Cain

Anyone got one? Are they easy to install or do you need to pretty much pull the engine? I found some kits for around $70 including a block heater and a battery blanket.

jhelrey

You can buy the magnetic ones that you just stick to the side of the engine.

Cain

They aren't nearly as efficient. Heat the outside air just as much as the block itself. Therefore, it would be a huge waste of electricity.

Reason I want one is because I don't always have time in the early morning to sit and wait for the engine to warm up a bit before leaving and I know what kind of damage just getting in and driving can do. Good way to blow a head gasket too.

Broncomanjoe

I'm looking into getting one myself and i looked at the magnetic ones but like he said probably not too good.. I really don't want to install one the "right" way which would be to pop out a freeze plug but That is probably the best way to do it so If any one has done this they should write up a how to.

TheJMC

They are real easy to install. Knock out the frost plug and put in the block heater. Tighten the nut and plug it in. Run the extension cord up to the front grill and you are all set. FWIW I removed mine when it leaked 5 or 6 year ago.

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Broncomanjoe

Well if its that easy.. Then i guess I'll try to get some time to get it done before it gets too cold around here ... yeah right its freezing already no snow yet which is amazing. but thanks for the info

Hit-By-Thunder

freezing,....

we hit - 32celcius last night about -25F. Went to start the truck this afternoon to pick up the kids after school,... turned over about 3 times and way too slow to start. It is plugged in right now for work tomorrow

When I plugged it in, I just stood beside the driver's front wheel well and listened for about 10 seconds to hear it snap and crackle,... yup, it works.

Rob/HBT

TheJMC

Back in the early 80s I used a propane torch under my oil pan to get my car started.

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tkjones2

ROFL sorry JM i thought i was the only one that did that was he only way we could get dad's old international started to feed cattle on those cold mornings, just had to watch out for the oil leaks.

i have the factory block heater on mine, the freeze plug type and its ok here in oklahoma but not great and it doesnt get that cold normally, if they still make them the perculating heater type they work much better, they are the type that you cut and put them inline with a heater core hose and it pumps heated water through the system. i put one a a truck back in the 80's when i was stationed up in missouri and it worked great

Broncomanjoe

Found this in my quest
http://www.metrompg.com/posts/block-heater.htm