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Engine heat block for warm weather

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by cwa, Mar 24, 2011.

  1. cwa

    cwa Member

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    Dear All,

    Can someone advice on above. Suppose outside heat is between 28 to 35 C (82 - 95F) and if I fix a engine heat block, will it have an adverse effect on the engine?

    We have pretty warm weather here, but I assume that EHB may help early idle (or S4) status.

    Regards

    CWA
     
    #1 cwa, Mar 24, 2011
  2. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Sri Lanka, right? No, it would do no harm, but why bother? In your climate the improvement in fuel economy would be negligible.
     
    #2 richard schumacher, Mar 24, 2011
  3. ksstathead

    ksstathead Active Member

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    If doing short trips it would help retain heat and do no harm to partially or fully block.

    But for sustained driving, city or highway, I would remove grill blocking above ~50F (10C).

    On balance I would not block, or block partial but watch temp. with a scangauge II or an ultragauge.
     
    #3 ksstathead, Mar 24, 2011
  4. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    Are you referring to a grille block or an engine block heater?
     
    #4 JimboK, Mar 24, 2011
  5. cwa

    cwa Member

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    Mainly grille block as we do not have very cold weather here. At the moment I do not have a way to measure the Engine temperature. Is there a way to get the temp reading from Prius 2007 diagnostic screens?
     
    #5 cwa, Mar 25, 2011
  6. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    Not that anyone has reported. Those of us who monitor engine temps do so with an add-on device like ScanGauge.

    I agree that in milder climates it likely won't help.
     
    #6 JimboK, Mar 25, 2011
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  7. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    Do Not grille block in that climate unless you constantly monitor engine temperature with a ScanGauge or the like. It would be far too easy to overheat and cause damage.

    Is your fuel economy poor and you're looking for a remedy? or are you just having fun with the car?
     
    #7 richard schumacher, Apr 2, 2011
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  8. cwa

    cwa Member

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    No issues with FE as I got upto 36 km/l and overall average is around 23 km/l. It is just to keep the engine temp to improve the FE.

    I got your advice and that you for it.

    Thanks

     
    #8 cwa, Apr 2, 2011
  9. bordeaaj

    bordeaaj Junior Member

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    From the FAQ over at GreenHybrid.com:

    GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars (last sentence under 4) Maintenance for MPG)

    If this is accurate, sounds like year-round heating might very well be worth it to me! Combine that with the most commonly recommended fuel economy modifications such as low rolling resistance tires (ie. Michelin Energy Savers) pumped up a little higher than normal, an advanced fuel economy 0 or 10 weight oil (ie. Mobil 1 0w20) and you'll have three of the most significant and easily addressed mileage vampires covered from the moment you start your car... after that it's all up to personal driving style. :)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #9 bordeaaj, Apr 4, 2011
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  10. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    See posts 4 & 5 above where I sought and received clarification about whether the OP was looking for advice on an engine block heater or grille blocking. If he was looking for the former, I would agree with you. But that's not what he asked about.
     
    #10 JimboK, Apr 5, 2011
  11. bordeaaj

    bordeaaj Junior Member

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    Whoops... I guess I got all excited and jumped the gun with an answer to the wrong question! I'm gonna have to pay more attention when I read through these things! Sorry about that guys... ;)
     
    #11 bordeaaj, Apr 8, 2011
  12. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    In a warm climate you will get much more improvement by using energy-efficient "low rolling resistance" tires. You can safely inflate any tire up to the maximum pressure stated on the side of the tire, which noticeably helps fuel economy. And of course always use the correct weight (5W-30, or as recommended in the Owner's Manual for your car) and quantity of oil. It can be risky to use a lighter weight oil especially in a hot climate because it may not lubricate well enough.
     
    #12 richard schumacher, Apr 8, 2011
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