It's -12 here in wisconsin right now, and I'm wishing I hadn''t put off installing a block heater during the summer. I have a 2004 OB 2.5 Manual, and I'm wondering how to install a block heater on it. I've searched the forums and only came up with a install for an 84 Brat.

 

Has anyone done this on a newer OB? I'm hoping someone has an engine diagram they could post that shows where this thing goes and how...

Whoa, is it safe to say that you have to drain the coolant from the system in order to install this block heater?

I hate to say it. But, if I had a 2004 and it was still under warranty I would have the stealship do it. I can just see SOA refusing any future warranty work should your engine have a problem.

Point taken. If I have to drain all the coolant as the instructions indicate, that's not something I want to do any where near my house, incase of spillage. I'm just not rigged for that work.

 

Anyway, Dealer wants $80 installed, and I'm not sure it's worth $60 labor for me to have the car warm in the morning. My last Subaru was a 97 with a bad gasket at 100K, so I won't ever be driving a Subaru past 55K - 60K.(I'll let some other chump discover Subaru's newest Flaw of the week/year/model over the 60K warranty) So this won't matter from a longevity standpoint. Thanks for the advice.

Go buy a magnetic oil heater and use it. Just remember to remove it before you take off each time.