Engine Block Heater Install - Did I do it right?

[FireEngineer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tdmalek @ Jul 10 2007, 12:31 AM) [snapback]475979[/snapback]</div>

Ive got big arms and it looks pretty tight in there.[/b]

You won't have big arms after you do the install. One trademark of the installs I do is to leave some DNA samples behind in each car. I just did 2 installs a day apart and my arm looks like the cat used it as a scratching post.

Seeing your location, if you can wait a little I can do the install for you when I take the kids to Utica to see the grandparents.

Wayne

[Heikki]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Green Hokie @ Jul 6 2007, 02:03 AM) [snapback]473722[/snapback]</div>

Thanks, Jim & Evan. The clip definitely locked in place and the tube fit like a glove in that hole... very secure with no movement at all.

I was anxious to test the result so I've been out joy riding, after plugging in the EBH for about 2 hours. To my surprise, I can't really say I noticed much of an increase in the mpg reading during the first 5 minutes. In fact, the instantaneous mpg readings were about where they usually were prior to the install. I have not driven my Prius since this past Tuesday evening, if that has anything to do with it.

Is this normal for summer weather? I think it was in the upper 80's today. Do I simply need run the EBH a little longer next time? BTW, I did confirm that the heating element itself is working properly, since I could definitely feel the heat from the engine block after plugging it in for those 2 hours.
[/b]

I don´t use block heater in summer. In winter temperatures (-10 Celcius) 14 Fahrenheit consumption screen shows less than (>10l/100km) 23 mpg at first five minute segment. Second segment is approximately (7,5 l/100km) 31 MPG.

[Green Hokie]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tdmalek @ Jul 10 2007, 01:31 AM) [snapback]475979[/snapback]</div>

So, how would you rate the difficulty of the installation from underneath? Ive got big arms and it looks pretty tight in there. BTW, nice pics - the first pic should help me find the slot should I attempt this.
[/b]

tdmalek, if you don't mind getting a little grease on your fingers (& possibly a few scratches, as Wayne mentioned), I'd say it's a fairly easy install from below the engine. My arms aren't terribly big. Therefore, it was quite easy for me to find the opening for the EBH on the engine block (by feel) and insert the heating tube. No cuts or scratches.

If you want to attempt the install yourself and can wait a little longer, I plan on taking a bunch of photos and putting together a EBH installation procedure this weekend... as my way of giving back to this forum & its members, who have been extremely helpful to me. I'll probably post a new EBH installation thread after this weekend, if you are interested.

[tdmalek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FireEngineer @ Jul 10 2007, 10:14 AM) [snapback]476083[/snapback]</div>

You won't have big arms after you do the install. One trademark of the installs I do is to leave some DNA samples behind in each car. I just did 2 installs a day apart and my arm looks like the cat used it as a scratching post.

Seeing your location, if you can wait a little I can do the install for you when I take the kids to Utica to see the grandparents.

Wayne
[/b]

Utica! Did you or the missus grow up around here? I graduated from UHS in '81.

What dates would you be in this area? I dont have the heater yet. I kind of wanted to give this a go myself but Ill decide after looking at GH's information and seeing if I can get my hand near that hole w/o getting my arm stuck. :P

[tdmalek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Green Hokie @ Jul 10 2007, 01:08 PM) [snapback]476204[/snapback]</div>

If you want to attempt the install yourself and can wait a little longer, I plan on taking a bunch of photos and putting together a EBH installation procedure this weekend... as my way of giving back to this forum & its members, who have been extremely helpful to me. I'll probably post a new EBH installation thread after this weekend, if you are interested.
[/b]

Absolutely, I would greatly appreciate any more info you could post. My main concern is getting my hand comfortably near the slot, I can work by feel instead of sight pretty well. I am especially interested in details of how you routed the wire to the grill. Thanks GH.

[FireEngineer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tdmalek @ Jul 11 2007, 12:59 AM) [snapback]476667[/snapback]</div>

Utica! Did you or the missus grow up around here? I graduated from UHS in '81.

What dates would you be in this area?
[/b]

My wife grew up in Detroit and her family moved to the Utica area some time in the mid-70's.

When will we be out that way? Don't have any firm date, sometime before school starts. But if you get your EBH and need help.....could be sooner.

Wayne

[kettledrum]

Wayne,

I get up to NW Indiana on a regular basis and if you'd be willing I'd love to get an EBH installed sometime this summer. It'd be great to catch you on your way through to MI or back.

[FireEngineer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kettledrum @ Jul 11 2007, 11:40 AM) [snapback]476880[/snapback]</div>

Wayne,

I get up to NW Indiana on a regular basis and if you'd be willing I'd love to get an EBH installed sometime this summer. It'd be great to catch you on your way through to MI or back.
[/b]

If your up in NW Indiana your all of 25 minutes from my house and street garage, if you dare brave the I-80/94/294 mess. When you get your block heater just let me know and we'll arrange something.

Wayne

[tdmalek]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FireEngineer @ Jul 11 2007, 10:39 AM) [snapback]476788[/snapback]</div>

My wife grew up in Detroit and her family moved to the Utica area some time in the mid-70's.

When will we be out that way? Don't have any firm date, sometime before school starts. But if you get your EBH and need help.....could be sooner.

Wayne
[/b]

OK, thanks Wayne. I will contact you after I get a good look at the situation.

[kettledrum]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FireEngineer @ Jul 11 2007, 01:36 PM) [snapback]476940[/snapback]</div>

If your up in NW Indiana your all of 25 minutes from my house and street garage, if you dare brave the I-80/94/294 mess. When you get your block heater just let me know and we'll arrange something.

Wayne
[/b]

Will do.

I think my next currently scheduled trip to "Da Region" is the weekend of 8/11-8/12 for my nephew's baptism.

Thanks so much.