Winter is coming up soon and I've been looking into gettin this for awhile but never did any research on it. For $30 bucks, is it worth it. It protects your engine against cold-start delays and damage, works as an electric blanket.

later,
Angelo

I would not think you would need one for a gas engine in NC?
I think there is another aftermarket one that fits in the oil dip stick hole.
Bob Shaw

I think our very own Phil (in the great white north) might be running one but I don't know for sure.

Ray

Angelo,

KISS, words to live bye. Keep it simple stupid. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> You will never get cold enough to warrant a engine heater in NC, I wouldn't even need one in CT.

If your concerned just do a coolant change for the winter and make sure you have the right mixture of coolant to deionized water, or just use the 50/50 mix that they sell at the auto stores.

No worries, I just think that an engine heater will just end up being more of a pita then it is worth in your climate.

I put one on my new block when I installed it in August. Just a nice forethought for $30 should I ever need/want it. I wouldn't consider putting one on unless you had your engine out for some reason. You'll have to remove your passenger's side exhaust manifold to even attempt to install one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Check out this link although it is for a 2.6L:
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=611456&Main=610662

Phil

I know what some of yall are saying. True, it might not ever get cold enough to really worry about it. I guess I dont really need it. Just thought if there was anything to prolong the engine life, i'm all for it!

BTW- how does it really work. Does it just warm up the engine faster on cold starts or does it keep your engine warm when its not running? Thanks for the advice guys.

later,
Angelo

A block heater is not optional up here. All new cars come with them. The temp can dip to -45* C up here occasionally, so if you don't have a block heater, you may not get your car started. Not to mention the wear it saves on that initial crank, when the oil is the consistency of jelly... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

They only need to be plugged in for a few hours to get the coolant up to optimal temp, so a timer is a good idea on the outlet.

I put one in my 2.6 with the engine in. I would've done the same on the 3.0 if I hadn't had to pull the engine out (this truck came from KC, but I used my old engine). There are also lower rad hose heaters, which I have used with good luck. They are not as effective as block heaters, but much easier to put in, and probably just as good if the temperature is not as extreme.

PHIL