Has anyone here added a block heater??? If so is it an easy add on?? where did you get it ??? how much??? I just got back from Canada and it was cooooold!! the engine didn't seem to like being outside for a week in -0* temps!!
Thanks in advance
It wanted to install one after listening to my truck turn over at -25* it didn't seem to like it.It would heat up sooner,less wear,and I figured it would not be too expensive either.My old truck had one and you could tell the difference plugged in and not.
also another little toy for the truck that is functional
I wasn't aware that regular fuel gelled at lower temperatures?
Gas doesn't gell, but the oil still gets thick, making the starter work harder than it should (I know - use synthetic oil). But a heater makes them warm up quicker and cause less wear and tear, and reduces fuel consumption and pollution from the richer mixture on cold starts.
I have had block heaters on all my trucks (yes, I used to drive gassers ) since I moved up here to Alaska many moons ago.
There's a couple of options:
A freeze plug type heater that requires you to drain the coolant and replace a freeze plug with the heater element. They can be hard to install if you can't find an easily accessible freeze plug.
Tank type heaters that you mount down by the frame and run hoses from a block drain port to the heater and then up to a tee in the heater hose. They heat the block by thermal circulation (hot coolant rises to the top, and cold coolant enters the bottom of the heater). They are generally easier to install than freeze plug heaters.
Another is a glue-on oil pan heater - they heat the oil, but are less effective in heating the block.
You forgot the battery heater blanket and the dipstick heater. When I worked in Alaska, there were some folks that had them all.
__________________
2002 F-350 SRW Lariat,4X4, PSD with too many goodies to list. 182k and a very strong 7.3. SOLD
2008 F-250, SC Lariat, 4X4,Shortbed, Pueblo Gold/black, V-10, 4.10, auto, Delivered on 9/7/07, great looking rig. South Texas bumpers front/rear, Air Raid Intake System, Diablosport Predator, Magnaflow, Husky's, JJ's, Ford alarm/remote start, Marathon seat covers, Sirius, PIAA, Access cover, Weatherguard tool box, Rhino liner, Michelins, Duraflap mud flaps, Escort 9500i, MagHytec rear dif cover.
2007 Lincoln LT (wifer's grocery getter),Superchip,Magnaflow duels, K&N dropin, Leer Browning Special
1996 Ford Bronco EB; almost stock
2007 Kubota 900 RTV diesel with goodies. pappy's truck
When I was stationed in Maine. I did a freeze plug heater in my 86 Silverado. Very easy to do through the wheelwell. As stated above just needed to drain the radiator completely before popping out the plug. Wasn't to hard getting the plug out. Just punch the center with a wide flat screwdriver and work on popping it out.
Worked great on them -20/30 degree nights. Started nice and easy plus didn't take long to get heat. Now the seat cushion is a different story (frozen and thowed with the heat from my but)
__________________
"Jake" 08 F250 Sport 6.4 CC SB 4x4
"Purple Haze" 93 Explorer Sport full width axles, locked, 513's, doubler, ready for fun.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
) since I moved up here to Alaska many moons ago.
), AIS, 
Linear Mode
