So I figured out how to install my block heater

[efusco]

If cost is your primary concern then do not bother with the EBH.

If, however, you're interested in saving a little more gas, you're interested in lower emissions, you're interested in faster cabin warm-up time in winter, then the EBH is a good option to consider.

With a short commute (8 miles each way?) you'll start seeing first 5 minute bars up from 25mpg closer to 40mpg, and probably a small bump in the second 5 minute bars as well. I can't really appreciate any benefit after that. But for you you should be very close to work within 10-15 minutes anyway. If that's the case then you may notice a much bigger relative increase in FE compared to those of us with somewhat longer commutes.

Not a lot you can do about the inability to plug in at work though.

[chimohio]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 10 2006, 03:20 PM) [snapback]330786[/snapback]</div>

If, however, you're interested in saving a little more gas, you're interested in lower emissions, you're interested in faster cabin warm-up time in winter, then the EBH is a good option to consider.
[/b]

Received the heater in the mail today - unfortunately pre-made plans will keep me from installing it until Saturday. It can, and does get cold here in NW Ohio, so I will take any help I can get, especially since my garage is not attached AND not heated. I will just have to put a big sign on my car to unplug the heater before I drive away.

[Frank Hudon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius biker @ Oct 10 2006, 06:24 PM) [snapback]330941[/snapback]</div>

Received the heater in the mail today - unfortunately pre-made plans will keep me from installing it until Saturday. It can, and does get cold here in NW Ohio, so I will take any help I can get, especially since my garage is not attached AND not heated. I will just have to put a big sign on my car to unplug the heater before I drive away.
[/b]

if you get some tie straps and hook the cord to some thing solid like the rad support you'll be able to back out with impunity. Best to unplug it though. Takes about 3 times to realise that when you go out in the morining that the car is really plugged in. Just like a regular block heater in cold climates.

[hdrygas]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SSimon @ Oct 10 2006, 10:39 AM) [snapback]330709[/snapback]</div>

OK. Autumn is upon us. It just may snow on Thursday here near Chicago. I've been trying to search for one comprehensive thread that contains information concerning winterizing the Prius and came up short. I'm interested in this block heater but don't know much about it. I'm assuming that one would have to plug it in to an electrical outlet every morning, no? It seems that three hours is more than enough time to heat the car to an optimum level for fuel savings, no? Does anyone have experience with how much fuel this part actually saves?

Based on my reviews of the other threads I've seen, it appears that short of obstructing the radiator a bit, there's not much else to do to enhance mpg. Is this correct?

Lastly, does anyone have pictures on installation of the block heater and/or protection for the radiator during very cold months? For the latter, I've seen posts that mention blocking parts of the radiator or simply openings in parts of the grill. I want to be certain that I don't block too much of the air flow for obvious reasons and pictures would help a whole bunch.

Thanks in advance for any information you can offer!
[/b]

There are a bunch of threads, including this one, that have information on radiator blockers. Do a search. Frank has the best low tech solution ( in my opinion ) and if you want to go for it I have the best high tech, and sadly high cost solution, but it looks good!!!

[chimohio]

Aargh!!! Is there a plastic surgeon in the house? I got the heater core installed fairly easily once I found the hole, but must have left half my arm and hand skin in the engine compartment attaching the cord. But it's done.

[dmckinstry]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius biker @ Oct 15 2006, 12:15 PM) [snapback]333061[/snapback]</div>

Aargh!!! Is there a plastic surgeon in the house? I got the heater core installed fairly easily once I found the hole, but must have left half my arm and hand skin in the engine compartment attaching the cord. But it's done.
[/b]

Well I'm about to try installing mine now, but where exactly is the jack point for a floor jack?
There's no way I could even try to drive the car up onto ramps. The ramps hit the bumper before they touch the tires. My intent was to jack it up and place the ramps under the front tire.

The manual shows the jack point to be about in the middle of the front axle (or whatever). I look under there (there's not enough room to reach under and feel around.), and see a square "pad" sticking down about that point, but it looks like it's made of rubber. Is that where I should be positioing the jack? If so, there's hardly any room to move the jack handle up and down.

There's so much plastic under there, I'm afraid a slight misalignment would tear things up.

The diagram I looked at is just that, not a photo.

Would someone who's done this please clarify?

Thanks.

Dave M.

[chimohio]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dmckinstry @ Oct 15 2006, 05:42 PM) [snapback]333103[/snapback]</div>

There's no way I could even try to drive the car up onto ramps. The ramps hit the bumper before they touch the tires. My intent was to jack it up and place the ramps under the front tire.
Dave M.
[/b]

Dave - I drove mine up onto ramps. An earlier user mentioned that he used the Rhino 8000 ramps just fine, so I bought some myself (figure I might need them later).
I had no problems getting the car up and there was no bumper scraping at all. With the hood open and looking up from underneath was pretty much able to see when the heater core went. Some of the earlier response have pictures. Good luck.

[Frank Hudon]

you put the jack under the cross member and no where else or damage will result. Get yourself some short scraps of 2x8 or 2x10 wood and make "climbers" so you can get the jack under the car completely and under the crossmember. Or do it side to side as you can see under the corner where the crossmember bolts to the sub-frame.

[mrbigh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius biker @ Oct 15 2006, 03:15 PM) [snapback]333061[/snapback]</div>

Aargh!!! Is there a plastic surgeon in the house? I got the heater core installed fairly easily once I found the hole, but must have left half my arm and hand skin in the engine compartment attaching the cord. But it's done.
[/b]

I installed mine yesterday, my first aproach was from under carriage and I couldn't pinpoint the rigth place, so I remember " hobbits" guidance, and my next attempt was from the top of the engine.
I removed the wipers, the wipers plastic skirt and the gutter below with the relay box and harness. All engine compartment and the fire wall is exposed and very easy to see behinde the scene of the Synergy Drive mechanics; it took a little diging and searching but finaly I found the opening. I tryed installing it with the harness attached but it is NOT enough room in the area. I squirted the heat sink/heat disipator compound first inside of the opening or almost all of it and then I shove it for good, the clip locks at 3 pm position and later the wiring plug, it is triangular shaped, so NOT mistakes can be made. Routed the harness through the back on the firewal and install the "thermostat" in the front of the engine for easy adjustment and control.
Engine compartment without wiper mechanism and gutter, the fire wall is easy accesible

I started looking thru this engine opening, location is 10" down just below of the heater hose pipe

I took the fallowing pictures from the top of the engine from right to left. You can see the heater core installed half the way

The EBH is electricaly connected to an outdoor variable set point thermostat, the mounting place is near the radiator and the sensing bulb in front of it

Power to the EBH is enabled by an Electrical timer and fed thru the PHEV plug at the front of the vehicle


Now I'm waiting for temperature below 40F to take advantage of the features of the EBH.

[dmckinstry]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius biker @ Oct 15 2006, 04:12 PM) [snapback]333144[/snapback]</div>

Dave - I drove mine up onto ramps. An earlier user mentioned that he used the Rhino 8000 ramps just fine, so I bought some myself (figure I might need them later).
I had no problems getting the car up and there was no bumper scraping at all. With the hood open and looking up from underneath was pretty much able to see when the heater core went. Some of the earlier response have pictures. Good luck.
[/b]

Thanks. I remember the reference to the Rhino ramps now. I guess I'll have to see if I can find some.

They must have a lower slope than the ramps I have. If I can get up onto them, ramps should be a lot easier than getting the jack in the right spot, so I'll try to go that route.

Dave M.