Engine Heater

[98silvz71]

How exactly does the engine heater work? I remember that our 99 Suburban had one on it and my 98 Silverado doesn't. Is there a way to still put one on with too much trouble? Its pretty cold in the mornings (I park outside) and I figured that would help it warm up quicker.

[dewfpo]

If your talking about a engine block heater, they are relatively inexpensive and you can find them at most good auto supply houses. They go in place of one of the freeze plugs. It's just a an electrical resistance element that goes into the water jacket and heats up once it's plugged in. You can use a timer and/or a ThermoCube to have it only come on when it's a certain temp outside and only then for a few hours before you leave. They are great. Instant heat in the morning.

 

There are other types of engine heaters that are cut into a radiator hose or more complex ones that acvtually ciurculate the hot water. There are even pads you can stick you your oil pan but they don't do much except heat your oil.

 

DEWFPO

[fossil]

basically just like your electric kettle...same principle.