So I figured out how to install my block heater

[Bill Lumbergh]

With the onset of cold weather here in AK, I didn't get my block heater done a moment too soon. I suspect it will snow in the next seven days.

The OEM heater is about 3/4" thick and nearly four inches long. Finding a hole in the block for something like that was a challenge. Finalyl I relented and visited the local dealer. A nice service writer was kind enough to explain in detail where the hole was and how to complete the installation. He did tell me it was difficult and that they charged 1.5 hours labor for it. With knowledge in mind, I set about the task anyways.

After jacking up the car, feel around the driver's side of the block just below the heater hose. You'll feel a smooth machined hole. Simply orient the block heater with the longest prong and the clip toward the back of the car, grease it up (with the supplied thermal transfer grease) and slide it into the hole. Piece of cake. I ran the power cord over the top of the engine and zip-tied it to an exisiting harness, then snapped it into the heater element and zip-tied the harness to the heater hose (it's padded, so the zip tie can't cut it). I considered routing the cosrd out the front of the grill, but I use a seperate timer and I want to keep it dry, so it will go under the hood.

If anyone has any questions about the install, feel free to shoot me an email.

[Frank Hudon]

Originally posted by Boxster...WRX...Prius?@Oct 7 2005, 09:33 PM
With the onset of cold weather here in AK, I didn't get my block heater done a moment too soon.  I suspect it will snow in the next seven days.

The OEM heater is about 3/4" thick and nearly four inches long.  Finding a hole in the block for something like that was a challenge.  Finalyl I relented and visited the local dealer.  A nice service writer was kind enough to explain in detail where the hole was and how to complete the installation.  He did tell me it was difficult and that they charged 1.5 hours labor for it.  With knowledge in mind, I set about the task anyways.

After jacking up the car, feel around the driver's side of the block just below the heater hose.  You'll feel a smooth machined hole.  Simply orient the block heater with the longest prong and the clip toward the back of the car, grease it up (with the supplied thermal transfer grease) and slide it into the hole.  Piece of cake.  I ran the power cord over the top of the engine and zip-tied it to an exisiting harness, then snapped it into the heater element and zip-tied the harness to the heater hose (it's padded, so the zip tie can't cut it).  I considered routing the cosrd out the front of the grill, but I use a seperate timer and I want to keep it dry, so it will go under the hood.

If anyone has any questions about the install, feel free to shoot me an email.

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I've found with mine 3 hours keeps the ICE at about 42-47C depending on OAT. Up there with colder weather you might need more but with the thermous and a block heater 3 hours should be about right.

[endoildependency]

Boxster, your avatar! LMAO!

Did you drive the Prius up there?

I like Anchorage. Drove my family up there in '97 (from Long Beach) in a '97 Saturn wagon---wife and 3 kids---roof rack---camping all the way. Tried to see Denali close-up but it was clouded in.

The daily fluctuation in the channel where the whales hang out blew my mind.

I was raised in upstate N.Y. with severe winters (down to 30-40 below at times). Wouldn't do it again. Un-unh.

At least you aren't in Fairbanks.

[efusco]

Where did you get your OEM block heater? How much was it? Can I come live with you in Alaska? Have you seen termination dust yet?

[Bill Lumbergh]

Originally posted by endoildependency@Oct 8 2005, 03:56 AM
Boxster,  your avatar!  LMAO!

Did you drive the Prius up there?

I like Anchorage.  Drove my family up there in '97 (from Long Beach) in a '97 Saturn wagon---wife and 3 kids---roof rack---camping all the way.  Tried to see Denali close-up but it was clouded in.

The daily fluctuation in the channel where the whales hang out blew my mind.

I was raised in upstate N.Y. with severe winters (down to 30-40 below at times).  Wouldn't do it again.  Un-unh.

At least you aren't in Fairbanks.

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I did drive it up here.......check out my signature fo the details.

I have yet to see Denali or the whales. it's always clouded over, and I'm not much for sightseeing.

[Bill Lumbergh]

Originally posted by efusco@Oct 8 2005, 09:33 AM
Where did you get your OEM block heater?  How much was it?  Can I come live with you in Alaska?  Have you seen termination dust yet?

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I got my OEM heter at the local Toyota dealer, for the ripoff price of about $60.

You can live in Alaska if you want, but not with me. My apartment is too small. You're a doctor! Get your own place!

Term dust is visible for the top 1000 ft. or so of the nearby mountains. It got a bit lower over the weekend.

[removeum]

Boxster...WRX...Prius,

Well if you ski it will be that time soon. You haveArtic Valley if it is still open and is up the mountain outside of Ft. Richardson main gate or Alyaska just a short drive around Turigan Arm heading toward Seward.

[Bill Merchant]

What is termination dust?

[efusco]

Originally posted by Bill Merchant@Oct 11 2005, 01:27 AM
What is termination dust?

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The first dusting of snow on the visible mountain peaks each year is known as termination dust...indicitive of the end of summer and impending snow and cold for the rest of fall and winter.

[efusco]

Just for those interested in getting a block heater:

I called my local dealer's parts dept. and they looked up in their books/computers and reported back that there is not a block heater available for the '04/'05 Prius.

Obviously that is wrong.

I'd purchased from Toyota Town in the past (splash guards before they were available in the US) and thought I'd check them since they're located in Coldland (aka Canada).

They now use the monicre "The Toyota Depot. They did, indeed, offer the block heater for CN$68 + CN$10 for shipping. (not sure how much that'll convert to). You can order online and pay with CC or Paypal. Direct product link below.

http://www.toyotadepot.com/product_info.ph...products_id/144