Block Heaters

[green swift]

I finally installed my block heater into my swift.
This thing is the best mod I have done to date.... My first
tank almost matched my best summer tank.My best summer tank
was 715km to 31L. My last tank with outside air temps was
around 2 degrees to 6 degrees Cel.The final numbers for that
tank with sometimes a huge head winds was 685km to 31L.
I used the heater on every trip for about 1 to 2hrs before
start up.Still testing my other mods will post more results
later.

[brucepick]

What kink of heater?
Installed into freeze plug?
Or maybe the kind that heats the oil in oil pan?

[Snax]

I just ordered a 1000W coolant tank style heater today. On a small 4-cylinder, it should warm everything up within 1-2 hours. I did allot of reading and research on the various methods and decided on this type because it can work the fastest without the risk of overheating since it is regulated.

I think it makes more sense to use a higher power unit to heat quickly because you end up wasting allot of energy by running a lower power unit all night. A $20 timer set to kick on 1 hour before I leave for work should work well with this.

I think the oil pan heaters probably work ok, but not well enough to have a 'warm' motor when it's really cold out. You also have to watch out for the non-regulated ones which can push 400F! I don't think motor oil is really rated for that. So you end up with a heater that creates a hot spot that isn't enough to really warm the motor fully.

I opted away from the freeze plug style for the higher wattage and easier installation.

[2TonJellyBean]

I'm using a 400 watt unit. When colder, it is set on a timer to go off around 3.75 hours before I unplug and drive off. SG shows WT around 29°C (85°F). Any longer and it doesn't go any higher, the heat just gets sucked elsewhere.

Just under 2 hours gets the same deal early fall...

[green swift]

Originally Posted by brucepick

What kink of heater?
Installed into freeze plug?
Or maybe the kind that heats the oil in oil pan?

I use the clamp on heater with some mods. It works as long as I have it on for at least 2.0hrs. I am also going to try amsoil 0w30 next change to try to fend off the cold weather blues....

Green Swift

[2TonJellyBean]

Anyone found a cap?

Mine is 30°C/86°F WT. If I leave it plugged in, that's as high as it goes. Tough part is gaging when to trigger the timer to come on to get to 30° without wasting a few hours if it gets there too early?

[4bfox]

I did some shopping, found the best deal on Amazon.com.....1000watt tank heater $40.62, 1500watt tank heater $46.33. They also have 375-650 watt water hose heaters, I used to use that style, worked OK for me.

I'm going to install a 1500 on my VX, and two 1000s on my kids' cars. They're parked outside, so this'll be a nice Xmas present! Now all I need is a couple of 50' extension cords.....

[TomO]

Originally Posted by 4bfox

I did some shopping, found the best deal on Amazon.com.....1000watt tank heater $40.62, 1500watt tank heater $46.33. They also have 375-650 watt water hose heaters, I used to use that style, worked OK for me.

I'm going to install a 1500 on my VX, and two 1000s on my kids' cars. They're parked outside, so this'll be a nice Xmas present! Now all I need is a couple of 50' extension cords.....

Just an FYI for the Honda guys...The stealership can usually get you the OEM screw in freeze plug heater for around $40. Takes up less space than the tank style heaters, takes no more than 10 minutes to install.

[Erik]

Tractor Supply company- $32 for a 1000 watt tank type unit, thermo regulated 135-175 degrees

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_33681_______14345|14397 |14410|14413|33681?listingPage=true

Note: the pic shown on the website ad is not correct- this is a tank type heater that you plumb in to a heater hose (I saw one in the store 4 days ago)

1500 W = 37.22

2000W = 45.46 (better buy a heavy extension cord)

[Daox]

Originally Posted by TomO

Just an FYI for the Honda guys...The stealership can usually get you the OEM screw in freeze plug heater for around $40. Takes up less space than the tank style heaters, takes no more than 10 minutes to install.

Same for Toyota guys. I just ordered one last week for my Matrix from https://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/. It was $28 plus shipping which I'm guessing will be less than $10. As a side note its not listed on their site for some reason, so you'll have to call them.