engin block heater

THE BIGPUNN · January 12, 2002

is there a way i can add one of these to my truck? how much do they cost and what kind of hook up is it? any info appreciated.

MountaineerTom · January 12, 2002

Yes, you can add one to your truck. I can't remember the price from my dealer, but I'm thinking it was around 60-70 dollars. Don't quote me on that though, I may have gotten it confused with something else I aske them a price for. I'm sure there are cheaper ones out in the aftermarket. All the ones I've seen replaces one of the freeze plugs on the side of the block. I've never installed one though.

chevy4x4trucks · January 12, 2002

Just out of curiosity why do you want to install an engine block heater on a new vehicle? If you're worried about starting all you need is a good battery w/ a lot of cold cranking power. IMO, just skip the engine block heater. Also, I heard at a parts store that it causes condensation to build up in the block. Don't know if that's true or not. I really don't have any experience w/ them. But in WI, it gets pretty cold and I've never had the need for one.

ScottS · January 12, 2002

In Canada, all GM vehicles come with block heaters. My father just had to have the dealer find the cord on his last service yesterday, they tend to zap them to a frame rail and then install the engine compartment over it. I decided to look for it on my AV2500, and it took about 15 min of both Dad and I looking to finally spot.

I don't use mine often, usually only when up north and the temp drops to -10 celcius (sorry, I dont remember what that equals in Farenhooven, probably about 0-5 degrees). I don't know about condensation, but I will ask my mechanic about that next chance I get.

Scott

Kansas Kid · January 12, 2002

Hmmm, should I embarrass you again Jon? Yeah, think I will. ;) If the block heater is forming condensation what exactly is it going to hurt? Its just heating up the water in the block, so if condensation does form, it will just go in with the rest of the water already there.

NewbieZ71 · January 13, 2002

Gentleman, you are forgeting one of the basic tenents of truck ownership. You purchase and install accessories for the same reason you climb mountains - THEY ARE THERE.

THE BIGPUNN · January 13, 2002

my understanding is (i may be wrong), is that with a block heater your truck will warm up quicker. now, i dont care for the auto remote starts so i thought a block heater would work good. sometimes a may not drive my truck for two or three days in a row and when i go to start it, i thought it would be nice to get quick warm up. i was curious how much they cost and what hook up is like. i may not get one but i would like to know.

chevy4x4trucks · January 13, 2002

Hmmm, should I embarrass you again Jon? Yeah, think I will. ;) If the block heater is forming condensation what exactly is it going to hurt? Its just heating up the water in the block, so if condensation does form, it will just go in with the rest of the water already there.

Must you always embaress me. Oh yeah, that's right, you do

That's why I said I wasn't too sure. I don't actually have one so I don't know. When I heard the guy at the auto parts saying it, it sounded like a bunch of bull and just a way to sell a guy a 80 dollar battery over a 20 dollar engine block heater. But, you never know, a parts guy might know something. ???

alsz71 · January 13, 2002

I , also live in the GWN Canadian winters get very cold I have expirenced temps as low as -35 deg celcius. And as such block heaters are usually STD equipment on anything sold up here. Basically it's an element that, when plugged in heats up the antifreeze which in turn keeps the oil warm and allows the engine to start a lot easier during incliment weather. There are 2 types that I know of One is the one mentioned earlier which replaces a freeze plug, I have seen these mounted one on each side of the eng block, the other type ties into a heater hose and actually circulates the antifreeze as it heats it. I have used both with good results.As far as leaving it plugged in and powered up for 2-3 days at a time I wouldn't recomend it but only because these things tend to use alot of electricity as it is basically a live short and your power bill will be outrageous.

ScottS · January 13, 2002

Bigpunn

I will second Al's comments, I understand what your attempting to do now, having read your second post. A block heater would do what your after, but it would be expensive to operate, and not really that practicle. Sorry.

On the condensation issue, I wouldn't be worried about condensation within the cooling passages, but I have been wondering if prolonged use could cause condensation in the cylinders, or upper valve train. Air from lower engine being heated, rises and hits cooler metal of upper engine, could condensate I guess. Sounds more than a bit far fetched, but I will ask my mechanic next time in. Just musing out loud...

Scott

tfpary · January 13, 2002

As mentioned above, there are two basic types. The type that fits in the lower radiator hose is usually easiest to install and often can be purchased for about $20. They work good, used to have them in all my older carburated vehicles, but now that I have newer cars and trucks, I find I don't need them. Even though my Suburban gets parked outside (garage is too small), it always starts right up. My Bonneville has alway started also, even down to -35 f. The heaters do allow the vehicle to produce heat sooner, and if you put stock in the startup theory of engine wear (most wear occurs at startup), the heaters allow the oil to remain thinner and flow faster upon startup. I simply use synthetic oil.

good luck!

NewbieZ71 · January 13, 2002

man, it gets cold in Upstate New York...but -35??? If I Lived in -35 degrees I would buy an engine heater, heat up my engine, start it up once AND THEN MOVE!!!

Kansas Kid · January 13, 2002

Just as a piece of mind for you guys who are worried about condensation. Most diesel engines have had block heaters for longer then I have been alive, and I have never heard of a problem caused by one (from condensation). I can assure you that OTR trucks wouldn't come with one if it would cause any type of internal engine problems.

I wouldn't really be all to worried about using that much electricity with one either. Yes they will use quite a bit of electricity if plugged in for several days straight, but thats not really what you want to do with one. More then likely you will only leave the truck plugged in at night, so simple by yourself a heavy duty timer at the local hardware store and set it to come on about 2-3 hours before you plan on leaving. Either that or just plug it in a couple of hours before you plan on leaving, if you are just going somewhere in the afternoon. Then the truck will be nice and warm when you go out to start it, and won't use very much electricity in the process.