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

[Tsillec]

Okay, this may be a stupid question, but is it okay to leave the engine block heater installed in the summer, even though it obviously wouldn't be used? I'm thinking about installing one myself, but don't want to have to repeat this every winter.

Also, I see that someone said the split-loom has been replaced by some new silver material. Does that change anything how the ebh should be installed?

Thanks!

[efusco]

Originally Posted by Tsillec

Okay, this may be a stupid question, but is it okay to leave the engine block heater installed in the summer, even though it obviously wouldn't be used? I'm thinking about installing one myself, but don't want to have to repeat this every winter.

Also, I see that someone said the split-loom has been replaced by some new silver material. Does that change anything how the ebh should be installed?

Thanks!

I use mine in the summer...and, of course, leave it installed.

[Tsillec]

Is there really much of a benefit to using the ebh in the summer? I would think the engine could warm up by itself very quickly in the summer, especially for cars in a garage.

[JimboK]

Originally Posted by Tsillec

Is there really much of a benefit to using the ebh in the summer? I would think the engine could warm up by itself very quickly in the summer, especially for cars in a garage.

I use mine in the summer too when I have somewhere to plug it in. It gives the warmup process a head start: block temp close to ambient (about 70F first thing on a summer morning in my neck of the woods) vs. an EBH-enhanced temp of up to 140F. That can make a big difference in fuel economy for the first 5-10 minutes of driving.

[c.clark5]

Want to hear something FUNNY? I live in WA state and a master Toyota mech. told me I did not need a EBH!! I said I wanted it installed anyway. I even gave him the instructions I printed off PriusChat. I love it! Alittle better gas milage and nice warm air/defrost in the AM. He kept my instructions for the install and did not charge me an arm/leg. Everyone should check-out EBH.

[bruceha_2000]

Originally Posted by c.clark5

Want to hear something FUNNY? I live in WA state and a master Toyota mech. told me I did not need a EBH!! I said I wanted it installed anyway. I even gave him the instructions I printed off PriusChat. I love it! A little better gas mileage and nice warm air/defrost in the AM. He kept my instructions for the install and did not charge me an arm/leg. Everyone should check-out EBH.

He's right, you don't NEED it. For most vehicles, the EBH is what lets them actually START when it is really cold (like -10F or -20F and that is why people install them. The Prius doesn't care if it is cold, you aren't trying to crank the engine and sludge consistency oil with a small starter motor and a small 12V battery. You are cranking with a BIG electric motor and BIG battery

Plus, it will primarily use the electric motor to propel the car while the ICE warms up so you aren't asking it to work hard in the sub zero cold.

What I would like is some way to determine the benefit/$ using the EBH at a range of temperatures. Some people pay $0.03/KWH, we pay 13.5 and I recently saw people here paying $0.25. Somewhere in there is a a break even at a given temp, KWH price and $/gallon price. Of course this would likely vary for all users as everyone's commute is different.

[ph43drus]

One more successful EBH install here, offering thanks to Green Hokie for the writeup and pictures!

Took me about an hour, not counting warm-up breaks inside. Using the pictures, I found the proper hole immediately, although it took me about 15 minutes of experimenting with different positions, contortions, hand choices and angles to figure out how to get the heater in. I'm left handed, but found the best choice for me was my right hand, which I could snake up farther in to get better positioning for the hole.

Hardest part of the job was avoiding getting blood on my new upholstery when reaching into the car (where I had a printout of the instructions stashed out of the wind). Not the first to note it in this thread, but everything under there seems sharp. I'm typing with 5 different bandaids on my hands. We need a custom "dripping blood" smilie for this thread.

Thanks again, Hokie!

[Green Hokie]

Originally Posted by ph43drus

One more successful EBH install here, offering thanks to Green Hokie for the writeup and pictures!

You're quite welcome. Glad it helped. I was lucky and did not spill any blood during my install.

[rwmt6161]

green hokie

Thanks for the help on the install of the EBH works great.
thanks.

[rpg51]

I'm going to try to install an EBH in my new 08 Prius this morning. I'm going to attack it from below. I've read this thread cover to cover several times and studied the pictures. I've done some work on cars in my youth, even pulled, rebuilt, and reinstalled engines in my day. So I'm no stranger to tight places and working by feel.

One question, I know there is a thread somewhere here - its referred to as the "original thread" - but I cannot seem to find it. All the links to it that I have found just bring me to an opening page, not to the linked thread. Not sure why. Could some one point me to it again?

I have a 1.5 mile commute. Terrible for mpg. But at least it doesn't involve a lot of miles. I am hopeful that this EBH will help.

Well, here goes - we'll see.