Engine Block Heaters?-not sure which type to get

[kc69]

Truck parked outside, need to get a engine block heater. I don't know which type to get. I seen the one that sticks to the outer bottom of the oil pan, the disptick type, magnetic.....confused. I would like the easiest install. How many of you have one on your truck, and what would you recommend. Thanks.

[airdale94]

The ones that go to the bottom of the oil pan and dipstick type are going to be engine oil heaters. An actual block heater will go into a freeze plug, and warm the coolant. They also have ones that splice into a radiator hose. I would go for the freeze plug type, but this is going to require the most work to install. As far as which one is best I don't know. I would say the freeze plug type. My trucks sit outside in Topeka and the only problems I have are the battery on the coldest mornings. I would look into a quality batt. and or a battery warmer.

[turp mcspray]

I like the soft plug heaters as well.

[71swb4x4]

I like the freeze plug heaters. I put the extension cord on a timer so the heater turns on about an hour before I will be starting the car. Don't forget to unplug it before you leave...

[mrein3]

When I had to park outside I used a lower heater hose heater. They worked real well for me.

Every car or truck I order now-a-days I check off "engine block heater". It only runs $20-$35 and is worth every penny. These are the style that replace a frost plug. I have found they they work well too.

Not to be a smart alec but I've been known to plug my car in while it is sitting in the garage about an hour before I leave. There is nothing like having hot air blow out of the heater when you back out into below zero weather. Well maybe there is - heated seats and a frost plug heater.

[airdale94]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

I like the freeze plug heaters. I put the extension cord on a timer so the heater turns on about an hour before I will be starting the car. Don't forget to unplug it before you leave...

Excellent idea!

[grayw0lf]

I prefer the natural south of the Mason-Dixon type block heater.

[airdale94]

Originally Posted by grayw0lf

I prefer the natural south of the Mason-Dixon type block heater.

Gotta' love being under the MDL!

[68C15]

2, yes two, frost plug heaters here. one on each side. plus an oil pan heater. the kind that glues to the bottom of the pan.

one thing to keep in mind is preventing the heat from escaping through the radiator. for this I use a pair of politician signs. the first one I leave in place for short in-town use and take out when I hit the highway. it slips between the rad. and the support quite nicely. the other is for overnight use ONLY while plugged in. I made some "U" shaped brackets from 1" flat steel and attached them to the sign. they slip over the top of radiator and support letting the sign slide between the shroud and rad. when I go to start ol' Cletus I pop the hood, slide the rear one out, unplug the 3 way lighted splitter laying inside the grille, and place the sign behind the seat. the "hooks" fit nicely over the back of the seat in the middle with the sign hanging between the seat and tank. if i was smart enough to set the defrosters on the night before the windows are clear and the thermostat is open.

[mike16]

I live in southern arizona now but after 2 years in colorado and three in minnesota I put a a block heater in every thing I own. one in each bank of the v 8's.

I also brought the battery inside and put it on a tricle charger.

Block heaters are also used to preheat race engines that have lot of aluminum parts

of course thers always mixing some gas in with your motor oil before you shut it off at night.Its also a quick way to test the wear on your valve guides and how well your valve cover gaskets work. It can get a little scarry too. but it does work

[Stocker]

Only ones I have used are the lower radiator hose heaters. Put 'em in two vehicles during a very cold spell in Missouri years ago. Easy to install and very effective.


Edit: a bit more info, if you're interested...

1) 1971 Dodge Maxi Van w/318... easy cold start, warm air from the vents almost immediately.

2) 1972 Triumph GT-6... small radiator, not much coolant capacity. Leave the vents in "Defrost" position, the warm coolant would circulate all night and keep the windshield clear no matter how bad the weather got. Jump in, fire it up, and drive off...