where to find engine block heater

[beater_k20]

for a 1994 GMC K3500 with a 454 in it.

i dont know the first thing about these, but my sister's boyfriend wants one, so i've been put in charge of finding it for her. anybody got any ideas? preferences on brand or style?

 

[73k5blazer]

Dealer, eBay. Auto parts stores have some generic ones.

 

[Txchevy18]

Jegs is the only place I have found them so far. They replace a freeze plug in the block.

 

[79k20350]

Ive seen em that replace the dipstick and drainplug as well. I wouldnt wanna mess with freezeplugs

 

[HarryH3]

Advance Autoparts has 'em. I've bought one from them before. They can look up specific applications on their computer.

 

[garlicbreath]

Try napa.
I had good luck with one you put in the lower radiator hose, just cut a 2 inch section out and put the heater n.
Worked great.

 

[diesel4me]

many kinds..

I've seen the tank style ones that go in a heater hose at Wal-Mart for 18.99 here..

Zero-Start brand is what many parts stores sell around here...I'd say Napa or an idependent jobber parts store would be more likely to have one in stock,or a place that deals with big rigs..

Pep Boys has them here too--they are fast becoming the "J.C. Whitney" of parts stores here--they sell more accessories,bling-bling,and things like ATV's and dirt bikes than regular parts in the store near me...they are selling lots of tools too,and welders and garage equipment like engine hoists...

Just be sure your 110V outlet can handle the wattage--some block heaters draw well over 20 amps,so a 15 amp curcuit isn't going to let it heat up very long before the breaker trips!... use a heavy duty extension cord with 14 gauge wire or thicker too,if its too far to plug it directly into the outlet..I melted a 6" path in the snow with my extension cord last winter,and it was 14 ga.,rated for 1500 watts.. --it didn't fail,but it was just as hot as the heater was!..felt like it was ready to melt!..