Block Heater
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 225
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From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Block Heater
Any of you all ever used the block heater in your car? I just plugged it in to warm up the block considering I'm using Water Wetter and a 75/25 (water/coolant) mixture. I just checked the user manual and it doesn't give any length of time it should be used or even when it should be used. The car is garaged and it was 32 degrees last night so I figured I'd warm her up 1st before taking her out. Any idea on use or time duration?
Thanks!
Bill
Thanks!
Bill
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Port Moody BC
Re: Block Heater (Bill-35thAnvrsy-88)
Block heaters are great!!! Doesn't get that cold where I am living but I have used mine a couple of times. It will not overheat the engine. Just plug it in at night and leave until morning or until you use the car again. Just keeps the engine warm thus keeping the oil from thickening saving the motor during cold starts. Not sure whether it will keep the contents of your rad from freezing though.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Tx
Re: Block Heater (drvette85)
Good point. The radiator and heater core may not benefit from the block heater's warmth. The safe bet is to use winter mix equal to the lowest expected temp. Even if you are garaged usually, Murphy's Law will dictate that the car is at the airport outside during a blizzard.
Unless you need a really cold mix, just draining the radiator will usually give you enough room to add sufficient antifreeze for the winter.
Unless you need a really cold mix, just draining the radiator will usually give you enough room to add sufficient antifreeze for the winter.
