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40 below. dead battery - idle to warm questions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by aspens3, Nov 21, 2011.

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  1. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I've seen that around here too. If it tells you anything, it is legal to run snowmobiles on all public roads in this county.

    Tom
     
    #21 qbee42, Nov 22, 2011
  2. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    As to the block heater, Pearl has one. I usually use it at least once a year just to say I did. It doesn't have much effect when the temperature is below -20 C. It's only a 400 W device.

    The Toyota coolant is not supposed to be diluted and comes as 50/50 polypropylene glycol and water (with "other stuff" in there as well). It won't allow ice crystals you can see form. If it gets cold enough it forms a sort of gel. But that's at -50 or -60C. It won't "freeze" in the ordinary sense. It also won't damage anything if it does gel. In fact it will pump through the system just fine, which is why they use it. ;)

    I would love to actually apply insulation around the engine so it doesn't loose heat so fast in the winter when shut off for a few minutes. Perhaps rock wool with foil backing. But it's so tight in there I so far haven't tried. Pearl would never overheat in the summer but is certainly too cold in the winter. It may be different for those in the US Southwest.
     
    #22 David Beale, Nov 23, 2011
  3. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    David , do you not think you would save money by having the block heater come on 4 to 6 hrs before leaving for work.You take a real hit warming your Prius every day! Hal
     
    #23 Hal W, Nov 23, 2011
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I'm with Hal, David. I think you underestimate the impact of the block heater. While it certainly won't have the ICE up to full operating temp...or even close...I think that at least 3-4 hours before you leave--maybe better all night long when the temps are that cold--will signficantly shorten your warm-up time, particularly if you use grill blocking. Even in 0 degree weather here I see the ICE up to about 110, even at -20 I think pushing that temp up to 90-100F will keep the oil thinner, the coolant from gelling, etc.

    FYI, for a time I did insulate the entire engine (or as much as I could), but was advised that the fiberglass insulation I was using probably wasn't safe so ultimately removed it. I also had the reflective insulation on the underside of the hood. I do think it helped keep the ICE warmer, particularly during gliding and such--maybe just b/c it reduced the amount of cold air circulating around the ICE. Worth considering, along with regular use of the EBH, in your area--I bet you'll see a nice improvement in your first 10 minute MPG.
    [​IMG]
     
    #24 efusco, Nov 23, 2011
  5. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    As I said, I have tried it several times over the four years I've had Pearl. As far as I can determine it makes no difference. I do keep records of my mileage. I noticed no change in warmup when I tried turning it on in the early morning on shopping day, for example. The block heater does draw power, so it's working. Keep in mind, I'm retired, so I don't have a daily commute. I suspect it would help with that. I can't predict when I'm going to use Pearl, so turning it on a few hours before would require a time machine.

    I'm just not impressed with a 400W block heater. My Subaru had a 1300 W block heater. Now THAT one worked!
     
    #25 David Beale, Nov 23, 2011
  6. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    I see your point if you are retired! Hal
     
    #26 Hal W, Nov 23, 2011
  7. aspens3

    aspens3 Junior Member

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    END OF THE STORY:
    The logistics were cumbersome, but the problem is solved.
    The dealer verified a tuckered out 12 v battery and highly recommended adding a trickle charger. Now there there is the regular plug-in heater, a trickle charger, both on a single plug, and a new battery. In addition it was time for an oil change and I put on four new Blizzak tires. It runs like a dream and laughs at the snow and ice. I throw on a thick, doubled up blanket when parked and a tarp if it is snowing.
    The tire person chopped off 20% from the cost of the tires.
    Not only that, but it is only 3 below zero F, a nice respite before the colder temperatures are due later this week.
     
    #27 aspens3, Nov 24, 2011
    2 people like this.
  8. Hal W

    Hal W New Member

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    Good news. You should be good for this winter I would think! I use 2 amp smart trickle charger as well. I am still on my original 12v and I contribute it to the charger! Hal
     
    #28 Hal W, Nov 25, 2011
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  9. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Thanks for the follow up.
     
    #29 efusco, Nov 25, 2011
  10. captnslur

    captnslur Junior Member

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    I'd like to suggest a small time saving tip that some of us have used when changing out a 12v battery: under the hood, connect a 12v booster battery pack to the jump starting terminals before you begin to disconnect the battery in the trunk - that will save all of your radio presets and the computer will be happy too.
     
    #30 captnslur, Dec 1, 2011
  11. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Yup, connecting a battery underhood will save the settings. I lost all the radio presets, and that was two months ago. Still haven't re-programmed them. When I'm in the car I'm -driving-, NOT listening to the radio! ;)
     
    #31 David Beale, Dec 1, 2011
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