So I figured out how to install my block heater

[mrbigh]

I think that this REP. needs to go back to TOYOTA school to get up to date!!

[Frank Hudon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mrbigh @ Dec 7 2006, 03:06 PM) [snapback]359072[/snapback]</div>

I think that this REP. needs to go back to TOYOTA school to get up to date!!
[/b]

Some people you can train but lots of trainers are un-trainable. Reminds me of a brush with the local hybrid trainer. Didn't even realise you could actually get the can codes from a Prius and when I asked him what some of the lines of code ment he asked why we took the trim rings off the wheels? Can you say wall paper.

[jayman]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Dec 7 2006, 07:58 PM) [snapback]359098[/snapback]</div>

Some people you can train but lots of trainers are un-trainable. Reminds me of a brush with the local hybrid trainer. Didn't even realise you could actually get the can codes from a Prius and when I asked him what some of the lines of code ment he asked why we took the trim rings off the wheels? Can you say wall paper.
[/b]

Geez Frank ... what the hell are they smoking out there??

[Frank Hudon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ Dec 7 2006, 07:20 PM) [snapback]359122[/snapback]</div>

Geez Frank ... what the hell are they smoking out there??
[/b]

ya well what can I say. without getting in a lawsuit. I actually had a service manager say the Prius was just a fash in the pan. Sometimes the early adopters are a little in front of the pack.

[GeronimoPFudgemuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ Dec 3 2006, 06:30 PM) [snapback]357139[/snapback]</div>

If I recall, the Toyota WS fluid is already a synthetic. So unless you were driving around Winnipeg this morning, I doubt your fluids were "molasses"
[/b]

I call the above "drive-by sniper posting." Nothing to say, but says it louder to make up for lack of content.

Your implication that synthetic fluids don't thicken in cold weather are laughable. Perhaps you should spend some quality time over at www.bobistheoilguy.com and try again. But, in the meantime, if you think of something intelligent, please, jump right in.

As a public service, the thread here is block heaters. I bought one and it's helped my mileage. The first (5-minute) mileage bar is in the 40-50 mpg range instead of the 30-35 mpg it was previous to the EBH install. Let's think about why this would be.

Several reasons, the largest of which is OIL VISCOSITY. Yes, the ICE likely gets into closed-loop mode quicker with the EBH, but I'm betting the main reason for mpg increase is that my SYNTHETIC oil starts out much closer to optimum temp. My crankcase is full of Mobil 1, and has been since before the EBH install. So, if I'm getting an mpg increase by using the block heater (and I am), and if even synthetic oil gets thicker when cold (and it does), then you tore your britches when you equated a lubricant's being "good down to -50 F" with "maintaining the same viscosity down to -50 F."

If the EBH helps First-Five fuel mileage (and it does), then a transaxle heater would do the same thing for most of the same reasons. It would be even funnier if you were to tell us that you can't tell the difference in the way your Prius "glides" when it's 20-degrees Vs. 75-degrees, though such a decree would certainly round-out your personality profile portfolio.

And if there IS a difference between warm and cold glides (and there is), let's think about why this would be. Well, there's: wheel bearing grease, tire pressure, air density, and... get it? All the preceding are factors, but the overwhelmingly dominant reason is surely the transaxle lube viscosity at 20-degrees F.

Also, I think you know that my "molasses" reference was a thing called "hyperbole" but, lacking knowledge, you decided to capitalize on the terrorist aspect. Still, you probably did the best you could do.

While I'm a bit uncomfortable posting with this tone, the sniper aspect was uncalled for when responding to a topic that should, to a bunch of gas mileage gurus, be of more than "general" interest.

GeronimoPFudgemuffin

[Catskillguy]

Hello out there, who have installed and used the EBH.

Again, I'm not sure if I installed it correctly. I plug it in, and after maybe 15-25 seconds, I hear a clicking/humming sound. Is that normal? I have immediately unplugged it because I am not sure.

Thanks

[Tom_06]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Catskillguy @ Dec 8 2006, 08:08 AM) [snapback]359237[/snapback]</div>

Hello out there, who have installed and used the EBH.

Again, I'm not sure if I installed it correctly. I plug it in, and after maybe 15-25 seconds, I hear a clicking/humming sound. Is that normal? I have immediately unplugged it because I am not sure.

Thanks
[/b]

Mine is silent. I have monitored the current with an AC ammeter and it is constant. There is no thermostat cycling going on.

- Tom

[mrbigh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ Dec 8 2006, 08:21 AM) [snapback]359244[/snapback]</div>

Mine is silent. I have monitored the current with an AC ammeter and it is constant. There is no thermostat cycling going on.

- Tom
[/b]

This smooth operation of the EBH is as it should, is distributing the heat efficiently through the hole bored in the engine block, hence, doing it's job.

Catskillguy:For a clicking sound...?, more likely that the EBH is NOT al the way inside the engine block and the clip never catch-ed the boss on the block and /or it has not sufficient heat sink grease compound

[hobbit]

Is it the brake ECU and/or accumulator pump doing its little dance,
which could sound like it's roughly from the same area behind the
engine? Don't forget, when you open the door to pull the hood latch,
a lot happens in the braking system as it anticipates you getting in
and going somewhere.
.
Do the same experiment but don't actually plug the heater in right
away, and see if you hear the same thing.
.
_H*

[DGH]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Dec 7 2006, 03:44 PM) [snapback]359043[/snapback]</div>

They don't know what they're talking about. The Highlander Hybrid and some other models do require drainage of the fluid b/c the heater is actually a coolant heater. The Prius directly heats the block itself (less efficient) and does not require draining any fluids. I'd call and talk with the service manager, relate to him that you can bring instructions and photos along if their installers are unfamiliar, but that since the heater core simply slips into an existing hole in the engine block it does not require the disassembly and drainage...you can coyly ask if you'd be better finding a more experienced service department. Make sure they know that you know that this should take only 1/2-1 hour to complete.

All that said, this is not likely something they want to mess with. I tried to get the EBH installed for my HiHy and they quoted me in the $3-400 range which included the drainage and replacement of brand new coolant fluid...so I just figured out how to do it myself, saved the drained fluid and put it back in.
[/b]

Thanks Doc,
The advisor did shows the instructions to the tech.
I also am of the opinion that they don't want to bother with it.
This is the same dealer that spent an hour trying to reset my tire pressure sensor light, without success.

So bottom line, I will buy a set of ramps and do it myself.
Thanks for the advice, one other thing, may I PM you with an ER med. question?
Regards,

Dan.