Author Topic: Engine block heater  (Read 1785 times)

Offline Chuck Step-a-side

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Engine block heater
« on: February 03, 2021, 07:30:14 AM »
Hey C10-ers,
I have a question about the optional engine block heater. I have a weekend driver 1984 Silverado Step-side with a crate motor 350 and Edelbrock carb and my concern is about the cold weather and the time it takes to get the engine to warm up for driveability. I live in Virginia Beach and the weather has been a little colder than usual (around 30 degrees). I got to thinking about an engine block heater to help reduce the warm-up time and gas intake. Even more so now that we are expecting the price of gas to go back up. I'm looking for a simple set up that I can plug and go. As always - Thank you for your help, Chuck

I thought I show off my Step-side. I'm proud of how far I have come to make this truck a dependable driver. From a jerry-rigged, piece of junk drive-train to a straight up running machine. Many thanks to this website for all your assistance. 
« Last Edit: February 03, 2021, 09:40:36 AM by bd »

Offline Da67goatman

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2021, 12:06:06 PM »
There's a few options for engine heaters.  First I'll split into coolant vs oil heaters.  There's the tried and true heater element that replaces a freeze plug and goes right into the block and heats the coolant inside the engine. 
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/KAT11401?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&

Then there are heating elements that are in a housing that splices into the lower rad hose.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/KAT16700?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&

Then there are "blankets" that adhere to the oil pan to preheat the oil
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/KAT24025?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&campaign=GSC-Catch-All&campaign_id=6478877959&adgroup_id=79272987338&adtype=pla&

As well as a heating element dipsticks
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/KAT15200?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&campaign=GSC-Towing&campaign_id=8911645606&adgroup_id=106416389246&adtype=pla&

I would avoid the dipstick unless you're going to monitor it as I've heard it can overheat the oil and cause sludge build up.

I would suggest using a timer of some sort on each of these as you don't need to run them continuously, just a couple hrs (2-3) before you start it up.
<Pitcrew>
1989 R2500 Suburban mild 350 TBI 700r4 10.5" 14bolt 4.10 w/ 33s
1992 fullsize Blazer 4x4  35s no lift, 4.10s, Hella driving lights, TJ Flares, Huge bumpers, Snorkel, custom interior

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2021, 02:30:25 PM »
Chuck your truck is really nice, congrats on bringing her back from the brink!

Does your engine have the stove pipe thermac setup? It's pretty effective.

BTW, live in your area from '70-76, teenager.

Goatman, those are solid recommendation, Thanks!!
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Chuck Step-a-side

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2021, 03:54:59 PM »
Goatman,
Thanks for the well-informed information. That's what I'm looking for!

Johnny,
Thanks for the compliment. I've moved here from San Diego back in1978 as a teenager and I'm still here for now.
There is no stove-pipe thermac due to headers have replaced the exhaust manifolds.


Offline TexasRed

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2021, 04:10:49 PM »
you can get the stove pipe added back with the headers. Hedman offers the "hot air" kit for hooking it backup https://www.hedman.com/emissions-components

30 degrees really isn't that cold and I don't know if you'd even get your money back for the oil pan heaters or a lot of drive ability. Especially since this is a weekend driver and not a daily driver. Yes, I've had an oil pan heater and it did seem to help.

Your best bet is to make sure your ignition system and your carb are totally tuned and that should help the most.

Offline Chuck Step-a-side

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2021, 05:19:36 PM »
TexasRed,

You may be right about that and I might be jumping the gun on this subject since I have been spoiled with fuel injection all these years.

I have my Edelbrock 1406 throttle set up to where the fast idle is set at 1200 rpm and then after a couple of minutes I can drop to the 2nd step to 900 rpm and after about 6 to 10 minutes to idle at 550 rpm. I might drop the fast idle down to 1000 rpm and see if that works smoothly. Thanks, Chuck

Offline TexasRed

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2021, 05:37:44 PM »
10 minute warm up?

1200 rpm should be about right, but you could probably kick it down after about 10 to 30 seconds and then drive it. It may stumble a little until it warms up, but 10 min seems rather extreme. The crate 350 should be fairly mild so shouldn't have to really feather it too bad.

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #7 on: February 03, 2021, 07:49:26 PM »
Is your air cleaner stock? If yes the heat sensor vac switch should work. Plug it into manifold vacuum.

If not, wellllll    ::)
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Mr Diesel

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #8 on: February 03, 2021, 07:55:25 PM »
Just let it fast idle for 30-60 seconds and drive it. Fastest way to warm up an engine is drive it.

My 305 with Edelbrock 1406 warms up fast driving. Some minor hesitation at full throttle until the choke relaxes.

I have block heaters on my diesels. They only warm the engine up to maybe 70*. Makes a difference for a diesel to start easier in sub freezing weather, but if you are starting your engine at 30* and drive almost immediately you will hit 70* in probably less than a minute anyway. Not worth the cost or effort to install a block heater unless its diesel or you live really far north.
« Last Edit: February 03, 2021, 07:59:23 PM by Mr Diesel »
1976 C20 Crewcab, 6.2L/SM465
1982 K30 Crewcab , 427TD/TH400
1983 C30, 6.2L/TH400
1983 K30 Crewcab 454/700R4
1986 K10 350/400. 1989 K30 cab/chassis 454/SM465

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2021, 05:09:59 PM »
Totally unnecessary and the juice ain't worth the squeeze. If it's a diesel, that's a different story.
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Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #10 on: February 04, 2021, 08:09:05 PM »
One small exception- Stap a 2x4 solar panel with micro inverter & battery storage to your roof with duck (sic) tape! You'll keep that baby toasty all day and most of the night...oh wait... :-[
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Chuck Step-a-side

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #11 on: February 04, 2021, 08:11:52 PM »
I have nothing that stock on this engine. No heat sensor or stove pipe heat-riser. The air cleaner is an aluminum Billhorn air cleaner which I'm assuming will not help me with the warm-up. Chuck

Duct tape and solar panels!! It would make more sense to modify a kerosene heater in the wheel well.

Sorry if there is a long period delay. My job is keeping me busy.
« Last Edit: February 04, 2021, 08:14:43 PM by Chuck Step-a-side »

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #12 on: February 04, 2021, 08:21:31 PM »
Sorry man, you're hosed :'(

Still, a stove pipe drafting to a venturi in front of your bill  ::)

I'll stop.

Nice looking rig though!
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline TexasRed

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #13 on: February 05, 2021, 09:36:02 AM »
Is that one of those accel hei coils? I doubt you're actually seeing the 45k they advertise except at dead cold.

I'd check the module and go with potentially an external oil filled coil. You may have to devise your own adapter though.

Offline Mike81K10

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Re: Engine block heater
« Reply #14 on: February 05, 2021, 09:57:57 AM »
The hose going to your water neck looks like it is almost ready to burst.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin