Block heaters

[Dan02]

It has come to my attention(this weekend) that my truck does not have a block heater, either that or we're too blind to find it.

Just wondering if anyone here has any experience getting one installed.

[Slava]

I don't have any experience, but I think that they only cost about $30-$40?

[ken0042]

Last time I installed one was 1996 and the part was $25- and that was for a run of the mill 305 Chevy engine.

Your biggest challenge right now is finding a mechanic with time to do one for you. My buddy was saying he is booked up through Christmas already now.

If it's a GM it's pretty easy, and I would guess Chrysler and Ford are also easy. Not sure about other models. What kind of vehicle is it?

[MoneyGuy]

I have a Toyota and Honda that are parked in an unheated garage at night and outside during the day. I don't know if I've even used my block heater. They both start without problem. I know I should use them because it would reduce wear on the cars. I'll put that on my to-do list.

I can't imagine a car sold in Canada not having a block heater.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

I can't imagine a car sold in Canada not having a block heater.

I'd be rather suprised as well. I know when I got my 05 Mazda, it took me so long to find where they buried the chord that I was convinced mine didnt have one either.

It should be there, just tough to find.

[stang]

My wifes denali goes in on Weds to get one....

Its from the States...

[Coach]

I have a Nissan Versa and if mine has one theres no finding it....I looked for it forever

[stang]

Oh yeah.. its going to be about $200-250 when all said and done...

(I need to build a shop)

[greyshep]

Originally Posted by stang

Oh yeah.. its going to be about $200-250 when all said and done...

(I need to build a shop)

Must have found out what team you cheer for.

[HotHotHeat]

Volkswagon wanted $490 installed today. I almost told the guy to f off.

[stang]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

Volkswagon wanted $490 installed today. I almost told the guy to f off.

Must have found out what team you cheer for.

[Vulcan]

If you're really in a bind, you can buy and install an in line water hose heater. I think you just cut the hose going to the car heater and use a couple of clamps to hold it in place. Measure your hose diameter before buying.

[Bill Bumface]

If your car runs synthetic oil from the factory odds are there is no block heater because it is not necessary.

[ricosuave]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

Volkswagon wanted $490 installed today. I almost told the guy to f off.

Never, ever go to a stealership. You should have told him, I have.

tunedub and midtown are both very reputable vw shops

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by Slava

I don't have any experience, but I think that they only cost about $30-$40?

I have no experience....it may costs millions

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

I can't imagine a car sold in Canada not having a block heater.

I have a block heater, just not sure it's working anymore, hard to tell though because the wife decided she wanted to use the truck last night partially drained the battery before i plugged it in so it won't turn over in the cold, and i completely lack the motivation to boost it until it warms up. Perhaps tomorrow.

And i do use synthetic and can tell you a block heater is still necessairy :P also depends on the vehicle though, my old car would start when it was colder then minus 40 with regular oil and never got plugged in. My truck on the other hand still struggles below minus 20 with synthetic or regular oil in it.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

If you're really in a bind, you can buy and install an in line water hose heater. I think you just cut the hose going to the car heater and use a couple of clamps to hold it in place. Measure your hose diameter before buying.

I know when I was in the same boat you can also plan an oil pan heater...something you could probably do yourself if your into that type of thing. Only around $40-$60 if I remember correctly.

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by jar_e

I know when I was in the same boat you can also plan an oil pan heater...something you could probably do yourself if your into that type of thing. Only around $40-$60 if I remember correctly.

From what i read via google, the oil pan ones are junk. And i just remembered i have a AMA membership guess i won't be braving the cold to boost it afterall. woohoo.

also should add from what i've come across, dipstick heaters are banned in Canada.

[Clarkey]

My block heater cord is located along the firewall at the back of the hood behind the transmission fluid dip stick. I had to rig up an extension cord to the front of the hood so I could plug it in. Why in the hell would they put it back there? This alone is almost making me want to see chrysler go under.

[guzzy]

my advice is keep looking

I just spent an hour under the hood of 05 Silverado. I found it. It was tied up but I unravelled it and got it hooked up.