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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: flaminchiten on February 19, 2010, 08:49:25 am
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Hi all, I have a 1975 fleetside with a 454 in it. I would like to add a block heater since I am moving farther from work and have to jump on a highway right away in the morning and would rather plug it in then let it sit and idle longer.
My question is, what is the best option for this with the motor still in the truck, is it easy to install a freeze plug heater with the motor still in? I have seen some heating pad looking things that go on the oil pan, how good are those?
Any ideas thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated.
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I've seen coolant heaters that install in the lower radiator hose work well. Not exactly a block heater but like I said it seemed to work for what you're doing.
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I have one in place of the driver side rear freeze plug with the cable running along the frame and out through the first opening under the grill. When not in use I just loop the plug-in back through the second opening. Put it in 8 years ago because it was a pain to start up on a cold day. At the time I was running a HP series Holley carb which has no provisions for a choke so I would have to sit in the cold to keep her running by constantly feathering the throttle until there was enough heat built up to stay running on her own. Once installed, when I got to work I plugged it in and at the end of the day unplug and she would start right up and idle. Now even with the fuel injection, she is still a little cold natured, so I still plug in on days that are 45* or colder. It also warms the oil some which is bearing friendly. As for putting it in, wasn't a problem at all. As always, don't forget the jack stands before crawling under there. Knock out the freeze plug, put a little Vaseline on the o-ring of the warmer, push it in and tighten the center bolt. Best non performance thing I ever did.
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Thanks for the reply that is what I was looking for! It does not get super cold here in the winters but below freezing is common for most of January and February nights. It's more for the less time letting it warm up in the mornings to save on gas. I just ordered a freeze plug heater!