Whats the ultimate block heater system?

[pyromanic]

So I have now got this Weber running pretty good. Thers still some linkage work to do to take full advantage of WOT, but I'm getting happier every mile.

 

Also need to find a higher quality choke cable, this cheapy I found is kinda sticky.

 

Speaking of chokes, I am concerned about the coming winter and cold weather.

 

Figure I should educate myself regarding block heaters. We live around 6000 ft elevation, and I expect cold starting problems once the snow comes.

 

So whats the "ultimate block heater" setup?

 

Pyro

[Vanislru]

When I was working up north [-30's -40's december to april] I used a coolant heater, oil pan heater, and battery heater wrap. I could have done away with the battery wrap probly cause these turbo motors are easy to crank with there low compression. I used a timer set to start warming things about 3 hours before I needed to head out to work and it seemed to be enough, tho I did have to idle with the aux heaters on in order to reach operating temps. O wieght oil is a good idea if it's really cold where you are.

[GLCraig]

Subaru sells a block heater that screw into the block and the heating element ends up being submerged in the engine coolant. It lists for roughly $30 at the dealer but if their a good dealer they'll wholesale it for around $25. Someone on the board posted on the board about getting a similar one at NAPA.

[pyromanic]

Subaru sells a block heater that screw into the block and the heating element ends up being submerged in the engine coolant. It lists for roughly $30 at the dealer but if their a good dealer they'll wholesale it for around $25. Someone on the board posted on the board about getting a similar one at NAPA.

 

Yea, I've heard that those are probably the best, as compared to splicing into the heater hose.

 

Where in the block do they screw in?

 

Pyro

[GLCraig]

Yea, I've heard that those are probably the best, as compared to splicing into the heater hose.

 

Where in the block do they screw in?

 

Pyro

 

if it's for your 85 wagon, it screw in to the bottom of the block on the right side IIRC. The plug you take out is about 2" in diameter and take a 14mm Allen wrench.

[RickOregon]

Hey Pyro, we just use the magnetic mount heaters that you can place on the side of your oil pan - or both sides, if you're in a hurry. Son out in ND found that worked well at temps as low as -30 F in Grand Forks. Also easy to replace or check operation, as they're exterior. And you can switch them around to other vehicles, tractors, etc., if you need to. Just a thought. Don't know if you call these "ultimate", but they're inexpensive and versatile.. Rick

[pyromanic]

Hey Pyro, we just use the magnetic mount heaters that you can place on the side of your oil pan - or both sides, if you're in a hurry. Son out in ND found that worked well at temps as low as -30 F in Grand Forks. Also easy to replace or check operation, as they're exterior. And you can switch them around to other vehicles, tractors, etc., if you need to. Just a thought. Don't know if you call these "ultimate", but they're inexpensive and versatile.. Rick

 

Thanks Rick, yea those magnetic ones are super handy. Used to have a couple back when------

 

I'm actually suprised they were working down to -30!! Never been anywhere it got that cold for more than one or two nites a year. And there cheap too!!

 

I like the idea or something that circulates the water through the block. Then the whole engine is warm. Just seems better that only warm oil, which I think what you get with the magnetic ones.

 

But minus 30------whew! I'm too old for that crap anyhow!

 

Pyro

[chef_tim]

If putting a Weber on is the only reason you thing you'll need one then I would say don't worry about it. Temps here regularly drop into the minus teen for weeks at a time during the winter. A good battery and a light foot on the go peddle is all you'll need. Tim