Block heater?

[Cheaplabor]

Hey, anyone ever use one of the lower radiator hose heater. I was wondering if they work good or if I should just break down and get a freeze plug heater put in. It was -10* to -25* this week in the morning and I think a heater would be nice to have.

 

[daniel3507]

I posted a question about that but havent gotten an answer. I was told that if you dont have a stock block heater, you have to get the lower radiator hose one. I dont know if I believe it though

 

[Cheaplabor]

I'm pretty sure you can put the plug heater in but my buddy just was told it would cost $150 to get one installed. The hose one would cost $30 and I could do it myself.

 

[igiveup]

Hello

Years back on my Chevy I had a block heater on my heater core hoses and it worked great. I had heat as soon as I started it.

igiveup

 

[daniel3507]

Maybe the heater core ones also heat the air that you get through your vents and the freeze plug ones heat just the engine block?

 

[Duggo]

The hose heaters work fine, just be sure to install it in a horzontal part of the hose.

 

[AllanD]

I'd personally prefer the freeze plug type heater to warm the engine
But my inclination on a V6 engine would be to install TWO of them,
one in each cylinder bank.

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[Ronv]

Way back when had a block heater in an old 51 ford flathead! The water heated the block just fine and heat was immediate, great in those cold chicago winter days. Did not need two since the block conducted the heat admirably.

 

[AllanD]

I wouldn't leave it on all the time but would instead run it on a timer, timed to come on about two hours before I need it.

1800watts for two hours burns a lot less power than 900w all night long
with the wind carrying the heat away.

The battery warmer OTOH I'd leave on all the time.

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