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Aether glider
06-15-2008, 01:49 AM
Would this be good for vehicles without a block heater? (http://www.wolverineheater.com/)

Would it help with MPG performance? I'm considering buying one for my wifes Xterra which doesn't have a factory available block heater.

fanamingo
06-19-2008, 08:04 PM
Yes it would help, but a frost plug type is probably better if you can find one for your vehicle. The one you've linked to attaches to the oil pan. This initially only heats the oil and doesn't do much for the engine block until you start the vehicle to circulate the oil. Because it attaches externally, it also radiates heat directly to the outside air. The warmed oil will reduce startup wear on the engine, especially at very cold temps. A frost plug style mounts inside the engine block and directly heats the coolant, and through that, the engine (even before you start it). Because it's internal, it wastes less heat to the outside and is a bit more efficient.

In praise of the lowly block heater (http://metrompg.com/posts/block-heater.htm)

HemiSync
06-19-2008, 10:56 PM
I want the DEFA Warmup system (http://www.defa.com/heating.php3?lang=3&ndid=). I swear sometimes the Europeans are just so darn smart when it comes to handling the cold.

Aether glider
06-23-2008, 01:17 PM
I want the DEFA Warmup system (http://www.defa.com/heating.php3?lang=3&ndid=). I swear sometimes the Europeans are just so darn smart when it comes to handling the cold.

That is pretty cool. I wonder how much that system would cost to run? Worth it though if its that cold out.

seftonm
06-28-2008, 01:13 AM
The oil pan heater will help, but there are alternatives that may be better. Inline coolant heaters can do a very good job at warming an engine. I have a ZeroStart heater and am quite happy with it. If you are handy or know somebody who is, installation should be straightforward and you will have some serious heating power. I have not seen a block heater in any vehicle that does a better job than the inline coolant heater in my car.

More info:
http://www.phillipsandtemro.com/coldStart/miscellaneous_cold_weather_products.asp
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2000837/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2000837/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/Ns-p_BESTSELLCOUNT|1/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=heaters

Harold
06-28-2008, 11:18 AM
I think the block heater is the only way to go and the least expensive, besides with 0-20 mtr. oil why heat it? It is like water even at 30 below.H

seftonm
06-28-2008, 03:48 PM
You may be surprised, Harold. I use 0w-40 and there is a significant difference in the time it takes for oil to get to the top of the engine between +10C and -15C. Heating the oil on cold days makes it flow like in summer and the lifters quiet down much faster.

Harold
06-29-2008, 11:17 AM
A block htr. also helps heat the oil. H

Aether glider
07-02-2008, 02:49 PM
I just receieved the oil heater. I"ll install it and see how it improves my FE. I'll have my EBH installed in a few weeks.



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