Author Topic: block heater instal and questions?  (Read 4722 times)

Offline 75??? franken-trunk

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block heater instal and questions?
« on: January 23, 2008, 05:39:42 am »
my 350 has no block heater of any kind and i really would like to have one... how much are they on avg., which do you recommend freeze plug or hose style, and can a freeze plug style be put in without any removal of other parts. etc...
Jack'em High
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Offline werewolfx13

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Re: block heater instal and questions?
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2008, 03:52:39 am »
Freeze plug heaters are dang tricky to install with the engine still in the vehicle..I've heard about it being done, but I've never personally attempted it. I prefer freeze plug heaters just because they seem to be more efficient. A 675 watt freeze plug heater works about the same as a 1000 watt tank type heater installed with the input hose connected to an engine block coolant drain plug, and the output installed on the inlet hose on the heater core.
Chris
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Offline 76_Scottsdale

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Re: block heater instal and questions?
« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2008, 10:54:14 pm »
It's been about 0 degrees here all week so I went to Napa and got a lower radiator hose heater for 40 bucks and installed it in about an hour. It keeps the coolant fairly warm and is unbeatable for the price/ease of installation. If I ever have to take out my motor I'm going to install a freeze plug heater, but this works for now.
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Offline 75??? franken-trunk

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Re: block heater instal and questions?
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2008, 07:31:47 am »
Do you really need one? How cold is it where you live? http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2000836&TID=8014524F&productId=2000836&catalogId=10101


well it was -20 last nigth and it took 2 1/2 hours to start the truck so it would help... i put in a hose style but it is putting the hose to close to the fan for comfort, and it keeps blowing the fuse box in our basement
Jack'em High
Fat chicks can't climb

Offline werewolfx13

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Re: block heater instal and questions?
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2008, 11:33:24 pm »
I think I paid $19 for the 1000w tank type heater I put in my '84..I mounted it to the drivers side fender, connected the inlet hose to the radiator drain plug and the outlet to the inlet hose on the heater core..was an ugly setup, but it worked ok..its better to use a drain plug on the block as the inlet source for the block heater.
Chris
'83 Chevy c10 Silverado SWB
'76 Chevy k20 LWB 6.5'x8' Flatbed
“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Offline ssgoodman

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Re: block heater instal and questions?
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2008, 11:47:30 pm »
it was 26 below last weekend here in fargo when i left work at 430am.  my pickup doesnt have a block heater either and was wondering about getting one in.  my old 400 doesnt want to start when it sits outside for a period of time so i definately need one.