Block heater failed

I use an extension cord with outlet like this:



As opposed to this:


And yeah, you want to loop the extension cord around something strong, and verify the pull-out tension is not much. Just in case.

 

Interesting pdf here, on block heater applications:

https://www.dealersupplywarehouse.com/data/default/resources/20171116%20Toyota%20Pyroil.pdf

According to the above, block heater p/n's (for 3rd gen Prius):

PU140-00903US*
PU140-00913US-1

* use up stock, Superseded by part number PU140-00913US-1, Do not reorder.

And according to dealership parts department:

PU140-00905

Original part no:

PU140-00900

 

New block heater installed today. Did not remove wipers etc: from above unbolted a few cable brackets, in particular the black one that's pretty much where the block heater needs to be, to go in.

Then from below, got it started, but it sorta hung up, would not go further. Eventually tried tapping with a 1/2" ratchet extension, but still wouldn't go further.

Finally tried using that extension to push the cable bracket up a little more outa the way, and that was the trick: in it went, the clip clicked.

I used a bit more than half of the heat transfer grease, seemed thick enough, and seemed like if I added more it would have just scraped off on the way in.

Pre-attached the wiring harness, which made it kinda cumbersome, but probably best.

Also, applied the grease after a dry insert, at the last second to avoid getting it all over everything, and/or attracting grit.

Car was raised and underpanel completely off.

 

The pit of procrastination... I think you can see ours, commencing at left side of frame. Move-back-home son's apartment content mostly...

I'd be loath to do that; it is not a lot of fun. First issue: the tang on the block heater clip is about 1/8" long. I've seen pictures where it's a good 1/2", but not mine.

This is what you have to press on, to lever the clip up enough to pull the heater element back outa the hole. A small screw driver helps in lieu, but bear in mind: that requires two arms up there, and it's really difficult, the drive shaft CV joint is right in front of you (you basically can't see the location and reach it at same time). Also, you're reaching arms on either side of the drive shaft: the aft side requires signif. contortion, and I think if I was 50 pounds heavier it wouldn't be happening.

But yeah, I might...

Plan B: use the block heater, this time of year/temp, for a couple of hours, start the car and see how much above ambient the coolant is, say 60 seconds after start up (temp tends to homogenize, rise, in the first few seconds). Then repeat the exercise in a year, check for variation, might "might" indicate heat transfer grease loss.

I have a ScanGauge I can use for this temp check. I'm reluctant to leave SG on constantly though: I'm pretty sure it was causing "check hybrid system" errors, miscommunication, due to constant weighing on the OBD port.

Huh, no. I went with the dealership recommendation, the part number with last digit changed from 0 to 5. I compared old and new: the block heater itself is identical, same dimensions, shape, all numbers the same, including 400 watt designation. The differences I saw were only in the cord and plug in, more robust sheathing, stiffer and harder to flex around corners, and a fair bit shorter if I'm not mistaken: I just made it out to front grill, usual location. No problems, but just enough.

 

I'd like to see governments mandate a factory-installed, immersion-style block heater, in every car that rolls off the line. It's cheap/easy to do during engine assembly, and immersion-style is much more bullet-proof. Doing such an install later is such a hassle, wastes coolant.

I'm sure 90% of them would never get used though. In particular those in the coldest regions: there seems to be an inverted attitude towards block heater use, lol.

 

@dig4dirt I did not ask about wattage.

On a phone, and partial text quote is hopeless.

 

Once I'm elected apartment block parking lots will be a rat's warren of extension cords, awash with spilled oil.

 

I think so, in Alberta for instance.

I use block heater year 'round. Always shortens warm up. I appreciate its really only a necessity in bitter cold winter, but doing a lot of short trips I like the faster warm up.

 

First use today (we don't get out much): 2 hours use, with temp in the garage at a steady 42F, coolant temp readings with scan gauge (with car "on" not "ready"):

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 test:
Plugged in at 11:05 AM, coolant temp 42F (ambient temp 42F)
Checked around 12:10 pm, coolant temp 95F (ambient still 42F)
Checked around 1:50, coolant temp 100F (ambient still 42F)
Differential: 58F (32C)

You can see after just one hour it was starting to plateau. The second hour doesn't make that much "apparent" difference, but in actuality I find it does. I get the sense the heat doesn't climb much more, but spreads, less of a hot spot right at the block heater.

I disconnected the SG before starting up, but I know in the past, within about 30 seconds of start up, temp really jumps, as the warmed coolant homogenizes.