25 replies to this topic

[opus]

What is the best way to go. I like bottle heaters best. Freeze plug heaters the least. Suggestions for an ea81 and an ea82 needed.

[subiemech85]

same option as ea71
block heater
search

[Pontiac6KSTEAWD]

I personally prefer the In Line heaters with pumps. They circulate the warmed antifreeze thru the entire engine, and because of the radiational affect, it also warms the oil. And because of the coolant bypass system that all cars have, the coolant thru the whole engine, radiator, heater core, will be warmed to about 90 degrees. It also means less snow clearing in the hood area.

Its also the easiest to install. Can be done, with a cold engine, in about 20 minutes.

[opus]

I personally prefer the In Line heaters with pumps. They circulate the warmed antifreeze thru the entire engine, and because of the radiational affect, it also warms the oil. And because of the coolant bypass system that all cars have, the coolant thru the whole engine, radiator, heater core, will be warmed to about 90 degrees. It also means less snow clearing in the hood area.

Its also the easiest to install. Can be done, with a cold engine, in about 20 minutes.

What particular model heater and where do you end up putting it, under the spare, in the heater hose?

[Pontiac6KSTEAWD]

I beleive this is the style, althou I dont remember exactly. Was 3 years ago that I installed it. I would have to contact the seller to see if this is the pump style, althou it looks like it is. But I am not sure.

http://cgi.ebay.com/...p3286.m20.l1116

Yes it does go into the heater core lines. I do not like the ones that go into the main radiator hoses. Silt, and other things can form on the heater elements over time, and drasticly reduce the coolant flow. In the heater core lines, you will notice a slight diference in the amount of heat that comes out of the vents as the silt builds, but will not affect how the engine is cooled.

If memory serves me right, we bought 5 feet of heater core hose from a parts store, and took the old one out completely. Mounted the pump/warmer in front of the strut tower with a strap. Then used the new heater core hose to connect it all together.

This was on a 94 legacy, so there was no spare tire under the hood. Althou I imagine it could easily be mounted under the spare tire, using the spare tire carrier shelf as a mounting point.

[subiemech85]

the one in the link is OVERKILL and has NO PUMP
I have yet to find one with a pump

400W block heater works great

[opus]

Popping out a freeze plug is not really an option for me at 0 degrees outside.

[subiemech85]

it's not a freeze plug!!!!!

for ea71 and ea81 the plug is on the front of the block to the left of the crankshaft

for ea82 the plug is on the bottom of the block below the oil fill tube

use a 14mm bit to remove
the plug is 36mm thread

BTDT on ea71 ea81 ea82

[Pontiac6KSTEAWD]

For me to take a look at the one that I have that has the pump, I would have to wait till June or so. Its on my moms car in South Dakota, I am in Missouri, and I wont be seeing her anytime really soon.

[opus]

it's not a freeze plug!!!!!

for ea71 and ea81 the plug is on the front of the block to the left of the crankshaft

for ea82 the plug is on the bottom of the block below the oil fill tube

use a 14mm bit to remove
the plug is 36mm thread

BTDT on ea71 ea81 ea82

Ahhh....ok, I shall take a peek.

[opus]

Have you a part number for the heater? I assume it is a threaded block heater that goes in the hole? Without looking, I am guessing it is the big plug on the front. I wonder what it will take to get that out.

[mdjdc]

If one from an EJ 25 block will fit, then I have one with the wires you will need to plug it in. Installation is really simple.

Make me an offer and I can pull it from my spare engine and send it to you . You will save a bunch over buying new. I can even submerge it in a bucket of water and make sure it is fully functional.

Mike

[opus]

Thanks but at $27, I figure I would buy one for each rig. Thanks for the offer.

Now....what to use to take the plug out. :/

[subiemech85]

http://www.ultimates...ht=block heater

or SEARCH for subiemech85 block heater

[opus]

I have no outlet for tools. I searched and looks like you cant buy Cornwall tools online. I do have a 3/4 impact gun though.

Anyone make a tool for plug removal?

[Pontiac6KSTEAWD]

From my local parts store, I found the part number, and maker.

Maker - ZeroStat
Part # 33080002

Was like 50 bucks, this is the warmer, with a circulation pump.

[Txakura]

I just picked up a 1000 Watt 'Kat's' recirculating coolant heater from Schuck's for $30. It looks to be a pain, it has to be mounted low, bled thoroughly and preferably tied into the block drain and fed back to the water pump inlet.

It comes with clamps, some fittings, and a mounting bracket. It's 110v for cold nights.

Maker "Five Star MFG. Co. 'Kat's Heaters'" part number 12100

I'm in the same boat, it's -2 F outside, and I need it badly, but really really don't want to deal with installing it in the snow.

Oh, I'm a newbie to the bbs, hello to everybody.

Edited by Txakura, 23 December 2008 - 01:13 AM.

[opus]

Greetings Txakura!

Anyway we look at it, its going to be a sucky job. :/

[Pontiac6KSTEAWD]

That sounds like the one I installed on my Legacy, it looks more dificult than it really is.

[subiemech85]

harbor freight has a metric set includes 14 and 17 http://www.harborfre...temnumber=98229
cornwell recommended as it was the shortest due to limited access
Mac is a nice medium length bit

[opus]

I can see I'll be making one out of a bolt and nuts. :/

[blindrummer]

it's not a freeze plug!!!!!

for ea71 and ea81 the plug is on the front of the block to the left of the crankshaft

for ea82 the plug is on the bottom of the block below the oil fill tube

use a 14mm bit to remove
the plug is 36mm thread

BTDT on ea71 ea81 ea82

thanks subiemechanic85
so for an EA81 i just have to find a block heater with 36mm thread
YEAH:lol:now Hero can wake up

[blindrummer]

does this block heater that goes next to the crank pulley on an EA81 go into the coolant jacket
if so i'm going to replace the thermostat at the same time

[subiemech85]

yes
ok be sure to use a t-stat with a juggle pin STANT SUPERSTAT works great
best way to drian block is to remove drain plug in head, 14mm socket

[elBradford]

it's not a freeze plug!!!!!

for ea71 and ea81 the plug is on the front of the block to the left of the crankshaft

for ea82 the plug is on the bottom of the block below the oil fill tube

use a 14mm bit to remove
the plug is 36mm thread

BTDT on ea71 ea81 ea82

I'm sorry to resurrect a 2 year old thread! But I need some clarification. The mounting port is 36mm threaded? I can't find any threaded engine block heaters for my 1994 Subaru Loyale, just this that supposedly fits: Kats 11405, however that is the rubber gasket style. Thanks for any feedback, I need to get this guy warm before my daily 5:00 am drives.

Also, I found this PDF that shows where to mount the heater. Is this correct?

Edited by elBradford, 15 January 2011 - 05:07 PM.