Engine Block Heater

98silvz71 · November 30, 2005

How does the engine block heater work? Is it possible to put on e on without to much difficulty? I park outside and I don't like to run the truck for too long in the mornings. Its about 10 degrees in the morning when I leave. Thanks in advance

GM-Tech · November 30, 2005

It's a heating element that takes the place of a core (freeze) plug in the block. If you can find a core plug that's not too difficult to access, these are easier to install than putting in a new core plug.

Then you just plug it into an extension, make sure you don't forget and drive off while still plugged in and you're set.

98silvz71 · December 1, 2005

It's a heating element that takes the place of a core (freeze) plug in the block. If you can find a core plug that's not too difficult to access, these are easier to install than putting in a new core plug.

Then you just plug it into an extension, make sure you don't forget and drive off while still plugged in and you're set.

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I was thinking of buying a inline radiator heater. Would it be better than putting the element in a core plug? Its a 600W heater. Would that be good enough to actually be of use?

GM-Tech · December 1, 2005

Don't really know anything about them. Not much use for block heaters in South Florida.

98silvz71 · December 1, 2005

Thanks for the help

04-silver · December 5, 2005

A block heater heats the coolant, that heats/warms the block along with the oil, which makes for easier starts. They suck up a lot of juice too. Easy to install yes, just put the B/H in the specific frost plug and point it the proper direction as told by the MFG.'s specs.

The thing is, you already have your vehicle started.

I park outside and I don't like to run the truck for too long in the mornings.

I think what you might be looking for is the in-line heater, supposedly they heat the heater core too and this is how you get your instant warm. My brother in-law had one years ago he thought it was great. Check into the in-lines more, I don't think that all of them will do this. (warmth)

I don't know much about the in-lines as I was/am more interested in the vehicle starting then getting into a warm truck.

BTW seeing as how winter is upon us and am still wondering what keeps me here I thought I might add, you ever get into a vehicle when its -40 celcius outside?(this is when celcius and farenheit are the same) Anyway the seat is a rock! Shutting the doors is like banging two pieces of metal together minus the twang and just trying to turn the ignition is very stiff. This is where the remote starters come in We don't get temps like this all that much maybe one or two nights a year.