Engine block, radiator heater question

[Tlhfirelion]

I'm looking to add some radiator/block heaters to my 2001 Sequoia and 2014 Camry. I don't live up north but we do get freezing temps, some snow and ice from time to time and since I don't have a garage to park my cars in, I think this would be a nice addition to my vehicles. I've never installed these and they were already on the vehicles I had when I lived up north for a short bit.

I liked the lower radiator hose types but for some reason none of them say they will fit my cars which I don't understand as they go by radiator hose size. I don't know how involved an actual freeze plug type install is but from what I can tell it looks much more in depth.

Can any of you that use these provide any feedback on what brands (Kats, never freeze, etc) are best and what style would work?

Thank you.

 

[09_GXP]

I think the Camry has a pre-cast location in the block that a heating element just slips into. No need to disconnect hoses or drain fluids. I installed the same part on my Yaris and it worked just as well as the heaters that go into a freeze plug.

http://parts.toyotaofdallas.com/manufact...913?parent=1061

 

[Bgallagher]

To be honest I wouldn't bother. Considering where you live it literally makes no difference. Heck. I am running 15w40 in New England and I don't see any issues. I say save your money and buy your wife/girlfriend/partner whatever dinner instead

 

[Srt20]

I'd rather put a heater pad on the oil pan than the coolant heater.

But then again I'm in WI and use neither. Even on my diesel, that sits outside.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: Tlhfirelion
I'm looking to add some radiator/block heaters to my 2001 Sequoia and 2014 Camry. I don't live up north but we do get freezing temps, some snow and ice from time to time and since I don't have a garage to park my cars in, I think this would be a nice addition to my vehicles. I've never installed these and they were already on the vehicles I had when I lived up north for a short bit.

I liked the lower radiator hose types but for some reason none of them say they will fit my cars which I don't understand as they go by radiator hose size. I don't know how involved an actual freeze plug type install is but from what I can tell it looks much more in depth.

Can any of you that use these provide any feedback on what brands (Kats, never freeze, etc) are best and what style would work?

Thank you.
You could ask the dealers what they sell for the car.

 

[mazdamonky]

My vote goes toward using a 5w30/0w30 or 5w20/0w20and not to worry. Both are rated far down into the negative temperatures and I don't see temps in Missouri getting 30 below often if at all. In fact it looks like the last time that happened was in 1905. based on quick research.

 

[Bzab32]

I would also think it is not worth the hassle. Ive never actually used the block heater on my gas vehicles and we commonly reach temps in the -20F to -30F range here in WI. I use it on the Powerstroke when it gets below -20F but basically everyday is around zero and I have had no problems in winter. If you want your car to warm up faster, get an autostart. As with oil i have found that a 0w-20 does help when things are below zero but above they have no significant different IMO.

 

[Tlhfirelion]

Ive seen those and thats a cake walk to install, thanks for the heads up on that!

 

[Tlhfirelion]

Well, I have a few coworkers that use them and they defrost MUCH faster than my sequoia does and get to leave work sooner soon......lol.....it's worth it. I hate having to deal with warming up a car and since a garage is not in the budget, this is the closest thing to making me feel rich. lol

 

[Tlhfirelion]

I've seen those and wondered which was better, warm oil or warm coolant.

 

[Tlhfirelion]

The camry uses 0w/20 and I'm 5w30 in the sequoia. This would just be something for comfort and less idle time, scraping of windshields, etc.

 

[Tlhfirelion]

That has got to be a daytime temp as we routinely get below freezing at night and then you add the wind chill.......maybe I'm just a puss.

 

[Tlhfirelion]

Thanks for everyones replies and help!

 

[javacontour]

Keep your floor boards clean and put a space heater in the drivers side floor. Hang the cord out the door and plug it in a few hours before you leave.

It will be toasty warm in your car and all the ice and snow melted off.

I had mine on a timer so it would turn on early in the AM and run for 3-4 hours before I went to work. OR when I was on-call, I had the time set to cycle on and off each hour, keeping the car warm and ice/snow free.

Never burnt up a car doing this when I lived without a garage.