Author Topic: Block heater install  (Read 3348 times)

January 21, 2005, 03:17:19 pm

Mikeyworks

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Block heater install
« on: January 21, 2005, 03:17:19 pm »
I am watching an eBay auction for a 110V freeze-plug style block heater.

I was hoping to get some insight into success with installation and use of these block heaters on our engines?

How well do they seal?  Am I going to have to worry about the block leaking coolant?

How long will I have to keep my engine plugged in to get it up to a nice (read: easier to start) temp?

thanks as always gang

Mikey

Reply #1January 21, 2005, 04:12:23 pm

mainer

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Block heater install
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2005, 04:12:23 pm »
1-2 hours plugged in should make it start easier. plug it in all night it'll start right up, but that uses quite a bit of electricity.

i have a $12 timer on my cord that turns it on 1.5 hours before i leave in the morning and that seems to work well, i got the timer at walmart.

my car starts down to about 10-15 degree F. my friends 91 n/a with a lot less miles started yesterday morning at 3 F.


the block heater is a pain to put in, it goes in the freeze plug on the back passenger side of the engine, hard to get at.


it is sealed by a expanding thing that u tighten with a nut and its a rubber seal. mine does not leak, nor does the one i put in in my truck.

they are like $18 american at local napa/ similar stores, i dont know how much the one you are looking at on ebay is but it shuoldnt be much more.
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Reply #2January 21, 2005, 06:54:40 pm

Mikeyworks

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Block heater install
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2005, 06:54:40 pm »
I am likely going to get under the car in next week or so and see how accessable the freeze plugs are on my MK2.

If I can get to one, then I will replace it with a block heater. I will probably end up getting one at Napa instead of online since purchase price and shipping would outweigh the costs local.

Mikey