I've got a 96 XJ with the standard inline 4.0, and I asked my mechanic to install a block heater I got that goes in one the freeze plug positions, once you break it out. He said he wouldn't do it because he said they tend to leak once they're installed.

So, I'm on to find another engine heater and I'm writing in to ask which one I should get.

The two I remember seeing is one that is just magnetic and just sticks to the bottom of your oil pan. The other style I believe installs where your bottom radiator hose comes out of the radiator.

If anyone has advice on which of these is better, or maybe any other version I haven't come across yet, please let me know.

Thanks yall.

Well I think I'd be looking at some of that 5W30 oil and forget about the heater if I lived in Lexington.. I spent several winters on both sides of the smokeys.. Sevierville, Tn. and Maggie Valley NC. We never even gave a block heater a thought.
It is a bit colder where you live but not that much, I don't think.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Done some more exploring and although I haven't seen a lot of mentioning of the tank type heaters they seem to be the easier to install and generally less leak prone than others. Anyone NOT like these kind of heaters. They seem to do a better job of heating overall.

Also, do these have to be mounted in a certain upright position or can they generally be turned to fit and operate where they can?

Thanks

There use to be a heater that replaced the oil dip stick. Unless the vehicle sits for days and the temp remains 0 F or less and it's pointed into the wind, 5W-30 oil and a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze/water is all you need.

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My former girlfriend lived in Anchorage for a few years. I'll be talking to her around Christmas. They all have plug-in heaters up there - If I remeber I'll ask what they all used. Everyone had one and it wasn't an issue.

The Jeep factory option block heater is in the freeze plug location. I never saw one leaking, (they are made of brass and copper) but I saw alot of the factory steel plugs leaking. He probably didn't want to do it because it's a pain in the arse to install one! If I were to install one, removing the intake/exhaust manifold would make it quite easy to install it properly. If you don't get it squared up in the freeze plug bore, it would probably be more prone to leaking. They seal to the bore with a thick o-ring.

If I remember right there is a battery heater blanket/wrap out there, it would be easy to install one. A warm battery and proper cold temp oil viscosity should get you started easily!

At your location, just use 5W30 as mentioned and slap an oil pan heater pad on that thing. Red RTV, duct tape, zip ties, done.

Block heaters do fail, but rarely. Corrosion is usually the culprit, for those who use tap water to mix their A/F.

Depending on the hose-type heater for coolant, you have to install them in-line. Disclaimer is to follow the mfr's instructions.