block heaters

[JimmyJuneau]

Id like to install a block heater on my truck for the winter. I have searched the interent and found out that there are different types. I am looking for suggestions on what to install.

 

[mello_yello]

i dont know to much about them but i assume u could use a factory style one that fits in the freeze plug hole in the block.
(not sure if thats what ur asking for, but thats my 2 cents)

 

[Hossbaby50]

Freeze plug style are the best most efficient I believe. They aren't to expensive and can be had at Napa and other parts houses I am sure. You just pop out a freeze plug in your block and tap the new freeze plug/heater in. It keeps the water in your water jacket warm therefore keeping the whole motor warm for startup. There are other heaters available but if I recall they don't work as well.

Harley

 

[rcamacho]

There are also surface heaters for the oil sump. Mostly intended for racing engines running high viscosity oil.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I have a freeze plug style block heater. Its 600 watts, took about 20 minutes to install and will supposedly get the block heated to 90 deg in 1 hour. The electricity used to heat the truck up is very small compared to the fuel saved by avoiding the cold start. Plus the truck is already warmed up

Oh, and it only cost $15

SBC's use 2 5/8" freeze plugs and block heaters.

 

[rcamacho]

I have a freeze plug style block heater. Its 600 watts, took about 20 minutes to install and will supposedly get the block heated to 90 deg in 1 hour. The electricity used to heat the truck up is very small compared to the fuel saved by avoiding the cold start. Plus the truck is already warmed up

Oh, and it only cost $15

SBC's use 2 5/8" freeze plugs and block heaters.

Yeah, I'm considering getting one for my 402BBC. It's cold blooded and I dislike the sputtering when it gets down to freezing here occasionally.

 

[Ned Kelly]

The block heaters that replace your freeze plug work very well and are efficient. This style is offered as factory equipment in cold climate zones. Some people in cold areas even install two of them. A block heater and synthetic oil will make starting in cold weather seem like summer starting.

 

[JimmyJuneau]

This might make me look a little dumb. But hey I dont know the answer to it. So Ill ask. What exactly is a freeze plug? Is there fluid behind it? I know what they look like. Just dont know there purpose.

 

[UP K5er]

The freeze plug in intended to prevent your engine block from cracking when the temperatures get well below freezing. They are "weak" metal that will allow for expansion. That's basically the skinny on them.

 

[Metrodps]

My 1987 has one of the freeze plug types and it works good. The 1979 I had was built for a guy who was going to Alaska for pipe line work and my dad stole it out from under him at the dealer because the guy had money problems. It had one and a battery heater (a wrap that went around battery).

Used to love those cold winter mornings walk out unplug truck turn key and veeeroom nice and easy and toasty fast.

 

[TruckNutzDude]

Another vote for the water jacket heater... get it... water jacket...