Print Page - Block Heaters

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: cougarXLS on January 14, 2009, 01:57:05 PM

Question,

I've never really thought about it but now the cold snap hashiznit. Salt doesn't have a block heater.

What would you all suggest? Is there such a thing as an aftermarket block heater, etc.?

It's ironic, every car I've ever owned has always had one. My sister's first and only car, doesn't. What's the best way to proceed? Know any good places to pick one up?

Thanks All!

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: V8Demon on January 14, 2009, 05:17:21 PM

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/51120/10002/-1

Quote

JEGS Core Plug Block Heater is the essential item your engine is screaming for! Not just for cold and icy mornings but ideal for race cars too! Preheating your engine's coolant and oil prevents wear and tear on vital engine components by radiating heat to surrounding components, such as engine bearings, valvetrain, intake manifold, transmission, and starter, which will allow for easier cranking and engine starting. Brings the engine to operating temperature quicker by cutting warm-up time in half, saving fuel and engine run time. Considerable testing on Alky-burning bracket cars showed a savings of 2-1/2 to 3 gallons of alcohol warming up on a 60° day! We tested big block Chevy bracket dragsters; one heater heated to a 90° water temperature, and two heaters to a 110° water temp (heaters left on for an hour). We suggest using one heater per side on V8s for quicker heating results. Installs easily into a core plug hole in the block and comes complete with a 4-1/2' grounded power cord.

I know there are ones that install through the dipstick tube as well.

Good thread on the subject here: http://www.twoguysgarage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7735

A google

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: Kitz Kat on January 14, 2009, 05:28:35 PM

I know john deere has one, it mounts outside the engine compartment and circulates heated water through the block.
not overly exspensive either.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: cougarXLS on January 15, 2009, 11:18:34 AM

Thanks guys. This really helped alot. :)

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: cougarXLS on January 17, 2009, 10:42:05 AM

Now I just need to figure out how to install it.

lol

(http://www.cougarxls.com/pf/p1010063a.jpg)

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: cougarman on January 17, 2009, 10:46:58 AM

Looks like it replaces one of the freeze plugs in the side of the block. :D

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: Kitz Kat on January 17, 2009, 11:03:07 AM

Seal it good, I'm not real fond of them seen them fall out a few times.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: rancheronut on January 17, 2009, 12:25:19 PM

yea ,i seen the cheap ones do that but it from NAPA.
personally i only use the soft plug heaters. 100 percent of the heated water is in the block where you want it.
where the exturnal ones do not!!! you have percentage on lost heated water traveling the hose hoping it get to the block.

cougarXLS
if you lift your ride up in the air. there a soft plug above the starter. take that soft plug out.
clean any junk off whats on block where the soft plug was.
install in the 6 o clock spot for the most heat water but you can also install in the 12 o clock spot.
remember when you tighten the scew . do not over tight or you strip the brass threads.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: cougarXLS on January 17, 2009, 01:10:33 PM

Lifting my ride up in the air would require a hoist. Maybe someday, lol.

Thanks for the tips, I'll probably be installing it within the next week or so, when I have some time. Or if my sister gets too impatient, she can take it in ;)

Again, thanks all. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: V8Demon on January 17, 2009, 04:00:10 PM

If I ever use one, it'll be the kind that installs in the heater hose lines.....

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: cougarXLS on March 09, 2009, 05:46:33 PM

Wow, a lot has happened since the last time I was here.

I never did get around to installing the block heater. Before I installed it, Jenna bought a new car. A 2009 Chevy Cobalt. Blasphemy! I know. But I am a little envious, seeing as how she can now protect Salt from the winter. Things were going well...

Jenna is OKAY (or SaltNPepper). But a week ago, she had an accident. Her Cobalt did it's job... it saved her life... she's alive and the car is totalled (sorry, no pics). She was coming home in bad conditions and with inexpierience all arround, she totalled her new beast. We're waiting to see what the insurance company says (and yes, she won't take their first offer). But I may be installing that block heater this year after all.....

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: 86XR7project on March 09, 2009, 06:11:20 PM

Glad she's okay. Hope the insurance company doesn't attempt to screw you.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on March 09, 2009, 09:08:12 PM

I'm sorry to hear that man. Glad everybody is ok.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: jcassity on March 10, 2009, 01:38:44 AM

im a little late,, a temp probe 120v would insert into the dip stick.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: cougarXLS on March 10, 2009, 05:54:43 AM

Quote from: 86XR7project;260371

Glad she's okay. Hope the insurance company doesn't attempt to screw you.

They always do, don't they?!?

Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;260412

I'm sorry to hear that man. Glad everybody is ok.

Me too.

Quote from: jcassity;260512

im a little late,, a temp probe 120v would insert into the dip stick.

Better late than never. But I don't get it.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: softtouch on March 10, 2009, 05:55:25 PM

Go green. Park it over the manure pile.

Title: Block Heaters
Post by: Ductape91 on March 12, 2009, 08:06:44 PM

is there some reason no one mentioned the factory ford block heater available for your car?
I've been trying to convince my sister to let me install one on the tbird as it gets a bit cold up her way.

Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: cougarXLS on January 14, 2009, 01:57:05 PM