Engine block heater..anyone install one?

[Firebird Phoenix]

I thought about doing this last year, but it was already too cold. It's that time of the year again, and I'm possibly looking into doing this. Last time I checked it was around $60 for the parts...

Has anyone installed an engine block heater? How hard was it too install and any pictures?

Pros?
Cons?

Thanks

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Engine block heater..anyone install one?

I thought about doing this last year, but it was already too cold. It's that time of the year again, and I'm possibly looking into doing this. Last time I checked it was around $60 for the parts...

Has anyone installed an engine block heater? How hard was it too install and any pictures?

Pros?
Cons?

Thanks

Dont bother...its not needed. I would opt to get a remote starter over a block heater...It is not hard to install though...you pop out your frost plug and pop in the block heater...it is basically just a frost plug, except it has a rubber seal with a wingnut behind it. There is a screw on the front, you put the plug in and tighten that screw down...Tighten it until it is nice and snug...if you over tighten it, the wingnut wings will break off at the back, and that plug will pop out when the pressure builds up.

Cons? Because of the rubber on them, that rubber will eventually corrode and go out. Mine just went out at the race track on sunday and left me stranded. When the block heater plug goes out, it is far worse then the normal brass ones. The block heater just bursts, and all your coolant pours out of the engine within about 1 minute...the brass frost plugs develop small holes and you will see the leak in your driveway.

If mine didnt blow out at the race track, but rather on the road...chances are I would be looking for a new engine right now, as nothing would register on the temp gauge as getting hot (no coolant in car) and you probably wouldnt know until it is too late, and you have your engine steaming up....

Pros? I never actually used mine so I can't say....but my remote starter works wonders in the morning, and I feel its a better alternative. Also allows me to hear the sweet sound of my car as I walk up to it in the morning:p

[Firebird Phoenix]

Re: Engine block heater..anyone install one?

Dont bother...its not needed. I would opt to get a remote starter over a block heater...It is not hard to install though...you pop out your frost plug and pop in the block heater...it is basically just a frost plug, except it has a rubber seal with a wingnut behind it. There is a screw on the front, you put the plug in and tighten that screw down...Tighten it until it is nice and snug...if you over tighten it, the wingnut wings will break off at the back, and that plug will pop out when the pressure builds up.

Cons? Because of the rubber on them, that rubber will eventually corrode and go out. Mine just went out at the race track on sunday and left me stranded. When the block heater plug goes out, it is far worse then the normal brass ones. The block heater just bursts, and all your coolant pours out of the engine within about 1 minute...the brass frost plugs develop small holes and you will see the leak in your driveway.

If mine didnt blow out at the race track, but rather on the road...chances are I would be looking for a new engine right now, as nothing would register on the temp gauge as getting hot (no coolant in car) and you probably wouldnt know until it is too late, and you have your engine steaming up....

Pros? I never actually used mine so I can't say....but my remote starter works wonders in the morning, and I feel its a better alternative. Also allows me to hear the sweet sound of my car as I walk up to it in the morning:p

Thanks for the reply. I wish I could get a remote starter, but I have a manual..so that is out the window. I think I may stray away from it as the negative possibilities seem to outweigh any gain. I just hate how cold it takes my car to start...stupid 3.4 lol

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Engine block heater..anyone install one?

haha...the overheating part I'm not 100% sure on...I know that our temp gauge is read off of the coolant temp sensors...if there is no coolant, then the only thing that that gauge can read is steam...so personally, I think if my situation happened when I was on the highway, my car was toast...

My coolant was out of my car withing a minute or so...I smelled something after I finished my second run, pulled over, and it was pouring out the bottom of the car...Huge puddle literally within 1 minute (looked like someone had a garden hose turned on somewhere in the back it was coming out so fast)

Because of the big puddle, I know it had JUST happened.

Now, my car is a 96, and it came with the block heater...so its taken my car 13 years to ruin that seal...I am sure you would be fine installing a block heater...my opinion is kinda biased...I've done alot of work to my engine, and the thought of almost loosing it, is enough to make me weary of having something I never use ever on my car again.

Im sure you will be fine putting one in, and the install itself shouldn't take more then 10-15 mins...and then you need to refill/bleed your coolant system...which is a walk in the park to...less then 1 hours work in total...

[techsan23]

Re: Engine block heater..anyone install one?

I wish I could get a remote starter, but I have a manual..so that is out the window.

They have remote starters for manuals also. You have to set it when you leave the car, and I guess leave it in neutral. I looked into adding one to my alarm a few years ago and never did, but they do have them available.