Who has a block heater

LandCruiser

LandCruiser

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My truck lives outside, and with the recent subzero temperatures (-10 F today), I have been considering getting a block heater even if I've been told they're not needed here in CO.

Who here has one, what temps do you use it at?
 
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You might find this recent discussion instructive.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/98281-block-heater-question.html

All 4Rs that are sold where I live come with block heaters but it is expected that we'll hit the -30s C in winter, as we did today. I tend to like to plug in at around -20 and don't see much point when it's warmer than that. If you're consistently getting to -10 F then it sure wouldn't hurt. I had a cabin heater installed, which I really like as it keeps the interior from freezing solid below -30 C though it doesn't affect performance at all.
 
we don't have block heaters installed since the warden's 12 Tacoma and the new 14 LE is garage queens. she has a remote start on her's but she doesn't have seat heaters were as I don't have a remote start but the seat warmers make up for it.
 
I have a block heater and battery blanket but have only used them twice while visiting in ND.

While it's important to keep the anti-freeze from freezing, it is also important to keep the oil from getting to thick. Synthetic oils and oil pan heaters help with that. The thicker the oil, the longer it takes to get pumped everywhere in your engine, which is why most engine wear occurs at start-up.
 
Also, there's an aftermarket solution (most likely the same kit) made by Phillips and Temro Industries, part number 3100129. Available at Napa and other aftermarket auto parts stores.
 
I have one on my 4 runner. I plug it in when its going to be 20 or below. I live in Alaska and my truck already has seen -20s since being here. I got mine from the Toyota dealer here in Anchorage. Was only around $150 installed.
 
Well...holy smokes...I called my local Toyota store this morning for pricing on a block heater. I was quoted $169 plus tax. Stunned...I asked if he was mistaken and to reconfirm the price...sure enough the price stood. So, off to Canadian Tire...$47.99 plus tax for the Phillips and Temro product. Sure, it doesn't come with the zip ties or the grease but that's no justification for the price difference. Waiting for the engine to cool down so I can safely approach it. I wonder if it would be easier to pull off the front left wheel for better access???

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Don't have on on the 4runner since we now live in florida. But we had them installed on my Tundra, and Wifes Tacoma when we lived in West Yellowstone Montana. They made a world of difference for us, because town was so small, it was tough to get to operating temp without it, it would also produce heat for the cabin a lot sooner. We plugged the trucks in almost every night, because it would generally be -10 to -15 for the lows every night, with the occasional cold snaps up to 40-50 below zero. Long story short, I am sold on them, and will get one for the 4runner if we move from florida.
 
I had to take a curse break. Almost in. Found the hole...it's friggin tucked away!!! Not accessible from the top. Side access may work with really skinny and flexible forearms plus working blind. I spotted the hole from below with access through a narrow spot by header pipe. If you have really chunky arms...forget it!!! I smeared it with copper anti-seize for good measure and electrical grease on the pins.

Just have to get up there once more to click it in. I just can't seem to get the leverage needed.

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Love the colour on that TE. Our '12 is silver, which we like, but if we had had a choice we would have bought a salsa red one.
 
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