Want to install an Engine Block Heater yourself? This guide may help.

[CIA_Guy]

Okay...dumb question here....other than waiting for the next group buy, where can I buy a block heater for my Prius? I searched the forum, but didn't see a link to a website.

[FireEngineer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CIA_Guy @ Sep 12 2007, 09:23 PM) [snapback]511689[/snapback]</div>

Okay...dumb question here....other than waiting for the next group buy, where can I buy a block heater for my Prius? I searched the forum, but didn't see a link to a website.
[/b]

Besides the PriusChat shop go to www.metrotpn.com.

Wayne

[FireEngineer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CIA_Guy @ Sep 12 2007, 09:23 PM) [snapback]511689[/snapback]</div>

Okay...dumb question here....other than waiting for the next group buy, where can I buy a block heater for my Prius? I searched the forum, but didn't see a link to a website.
[/b]

Besides the PriusChat shop go to www.metrotpn.com.

Wayne

[JoeyJoeJoShabadoo Jr]

First time posting on the forums. i've been lurking around for a few weeks so sorry if this is a repeat question. But does installing the EBH yourself void any of the warranty?

Also, what about the EV switch, i read that one thread that the dealship said it would void the warranty. Is there a definite answer to whether it does or not?

[FireEngineer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JoeyJoeJoShabadoo @ Sep 15 2007, 06:33 PM) [snapback]513147[/snapback]</div>

First time posting on the forums. i've been lurking around for a few weeks so sorry if this is a repeat question. But does installing the EBH yourself void any of the warranty?

Also, what about the EV switch, i read that one thread that the dealship said it would void the warranty. Is there a definite answer to whether it does or not?
[/b]

EBH cannot void your warranty, it is a Toyota part placed into a sleeve in the engine block meant only for the EBH and none of the wiring integrates with the Prius systems, totally separate.

As for the EV switch.....your on your own.

Wayne

[Silver Surfer]

I see that everyone uses a timer to have the EBH start about 3 hours before using the vehicle.
My question is: Can the EBH remain plugged in all the time without overheating the engine area, or causing the EBH itself to burn out?
Some of us are "retired" and do not have to worry about having a timer to get the car ready for a work commute. I would just like to be able to leave it plugged in until I plan on driving as long as this will not create a problem.
Thanks

[FireEngineer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Silver Surfer @ Sep 16 2007, 06:33 PM) [snapback]513424[/snapback]</div>

...
My question is: Can the EBH remain plugged in all the time without overheating the engine area, or causing the EBH itself to burn out?
Some of us are "retired" and do not have to worry about having a timer to get the car ready for a work commute. I would just like to be able to leave it plugged in until I plan on driving as long as this will not create a problem.
...
[/b]

Sure, go ahead. Longest I've left it plugged in was 6 days. When started the ICE temp was just a little higher, a few degrees, than a 3 hour preheat. The ICE and transaxle are a great heat sink, pretty much impossible to overheat with a 400 watt element.

Wayne

[n8kwx]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Silver Surfer @ Sep 16 2007, 06:33 PM) [snapback]513424[/snapback]</div>

I see that everyone uses a timer to have the EBH start about 3 hours before using the vehicle.
My question is: Can the EBH remain plugged in all the time without overheating the engine area, or causing the EBH itself to burn out?
Some of us are "retired" and do not have to worry about having a timer to get the car ready for a work commute. I would just like to be able to leave it plugged in until I plan on driving as long as this will not create a problem.
Thanks
[/b]

The heater draws 400 watts. If you leave it plugged in all the time, that quickly adds up to 9.6 kWh a day. That's almost a buck a day for most people (10 cents a kWh).

You would probably spend more on pre-heating the engine than you'd save in gas at that rate. (especially if you are retired and don't drive much).

You might consider buying a timer and setting it to shut off the heater overnight, and other times that you know you'd likely not be driving.

[bruceha_2000]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bruceha_2000 @ Sep 9 2007, 02:00 PM) [snapback]509629[/snapback]</div>

OK, now I have a question. For those of you who don't garage the car, do you use some sort of weather protection on the plug overnight? Seems like the connection shouldn't be just hanging out in the rain and snow when plugged in. [/b]

No answers here and I didn't find anything useful with Google. I've decided that it should be safe enough if I just push the connected plugs into the grill which holds them tightly, just as I do to 'store' the plug while I drive. I also push the cap into the grill so it doesn't get full of rain overnight

[Bob64]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(n8kwx @ Sep 16 2007, 10:18 PM) [snapback]513480[/snapback]</div>

You would probably spend more on pre-heating the engine than you'd save in gas at that rate. (especially if you are retired and don't drive much).
[/b]

Anyone have an estimate as to how much the EBH can save in gas as opposed to without?