You Should Know This About Your Engine Block Heater

The cold weather can not only be difficult for us to keep warm but also for the car engine. This is where the engine block heater comes into the picture. Its sole purpose is to warm the engine, this, in turn, will help the engine start smoothly and also warm up quicker.

The one that is found most commonly is an electric heating element present in the cylinder block. This is connected through a cord and is usually routed through the grille of the vehicle. In case the block heater is kept in replacement of one of the engine's cores plus, the heater element is immersed in the coolant of the engine. In this way, the engine is kept warm, and in such a type of heater, there is no pump. You may also find them installed in line with either one of the radiators or heater hoses. Certain heaters are able to pump as well as circulate the engine coolant while heating it, while others are able to only heat the coolant present in the tank.

Some block heaters work on the gas/diesel of the vehicle, these types of heaters don’t require any external power source. The coolant which is heated is circulated by thermosiphon, through the vehicle’s engine and the heater core of the vehicle. There are also heaters available that warm up the engine oil, thereafter circulating it through the engine during the start-up process. The engine block heater helps in reducing the emission of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Also, it provides heat rather quickly for the passenger compartment and for defogging the glass.

The main role of an engine block heater is to heat the engine block as well as its internal fluids, specifically the motor oil. The reason behind this is that the cold oil becomes more viscous, which will make it more difficult for the vehicle’s engine to turn over.

By utilizing an engine block heater in a cold climate, your automobile will be able to start up easily and then it will use less amount of energy. Additionally, because the engine will achieve its best running temperature sooner, the driver can put the automobile under full load sooner without worrying about overstressing the vehicle’s engine.

There isn't just a single type of car engine block heater. There are some which are used on the exterior of the block while others are used in the car engine. So have a look at them below:

1. Oil Pan Heater - An oil pan heater is an automotive-grade heating pad that can be placed on the oil pan or a different part of the car engine. Generally attached with magnets or bolts, the pad warms up the oil pan and the oil inside.
2. Engine Warming Blanket - Also known as a power blanket, it is designed to prevent the vehicle engine from freezing due to extremely cold weather conditions. These blankets are plugged into a power source which enables them to produce sufficient heat to keep the vehicle’s engine from freezing. These warming blankets work well but can be a hassle to use.
3. In-Line Coolant Heater - Its main objective is to keep the coolant over a certain temperature to keep it in a liquid state. This heater is pump-driven and continuously circulates the heated coolant in order to maintain its temperature.
4. Freeze Plug Heaters - This is a much smaller and simpler device, but it is a challenge to install it. This can be an even bigger problem if you want to shift it from your old car to your new car.
5. Bolt-On Heaters - This is an external heater and hence very different from the engine block heaters or other kinds listed here. It works by heating the whole vehicle’s engine through direct contact. It tends to heat the whole engine instead of directly heating the coolant, which is the only drawback of the bolt-on heater.
6. Innovative Engine Block Heaters from Bright Sync - This option is for those looking for sustainably-developed technology heaters. Only Bright Sync offer this technology. These block heaters can help save up to 80% on your energy bills and also offer better control of heating your vehicles.

It is not compulsory to keep an engine block heater plugged in overnight. Once the engine reaches a certain temperature, the extra heat would be lost to the cold air, and then the electricity is wasted. In the regions with deep freezes, it is best to turn the engine block heater on approximately 3-4 hours before you plan to drive the automobile. Using a timer that automatically starts the heater proves to be useful for early morning rides. 

WARNING: Make sure that you do not drive away with the heater still plugged in!

When looking to purchase an engine block heater, ensure the following features are present in it. We have listed them here for easy reference:

• A good block heater should be able to minimize the stress to the car engine, starter motor, car battery, and other engine components
• It should be able to warm up the cabin of your vehicle quickly.
• The block heater should not emit too many greenhouse gases that may cause problems to the environment.

Typically, the block heaters are installed at factory freeze-plug locations, which will allow them to heat both coolant and oil effectively at one time. They will run on 110V AC outlets, and you will notice the plug for the block heater is hanging out of the grille. Unless you are experienced, you must get the installation done by a qualified mechanic.

The block heaters can be plugged in for a few hours to do their job. Some even leave it on overnight. Four hours should be sufficient because not much happens after that. The cold oil and the coolant are thick, which makes it difficult to circulate through the vehicle’s engine. The block heater will maintain a higher temperature for these and will help in making the car start and run better after heating. This will also help the engine reach operating temperature quickly. Not only is this great as a fuel saver but also effectively heats up the passenger compartment and provides good lubrication to all parts of the engine.

Some heaters, like dipstick heaters, can be installed easily, while others like the inline heaters might require professional installation. You should always use your knowledge, depending upon the type of heater and your DIY comfortability. Once the heater is installed, all you have to do is plug it into an extension cord that is connected to a regular house plug.

If you are looking for top-quality tools to repair your car engine block heater, then your search is over. Have a look at some tools which you might need to repair your car engine block heater:

• Stands and car jack
• A bright drop lights
• Superior quality sealant
• Wrench
• Large size bucket

There are several car lovers who trust a specific brand for their car parts. So, if you are searching for a particular brand for your car engine block heater, then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below:

• Phillips & Temro Engine Block Heater
• Zerostart/Temro Engine Block Heater
• Blue Streak (Hygrade Motor) Engine Block Heater
• Techsmart Engine Block Heater

We believe that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. So why not learn more about the associated parts of the car engine block heater?

• Engine Heater Replacement Cord
• Clamp-on Engine Heater
• Inline Engine Heater

Here are 5 simple steps to help you replace the block heater in your vehicle:

Step 1 - Preparation

You need to get full access to the engine block heater from beneath your vehicle, so you will need to place the car jack below the framework of the vehicle. Make sure you lift it high enough to work from underneath it. Secure it in place with car stands once you’re satisfied by the height lifted. Now lift and prop the hood before hanging the drop light. The light will help you visualize everything and make the work easier and faster. You will now be able to switch the heater off and unplug it.

Step 2 - Draining of the Coolant

Make use of the large bucket and position it right beneath the vehicle. Now carefully remove the drain plug from the bottom of the radiator hose in order to drain the car coolant. This step will help you to remove the engine block heater.

Step 3 - Remove all the Surrounding Components

At either side of your engine block heater, there are expansion plates present. You have to carefully remove them so that you have access to the heater. This is also a very good time to clean them. It may take a few minutes but will be well worth it.

Step 4 - Remove the Heater

You have to now locate the hole that comprises the heating rod, you can find it by feeling it behind the block heater. By doing this, you will be able to check how the cable is getting attached to the heating rod. This will help you reconnect it later. Now simply disconnect the two components and leave the heater free. Make sure you do this swiftly, as you don’t want to drip the washer beneath it. Remove the fasteners and withdraw the block heater.

Step 5 - Assembly

It’s now time to attach the plates to the new engine heater. Apply sealant as per instructions by your vehicle manufacturer. Now apply some grease to the opening of the hole which holds the heating rod. Also, apply grease to the rod itself, but ensure you avoid the metal clip at the end of it. You can move on to installing it within the engine, be careful, and secure the bolts in place. The washers have to be in the correct place, so don’t rush. Proceed on to reconnect the power cable to the heating rod and again feel your way to the hole to be able to insert the rod in the right place. You will be able to hear a clicking sound, which will confirm that it has been properly inserted in the correct place. Now run the cable along with the engine compartment until it reaches behind the grill to attach it to the cable ties. You can switch it back on and test it to see if it heats.