Block Heaters

[k20]

Ok, Im tired of my truck taking half the drive to school to even think about warming up. Therefore I am wanting to install an engine heater and since the motor is still 3/4 disassembled I figure now is the time to do it. Now I have a couple questions. First of all, which is better the freeze plug heaters or the lower radiator hose heaters? Second, how hot do they get the engine? I have considered 2 freeze plug heaters, 1 on each side for the ultimate warmth, but in looking around locally it seems only napa has those, and they are almost 40 bucks a piece. Advance Auto has em for 19, but they are special order only.

Where else should I look for one, and about how much should they cost? I dont really wanna fork out 80 bucks on block heaters especially when it doesnt get that cold, just doing it for my own comfort and to reduce wear on the engine.

 

[86dieselburb]

I just replaced the block heater in mine last winter. Car Quest had them for like $22 and they had a 600w and a 1000w version. 2 600w's would kick ass, IMO. That way you could plug it in for like 20 minutes before you have to go to where ever. The one have now, you need to plug it in a minimum of an hour before you need to go.

 

[BlazerBud]

The block heaters that install into the Welch Plugs are a steal at $19, I would order them, the $40 NAPA is resonable. Some guys install two but only run one, incase one goes out, it's a bitsch to dump all that coolant to install a new one. The heating element temp can get up to 400 f if run outside, but installed the water in the block removes heat from the element and it raises the water jacket temp up to just under the running temp barely. I can't hardly start my F-250 without the block heater on a cold day. My cab blows hot air immediately at start up, and it is better for the engine.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I have a 600W GM freeze plug style block heater in mine. It was $15 shipped (new) from ebay. It claims to have the coolant to 90 deg in 1 hour.

 

[k20]

well my 2 600w freeze plug styles came in today at carquest, come on winter gimme all you got...........watch now that I bought these it wont get below 50 all winter....*sigh*

 

[sandracer799]

well my 2 600w freeze plug styles came in today at carquest, come on winter gimme all you got...........watch now that I bought these it wont get below 50 all winter....*sigh*

Then go order some A/c

 

[kgblazerfive]

Can you keep them plugged in all night?

 

[kgblazerfive]

What about the ones that run inline in your heater hoses

 

[kgblazerfive]

Well did a search and got all my questions answered

Use a timer
Block ones work the best

 

[1979jimmy350]

i put 2 of the 600 W ones in mine, I did some quick calculations and figuring that i have 15 kg of coolant in my truck and neglecting the heat loss in the process they will change the temperature of the coolant by 100 C in and hour and a half, one word of caution i made a lot of assumptions in the calculations my guess is more like 2 hours to reach a delta temp of 100 C

 

[k20]

what are these kg's and degree C's you speak of.....

Anyway, today I tried to install one of em, I was going for the rear freeze plug on the drivers side. Got the freeze plug out, got the block heater up there, went to tighten the bolt and it wouldnt tighten up, ends up the element is hitting the cylinder liner. Is this going to be a problem? I read on another site that if its touching metal it wont work. I pulled it back and and messed with the element a little and it went in and tightened up, Im pretty sure its sealing, I put a dab of RTV on the gasket to make it seal a little better. But yeh my main question is, if this thing is touching metal is it going to work? Thanks

 

[1979jimmy350]

it should still work touching metal the engery transfer will just not be as efficient that way