Hello again!
Winter has just started here and I thought that it may be a good idea to put an engine coolant heater to my T-bird. I'm not sure if I'll install it, but I think it's not a bad idea.
The problem is that the manufacturer (DEFA from Norway) doesn't mention 3.8 in their online catalog. There is a 5.0 V8 only listed while I'm choosing T-bird.
I also found that they have listed 3.0 V6 in Aerostar. I was just wondering if 3.8 is the same casting as 3.0 in Aerostar? It's not a matter of freeze plug diameter only. It's all about the plug I should replace with heater.
No the 3.0 and 3.8 are entirely different engines...
If it is just the freeze plug in question, can you just retap it to fit the specs for the heater, or have an adapter machined? That second one may be on the pricey side though.
Why not just install one of the inline heaters that attach to a heater hose? I had one in my old '85 V6 'Bird and it was just the thing for our eastern Canadian winters - the fact that it circulated through the heater core even kept the windshield from frosting up overnight. The warm heater core would give off just enough heat...
This sounds like a good idea to me, but... where I can get one like this? Can I find it on eBay? Or get in the online store?
The Circulating heater sounds like the way to go... You'll need to watch out though, likely most models for North America are going to be 115v units. Don't you guys in Europe generally use 230v???
I think good old JC Whitney carries this type of engine heater.
I've just searched JC Whitney website and I couldn't find inline engine heater. Found oil heaters and block heaters only. Any ideas? Please send me a link if you will see one.
Thanks in advance!
You're right but it's not a big deal. It's easy to get 230V -> 115V converter here. The problem is that I can't find a heater like this anywhere. Well it would be easier if I knew how to call it? Or where to search?
There are several types of inline or external engine heaters listed on ebay... Several seemed to be for farm tractors. I would think some of them will surely work, but again all I saw were 110-120v models, so you'll need to be sure the converter will handle 500-1000 watts...
And JC Whitney has these...
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2000837/showCustom-0/p-2000837/N-111+10201+600001648/c-10101
Are V6 hoses any easier to get to than on an 88 V8? It'll be WAY to much fun if they aren't.
For reference, the DEFA engine heater is basically a hammer-in block heater:
http://www.defa.com/doc/100/104.pdf (http://"http://www.defa.com/doc/100/104.pdf") (150k)
In my carbureted V6 they were easy as hell to get at - the heater hoses ran down the passenger side of the engine to teh firewall. Cut a hose, install the heater, done. I've never even given any thought to the V8 heater hoses (don't drive it in winter so don't need a block heater)
If you are still looking for that inline heater the brand name is KATS. I know they sell them at oreilly's. I hope this helps. Also I know they sell the inline and the freeze plug type, along with a magnetic one.
Which heater hose had you used back then? The one that goes from the pump directly to the heater core? Or the one passing thru the intake manifold? Speaking of heater hoses which one leads coolant to the heater and which is return one? And should the interior heat be open to the full blast if the engine heater is running?
BTW. Where did you put the engine heater and tank in your V6 T-bird? There isn't much free space there.
This was 12 years ago, so my memory isn't all that great, but I seem to remember there was all kinds of room on the passenger's side. I put the heater in the hose going to the heater core. Remember, this was a Canadian-spec, non-fuel-injected, non-air-conditioned car with no smog pump or associated hoses. Your '87 CFI V6 likely has more hoses and lines than mine did
If the SEFI 3.8 is difficult to install heater hose heaters in, you could buy a magnetic oil pan heater. Up here they are used very often in the colder temps, but are not perminant ie: you must remove them before driving away. They cost $40 max and are sold under the name "heat magnet." Basically, you just stick them to the oil pan and plug them in overnight, or on a timer.
Another alternative would be a peel and stick type pan heater which is more perminant.
What is the coldest temperature in your region. Unless you get below -20*C, you shouldn;t need any heat source for the motor to start. Just the proper grade oil.
On my car I have three heaters (coolant, oil pan, trans pan) but I doubt your climate is as cold. Either a coolant or oil pan heater should be sufficient.
Edit: I just noticed you are over seas. I'll check ebay for those heat magents.