hear the liquid heating up and convection starts moving the heat around the engine.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_heater
I have used circulating coolant pumps to keep the engine warm, but they cost more for electricity (unless you have your extension cord plugged into a timer, which most people up here do). I think I read somewhere that you only need to have your block heater plugged in for about 4 hours before you reach the maximum utility (cost of electricity versus ease of starting).
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/...000837/N-111+2005+200729268+600001645/c-10101
I also have used the magnetic heater but it is kind of a PITA to crawl under the truck in the snow to stick it on the oil pan. I suppose you could rig up a special stick to reach under and get it on the oil pan.
I normally use synthetic oil to help alleviate the extremely high viscosity on startup. In my 93 Nissan 4X4, I have converted the manual transmission, differentials and transfer case over to synthetic too. Makes shifting at -40 a little easier. I have noticed there seems to be less drag in very cold weather too.
I recall an old Malibu Classic I used to drive in my younger days. When we rebuilt the 350 motor, the side of the engine with the block heater was fine, but the side opposite of the block heater had a slightly warped head. The only thing we could come up with was uneven heating by a single block heater. At the time, replacement block heaters were cheap so I just put one in each side of the engine (in addition to getting the head planed flat again).
One of the other things some people do is to buy a special "battery blanket" that warms up the battery. I have never used one of these (except to keep fermenting grape juice at a constant temperature).
I keep the T4R in a heated garage both at home and when it is parked at work so I don't use the block heater more than once or twice a year (when visiting family in Saskatchewan). The Nissan sits out in the cold and I only plug in the block heater for a couple of hours before I need to use the truck.
A bock heater is the cheapest, and quite effective.
For truly nasty, vicious cold areas though (and I'm almost in as cold as it gets, but I've got a garage
) a circulating heater is the way to go.
It's actually a small pump with a heating element and heats all your coolant up. You'll actually get slightly warm air out of your heater as soon as you turn it on.
But, a block heater is sufficient for pretty much anyone. That and synthetic oil for the health of your engine on those coooold starts.
For truly nasty, vicious cold areas though (and I'm almost in as cold as it gets, but I've got a garage
) a circulating heater is the way to go.It's actually a small pump with a heating element and heats all your coolant up. You'll actually get slightly warm air out of your heater as soon as you turn it on.
But, a block heater is sufficient for pretty much anyone. That and synthetic oil for the health of your engine on those coooold starts.
alaskaman
Senior Member
You could call around to service or better yet go into a dealer's service bay and ask how to do it....that is at least what I would do.....please let me know....dealer in Anchorage wants $265.00 to install.
They also have a remote starter which if you have to park outside can be handy.
They also have a remote starter which if you have to park outside can be handy.
Kmvreter
New member
Re: Where to install
Driver's side back wall of the engine (installed pointing forward; can't get a pic right now.) I didn't look close but IIRC it is midway on the block height and in a painful location. Dealer charged me C$150 installed at the time of purchase.
mjlmjl said:
Driver's side back wall of the engine (installed pointing forward; can't get a pic right now.) I didn't look close but IIRC it is midway on the block height and in a painful location. Dealer charged me C$150 installed at the time of purchase.
This pic shows the driver side front wheel removed. Notice the spring and shock absorber at left of pic.
The lens is aimed at the driver side of the engine area (with the tires removed).
I've used a part of the coat hanger (with red tape) pointing the part of the engine where I will side the block heater into place.
The lens is aimed at the driver side of the engine area (with the tires removed).
I've used a part of the coat hanger (with red tape) pointing the part of the engine where I will side the block heater into place.
Attachments
I took this pic from "under" the trunk. Lens is aimed up the rear side of the engine.
Notice the orange tape coat hanger inserted inside the hole. I've also inserted a black tie-wrap to show where the block heater should go.
The block heater is inserted horizontally into that hole. Install it facing forward as mentioned by Kmvreter.
Notice the orange tape coat hanger inserted inside the hole. I've also inserted a black tie-wrap to show where the block heater should go.
The block heater is inserted horizontally into that hole. Install it facing forward as mentioned by Kmvreter.
Attachments
I took this pic from "under" the truck. Lens is aimed up the rear side of the engine.
Notice the orange tape coat hanger inserted inside the hole. I've also inserted a black tie-wrap to show where the block heater should go.
The block heater is inserted horizontally into that hole. Install it facing forward as mentioned by Kmvreter.
Notice the orange tape coat hanger inserted inside the hole. I've also inserted a black tie-wrap to show where the block heater should go.
The block heater is inserted horizontally into that hole. Install it facing forward as mentioned by Kmvreter.
