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Block heaters Who has them and which style?

cabledawg

cabledawg

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As the title says, who is running block heaters and which style do you have? I've seen the magnetic ones on the pan, the block elements that go in place of the freeze plug, the sticky mat that goes ont he block or the pan, or the ones that go inline to the radiator hose and circulate the coolant.

Now I've used the magnetic ones, but on a tractor so it was easy to place or remove it. I've also used the freeze plug one that was on an old Ford I had years ago. That worked well, but I'm not real keen on pulling freeze plugs. I've also seen the inline coolant version, but again for a tractor, and while it was very efficiant(sp?), we would periodically have to replace them because the pump part would fail. Cheap and easy to replace, but aggrevating when they dont work.

So give me your thoughts, theories, or experiences on block heaters.
 
Are you trying to pre-heat the oil or coolant? The ones that stick to the pan will mainly heat the oil. I think the sticky ones wouldn't last very long if the pan wasn't clean when you put it on. Or if you had a leak.

I've used the freeze plug style before, but on a drag car. Seemed to work ok, but it was also 60* out when we were using it. I'm with you on not wanting to replace the freeze plugs with the motor in the truck.

I'd try the inline one. Easy to install/replace. And if you have experiance with them, you know how well they can work.
 
I've got a freeze plug heater in mine, it works well.

Freeze plugs are easy to remove, I wouldn't consider that a deterrent.
 
does anyone have any pics ? or a step by step? would it work in my 89 bonneville?
 
blackk5350 said:
does anyone have any pics ? or a step by step? would it work in my 89 bonneville?
Click to expand...

If the Bonneville has a SBC, then yeah, the 1.625" (I think) freeze plug heater will work.

They generally run $10-15 and come with instructions but basically you drain the coolant, use a punch to tap one side of the freeze plug into the block (which makes the plug spin in its bore) then use pliers to grab the side that's now sticking out and remove the plug. Clean up the hole, install the heater, set the screw that holds it into the block and you're done.

For anyone that lets their car/truck warm up on cold days, these things will pay for themselves in a week or two.

I put one on mine because I leave the choke set wide open on my Q-jet.
 
JC Whitney has all the styles I'm asking about. There are other brands, but if your just looking at rough prices they are a good starting place.

And yes I warm the truck up in the morning, but not for the heater. My 88 is real choppy when the engine is cold. Doesnt run right and has no power. Usually ten minutes is enough, but with the weather already taking a dip, it seems to take a little longer.

Blackk5350, I had a 90 Bonneville a long time ago that had a block heater, but it was installed by the dealership. Maybe see if your local dealership can give you some specs as far what size freeze plug the engine has or how they install factory units.
 
My 89 blazer had one in the original engine (that engine now sits on my garage floor under my workbench). I have no idea if it works but it appears to be in perfect condition. I live in California where it is not needed and if you need one and anyone knows how to remove it without damaging it i'll send it to you for the price of shipping.
 
My 90 Jimmy has the freeze plug variation and the inline coolant version. Both of my electrical cords went bad on me in the last couple of years. I only replaced the cord for the oil heater. Sure makes it start and warm up a lot easier.

When I had the coolant heater working, I could start blowing pretty warm air within the first minute even on the coldest of days. I loved it. The oil heater has been sufficient so far on its own.
 
The basic brand name is Zero Start. Fits in a freeze plug. The instructions will tell you which one and and what direction to point it. Depending on make they run from 15 to 35 bucks.

They also make the ones that fit heater hoses, called universal heaters, because they fit whatever size heater hose they are made for. Come in many sizes from 600 watts to 1500 watts.

I prefer the freeze plug style because it has no moving parts.
 
NEK5 said:
Hmmm. Sounds interesting...anyone got a link?
Click to expand...


They have them at Jegs.com here It's the second one in the list Part #555-51121

I have found The price is not bad around my area they run about 40.00 dollars.

It works good even when it's 14* out but they recommend 2 one one each side if you want to heat up to 110* 90* for 1.


mike
 
do the heater hose versions work as good as the block style ones?
 
I have the freeze plug style works great when I can plug it in some where.

996247.jpg


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-...ryZ33613QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
$14.99 plus $8.99 shipping.
 
Well I might try the freeze plug version first, and augment that with the coolant type. Like I said, I'm not worried about heater warmth, I need it to help the engine run smoother on startup. Thanks for the input guys, and feel free to continue adding. :D
 
The block heaters (freeze plug) are more efficent than the tank heaters and only require about 1/2 the wattage to do the same job, as far as getting the engine started in cold weather.

Gus
 
I've always used the radiator hose type. Never had any complaints. Cords have always worn out before the unit. Never had a pumping one though. Just a heating element like the freeze plug one pictured above.

I'd imagine the freeze plug ones require less wattage.
 
I have the freeze plug style, and they work quite well. Coldest i see here is maybe low teens once or twice a year though. At those temps an hour or so with the block heater plugged in and it fires up very nicely. Quite simple to install too.

Rene
 
OK, so I went with the freeze plug version and made a HUGE mess inthe garage. I drained the radiator, but apparently that doesnt get everything out of the block. Popped the plug and had about 2 gallons of coolant gushing out everywhere. So here is my next question so I dont repeat this onthe other truck: How do you get the coolant out of the block BEFORE popping the plug?

BTW the freeze plug heater works awesome! We were dropping into single digits and with the truck plugged in, it cranked easy and fired right up!:D
 
There is a little plug on the side of the block that you unthread to drain the coolant jackets below the height of the freeze plugs. It still makes a mess, but is a fair bit more controllable if you stick a funnel up underneith of it
 
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