Block heaters

[stang]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

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

I have never heard this... where did you hear it?

[LockedOut]

Originally Posted by Dan02

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.

Maybe your cord is shot. You can replace those for around $10.

[ricosuave]

^ not to add insult to injury or anything, but I have a brand new block heater cord you can have if you need it...

while it is true that synthetic oils are engineered for the cold weather, I am not so sure that they are a substitute for warming the coolant or the engine itself.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

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

Originally Posted by stang

I have never heard this... where did you hear it?

My MINI does not have a block heater, nor is one available or required. Then again, the engine is not all that big. Full synthetics all around from the factory.

[RogerWilco]

I have a 99 Jeep I got in Denver Co. no block heater but have never had a problem starting it in the cold. I have been planning to install one myself before Jan. but didn't expect this kind of cold this early. My Jeep starts but I am sure I am doing all kinds of damage to it.

[greyshep]

Originally Posted by stang

Must have found out what team you cheer for.

LOL. Touche'.

Thanks Mr. Heat.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

My MINI does not have a block heater, nor is one available or required. Then again, the engine is not all that big. Full synthetics all around from the factory.

Yup, my Cobalt SS was the same, no block heater available for the Supercharged model as it ran synthetic, but the regular model, with a very similar block, came with a block heater.

I think my S4 is the same, but I haven't hunted around too much yet.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by 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.

Happens all the time in BC. If you buy a used car from BC, odds are it doesnt have one.

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.

This is one of the better options, its magnetic so you just slap the bitch on the oil pan and you're good. Its most effective in combination with a conventional block heater, but its also cheap, easy and fairly effective.

[OilersBaby]

Ok I have an 08 Mini Cooper and I visit their forum lots (about as often as I visit CP). Anyways, they had a thread about Block Heaters and I had no idea what one was, felt so dumb. Now that I have it figured out, I can see how I didnt know what it was since I lived in Cali since Ive owned my own cars...but I dont get how in Canada, cars wouldnt already come with them!

[You Need a Thneed]

I tried looking for my block heater for a while too, couldn't find it. My rondo started up though just fine at -30.

I did the same thing with the Magentis I traded in for the Rondo, looked for the block heater cord, couldn't find it, eventually gave up, wen to the dealer to ask, and they said "your car is supposed to have a block heater, but we didn't have them in stock when you bought the car." Thanks for telling me!

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Dan02

I have a block heater, just not sure it's working anymore,

You should be able to hear it if it is working. When you plug it in, listen for a very low hissing sound. Its hard to hear in the city with so many other noises around though, but you should still be able to hear it.

[edn88]

My A4 does not come with one (nor do I think one is available). It runs on Synthetic oil -- and the one time I had it ouside in very cold weather (Chetwynd in December) it started fine.

Sure glad I have the heated seats though...

[showtime]

I can not for the life of me find my damn block heater cord. I'll fully admit i'm not a car guy, so i phoned my dad to double check there is in fact a block heater, he then proceeds to call me stupid and say you think when i installed a new engine i wouldnt put in a block heater. So i've spent a good 3 hours looking for that damn cord.

[4X4]

Maybe your dad is the stupid one. Maybe he ripped the cord right out by forgetting to unplug it.

[ken0042]

Showtime- what kind of vehicle is it? Knowing that we can tell you where your heater likely is, and you may be able to follow the cord from there.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by showtime

I can not for the life of me find my damn block heater cord. I'll fully admit i'm not a car guy, so i phoned my dad to double check there is in fact a block heater, he then proceeds to call me stupid and say you think when i installed a new engine i wouldnt put in a block heater. So i've spent a good 3 hours looking for that damn cord.

Well, if you installed a new engine, it may not have had a block heater. When I built a new motor for my car I didnt put a block heater in because I knew I'd never drive it in the winter. It totally depends.

[stang]

What kind of car Locke?

I am building a ford 390 and it wont be getting a block heater....

[Locke]

Originally Posted by stang

What kind of car Locke?

I am building a ford 390 and it wont be getting a block heater....

84 Mustang Coupe, I built a 347 stroker for it.

[showtime]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Showtime- what kind of vehicle is it? Knowing that we can tell you where your heater likely is, and you may be able to follow the cord from there.

Its a 97 sunfire.

My dad said he installed a new block heater when he put the new engine in. Possibility exists that he did rip the cord, but hes a huge car guy so it seems unlikely though he is getting old. haha.

[stang]

Originally Posted by Locke

84 Mustang Coupe, I built a 347 stroker for it.

Nice work!! Bet its a hoot to drive...