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  #1  
Old 01-11-2011, 08:34 PM
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Engine block heaters

I keep forgetting to throw this out here. My mechanic and I were chatting when I had the car in for the valve cover gaskets. He mentioned that he notices all sorts of gasket problems more in the winter and especially when we get the really nasty cold snaps. He surmised that people didn't let their cars warm up enough before stressing them. He believes that either driving up a big hill or pushing the car hard in any other way before the block is fully warmed can cause issues due to the large temperature differences between the core of the engine and the outer parts.

We were talking about how a simple block heater could solve that problem if it is plugged in about an hour before taking off in the car. And, of course, you instantly get warm air from the heater as soon as it is started so you get the benefits of that as well.

Comments?
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Old 01-11-2011, 08:39 PM
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Hocrest Hocrest is offline
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Re: Engine block heaters

I bought one, but haven't installed it yet. I think it was less than $50 from the local dealer. Probably closer to $30 mail order from Liberty...
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Old 01-11-2011, 08:45 PM
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Re: Engine block heaters

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Originally Posted by Hocrest View Post
I bought one, but haven't installed it yet. I think it was less than $50 from the local dealer. Probably closer to $30 mail order from Liberty...
Are you going to do it yourself? Any idea how much, or if all, of the coolant will get drained out? I read somewhere that the plug can be a ***** to get out.
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1996 Polo Green Subaru SVX LSi, 168,XXX miles, Redline D4 ATF, Redline 75W90 gear oil, K&N HP-4001 Oil Filter, Mobil 1 5W50 FS (3qt) and 5W30 High Mileage (4qt) Oil Blend, Motul RBF600 Brake Fluid, AC Delco A975C Air Filter, NGK BKR6EIX-11 plugs, Centric Rotors, Power Stop Evolution Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads
2005 Gray Acura RL, 165,XXX miles, Redline D4 ATF with Lubegard Platinum Protectant, Mobil 1 5W20 High Mileage Extended Performance Oil
2009 Red Toyota Venza, 123,XXX, Mobil 1 5W30 High Mileage Oil
1992 Red Ferrari 348 ts, 82,XXX, Redline everything
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Old 01-11-2011, 09:17 PM
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Re: Engine block heaters

I suppose that a block heater is better than idling, but quite frankly, neither is necessary unless you live in extremely cold climates.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-...warming-up-car
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Old 01-11-2011, 09:40 PM
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Re: Engine block heaters

Quote:
Originally Posted by Manarius View Post
I suppose that a block heater is better than idling, but quite frankly, neither is necessary unless you live in extremely cold climates.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-...warming-up-car
I think it depends on two things. How low is the temperature and how hard are you going to drive the car before it comes up to temperature? If you will pull out of your driveway and immediately climb a large hill and the outside temperature is 20 below then it may be wise to warm the engine up before setting out.
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1996 Polo Green Subaru SVX LSi, 168,XXX miles, Redline D4 ATF, Redline 75W90 gear oil, K&N HP-4001 Oil Filter, Mobil 1 5W50 FS (3qt) and 5W30 High Mileage (4qt) Oil Blend, Motul RBF600 Brake Fluid, AC Delco A975C Air Filter, NGK BKR6EIX-11 plugs, Centric Rotors, Power Stop Evolution Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads
2005 Gray Acura RL, 165,XXX miles, Redline D4 ATF with Lubegard Platinum Protectant, Mobil 1 5W20 High Mileage Extended Performance Oil
2009 Red Toyota Venza, 123,XXX, Mobil 1 5W30 High Mileage Oil
1992 Red Ferrari 348 ts, 82,XXX, Redline everything
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  #6  
Old 01-11-2011, 09:49 PM
North Ursalia North Ursalia is offline
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Re: Engine block heaters

You won't get an appreciable amount of coolant out of the block putting a heater in an EJ series engine- I can't imagine the SVX's motor is all that different. I highly recommend a 1/2" drive hex socket on a 1/2" breaker bar with about a 3 foot length of pipe if you don't have air tools. The plug isn't in there all that tight on its own- it's the thread sealant that makes it stick so damn well .
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Old 01-11-2011, 10:46 PM
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Re: Engine block heaters

My car has always had a block heater and I've always used it when it's below freezing. I haven't driven the SVX this winter, but my 240 definitely sees a benefit. It has a block heater, battery warmer and oil pan warmer and is generally showing something on the temp gauge before I'm out of my parking lot.

It hits -40 and below here on a semi-regular basis, so having a winter-prepped car is important.
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