So I figured out how to install my block heater

[hdrygas]

Originally posted by jacaufie@Feb 18 2006, 09:44 PM
And the wind! It takes your breathe away. Explains a lot about Russians.

[snapback]212272[/snapback]

At the very least it explains all the Vodka.

[efusco]

A quick bump...winter's approaching and I've already had one inquiry from a member about how to install their block heater.

FWIW, I've been using mine on the sub-50 degree days already...it's pretty nice b/c I'm seeing starting ICE temps near 160-170 and very short 'warm-up' times and first 5 min. MPGs in the 75+mpg range at times.

[kn6vv]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 5 2006, 01:29 PM) [snapback]328581[/snapback]</div>

A quick bump...winter's approaching and I've already had one inquiry from a member about how to install their block heater.

FWIW, I've been using mine on the sub-50 degree days already...it's pretty nice b/c I'm seeing starting ICE temps near 160-170 and very short 'warm-up' times and first 5 min. MPGs in the 75+mpg range at times.
[/b]

I too have been using the my new block heater recently on the colder nights now on a timer set to turn the heater on about 3-4 hours before I plan to drive my Prius. I notice the cold mileage for the first 5 minutes of driving is much higher than when cold soaked and closer to my current overall average of 52.0 MPG. I only have 2800 miles on the car but I'm seeing a slow but continous improvement in my average from my first tank at only 48.3 MPG. I run 42/40 psi in the stock tires.

I purchased my block heater from Jesse who is on PriusChat here MetroToyota who has the OEM type block heater that simply clips into the engine block cavity already machined into your Prius engine! Installation was easy and the cost VERY reasonable. I believe Jesse has both part numbers dependant on the 2001-2003 or the 2004-2006. Highly recommended for the cold climate users!

[dmckinstry]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Oct 5 2006, 12:29 PM) [snapback]328581[/snapback]</div>

A quick bump...winter's approaching and I've already had one inquiry from a member about how to install their block heater.

FWIW, I've been using mine on the sub-50 degree days already...it's pretty nice b/c I'm seeing starting ICE temps near 160-170 and very short 'warm-up' times and first 5 min. MPGs in the 75+mpg range at times.
[/b]

I got email from Jesse Wright this a.m. I called and ordered, so my heater is on the way.

I'm sort of glad I didn't get around to installing it last year (actually I don't think I even saw the thread until sometime this summer). That way I've avoided most of your trials and tribulations.

Hopefully my install will go much easier than your first install.

Anyway, I know it's got to improve mileage some. Where I live, unless I'm driving into Spokane, I never travel more that two miles at a stretch. I figure if the engine is already warm, I can charge up on leaving and use EV mode returning. That's got to keep my mileage better than it's been.

Cold weather hasn't hit yet. We've probably only had one day so far with frost.

Dave M.

[chimohio]

Wow - a block heater.
Love all the information on this forum.
I went into Google; did a search on "Prius block heater" and believe it or not found a new one on eBay. The part number even matched the one given on an earlier post, so I bought it. Thanks, and I feel warmer already.

[mrbigh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ken1784 @ Jan 21 2006, 08:39 AM) [snapback]194595[/snapback]</div>

We got some from Canada.
The box says the P/N is CO140-00889.

Ken@Japan

[/b]

I received mine today, from the same source, Toyota Canada under $45.00. This will be the weekend to get a little dirty.
My local Toyota parts dept. couldn't find it in their parts database here in Long Island, NY, but they tryed to sell me and extended warranty for $1950.00.

[SSimon]

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!

[SSimon]

I cannot edit, so I'm adding a post. I didn't realize that someone added pictures for the block heater area subsequent to my last visit to this thread and I apologize for asking for them again! I don't "know" car parts so this picture doesn't help much. I have NOOOOO idea what I'm looking at there but I'll try to compare. I also see that I do have to plug the block heater in so forgive me for that stupid question as well.

[efusco]

2-3 hours is adequate time to get the ICE up to a good temp...at least that's the most energy efficient time. It will continue to warm for a few more hours of plug in time, but only by small increments.

There are other things that can be done to winterize, but it very much depends upon how aggressive you wish to be. In Japan some have packed insulation through the entire engine compartment under the hood to help maintain heat. I add a thin reflective insulation pad under the hood (not sure it really does anything). Some have added a new air intake hose to take advantage of pre-warming the air before it enters the air intake.

I've considered adding a battery heater...but need to do a lot to find a good way to do that.

Just realize that absolutely none of this is necessary (unless you're in extreme cold climates). Fuel savings is probably fairly small unless all your trips are quite short (2-4 miles) and you can plug in or drive only when the ICE is warm. I'm convinced it does help, over an entire tank. But probably only by a few mpg.

[SSimon]

Well, that is my dilemma Evan. My trips are so short. I commute 16 miles round trip to/from work. I wasn't sure if the cost of the block heater and electrical costs to charge the heater would be worth the savings of fuel, which appear to be minimal. Plus, when I get to work, I have nowhere to plug the heater in so the cost of the heater probably wouldn't be offset by fuel savings, as it would only be working in the am. It seems it's a much better and cost effective idea to insulate the engine. I'll look again for a thread on this topic, otherwise I'll be back to bug people here.