Engine Block Heater

falconfixer · 06-20-2012, 09:39 AM

I couldn't come up with anything regarding how the factory installs the heaters. I am pretty sure it's in the block and a PITA to install after the fact and expensive. Best bet is el cheapo from generic auto store near you.

mhcoss · 06-20-2012, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDZRVIT

I believe all Canadian models come with the block heater.

The cord is unobtrusive so why would you want to go through the trouble to remove it? On my '09 Z I didn't even know it was there until someone said it came with a block heater.
It may be attached to a freeze plug which is pressed into the block. Then it would be a pita to get it out.

If using synthetic oil, a block heater becomes less useful as the oil won't be as thick at colder temperatures as dino oil would be. But getting down to -40 it would have its benefits especially at reducing cold start wear with little lubrication.

Yea at -40 a cold start is pretty rough on the engine. This is my reason mainly for wanting one. Also so it doesn't take 30+ minutes for the car to fully warm up when it is -40.

mhcoss · 06-20-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconfixer

I couldn't come up with anything regarding how the factory installs the heaters. I am pretty sure it's in the block and a PITA to install after the fact and expensive. Best bet is el cheapo from generic auto store near you.

Yea.. That is probably the route I will be taking. The dealership wanted 1000 dollars for the part + install

KanataZ · 06-20-2012, 02:26 PM

I assumed the OP had a US model despite being located in Edmonton. Otherwise, if it's a Canadian Z, the block heater is standard equipment.

My understand is that block heaters warm the block not the oil - they attempt to warm the antifreeze/coolant not the oil. The oil may get some minimal residual heating with a block heater but that is not the design. Prolonged use of a BH will also shorten the life of antifreeze.

The block has a port to install the block heater. All model car engines have this port and it is simply plugged when a BH is not installed. Installation is relatively simple. Remove the plug, insert the BH -usually a small tube in the shape of a long U.

The BH cord is attached to the BH unit and can be removed or replaced easily once you locate the unit on the block. It just plugs into the prongs on the BH.

A BH very handy when temps are below -20C. Above that I don't bother. Back in the old days of hard starting cars, they were virtually a requirement to operate a car in any cold climate (above or below the 49th parallel. So was a can of carb cleaner or anything else that was flamable to spray into the throat of a dead beast. Always brought them to life and made them breathe fire.

Edited to add link: this is a generic BH but gives you an idea of what they look like. One end of the cord plugs into the prongs of the BH as shown and the other end has a standard three pronged plug that typically is used with an extension cord to reach a standard 110v outlet. The other side of the BH sits in the antifreeze/coolant to warm the block.

Phillips & Temro Block Heater | Canadian Tire

mhcoss · 06-20-2012, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KanataZ

I assumed the OP had a US model despite being located in Edmonton. Otherwise, if it's a Canadian Z, the block heater is standard equipment.

My understand is that block heaters warm the block not the oil - they attempt to warm the antifreeze/coolant not the oil. The oil may get some minimal residual heating with a block heater but that is not the design. Prolonged use of a BH will also shorten the life of antifreeze.

The block has a port to install the block heater. All model car engines have this port and it is simply plugged when a BH is not installed. Installation is relatively simple. Remove the plug, insert the BH -usually a small tube in the shape of a long U.

The BH cord is attached to the BH unit and can be removed or replaced easily once you locate the unit on the block. It just plugs into the prongs on the BH.

A BH very handy when temps are below -20C. Above that I don't bother. Back in the old days of hard starting cars, they were virtually a requirement to operate a car in any cold climate (above or below the 49th parallel. So was a can of carb cleaner or anything else that was flammable to spray into the throat of a dead beast. Always brought them to life and made them breathe fire.

I'm sure the oil receives some residual heat. question is how much?

I grew up in Texas, the whole concept of a block heater is foreign to me! I've heard stories of people using carb cleaner to start their cars in cold weather though haha! Foreign idea to me though.

sparky · 06-20-2012, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KanataZ

I assumed the OP had a US model despite being located in Edmonton. Otherwise, if it's a Canadian Z, the block heater is standard equipment.

My understand is that block heaters warm the block not the oil - they attempt to warm the antifreeze/coolant not the oil. The oil may get some minimal residual heating with a block heater but that is not the design. Prolonged use of a BH will also shorten the life of antifreeze.

The block has a port to install the block heater. All model car engines have this port and it is simply plugged when a BH is not installed. Installation is relatively simple. Remove the plug, insert the BH -usually a small tube in the shape of a long U.

The BH cord is attached to the BH unit and can be removed or replaced easily once you locate the unit on the block. It just plugs into the prongs on the BH.

A BH very handy when temps are below -20C. Above that I don't bother. Back in the old days of hard starting cars, they were virtually a requirement to operate a car in any cold climate (above or below the 49th parallel. So was a can of carb cleaner or anything else that was flamable to spray into the throat of a dead beast. Always brought them to life and made them breathe fire.

Edited to add link: this is a generic BH but gives you an idea of what they look like. One end of the cord plugs into the prongs of the BH as shown and the other end has a standard three pronged plug that typically is used with an extension cord to reach a standard 110v outlet. The other side of the BH sits in the antifreeze/coolant to warm the block.

Phillips & Temro Block Heater | Canadian Tire

Thanks KanataZ, I'm putting a CAI in and the cord is rolled up beside the intake in that black plastic wire loom. Just thought I would remove it for aesthetics. I don't plan on removing the BH, just the cord. I'll just put it back if I sell the car. Plus the weight savings should be good for at least 25HP.

mhcoss · 06-21-2012, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky

Thanks KanataZ, I'm putting a CAI in and the cord is rolled up beside the intake in that black plastic wire loom. Just thought I would remove it for aesthetics. I don't plan on removing the BH, just the cord. I'll just put it back if I sell the car. Plus the weight savings should be good for at least 25HP.

Dude the weight savings will be AT LEAST 25 hp. And when you warm yoru block with your block heater and then remove the chord you should expect 40 hp or so

djtodd · 07-20-2012, 11:26 PM

OP: regarding the long warm-up times. Do you have a thermostatic plate with your oil cooler?

06-20-2012, 02:26 PM	#19 (permalink)
KanataZ Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 73 Drives: '10 Airstream M6 Rep Power: 16	I assumed the OP had a US model despite being located in Edmonton. Otherwise, if it's a Canadian Z, the block heater is standard equipment. My understand is that block heaters warm the block not the oil - they attempt to warm the antifreeze/coolant not the oil. The oil may get some minimal residual heating with a block heater but that is not the design. Prolonged use of a BH will also shorten the life of antifreeze. The block has a port to install the block heater. All model car engines have this port and it is simply plugged when a BH is not installed. Installation is relatively simple. Remove the plug, insert the BH -usually a small tube in the shape of a long U. The BH cord is attached to the BH unit and can be removed or replaced easily once you locate the unit on the block. It just plugs into the prongs on the BH. A BH very handy when temps are below -20C. Above that I don't bother. Back in the old days of hard starting cars, they were virtually a requirement to operate a car in any cold climate (above or below the 49th parallel. So was a can of carb cleaner or anything else that was flamable to spray into the throat of a dead beast. Always brought them to life and made them breathe fire. Edited to add link: this is a generic BH but gives you an idea of what they look like. One end of the cord plugs into the prongs of the BH as shown and the other end has a standard three pronged plug that typically is used with an extension cord to reach a standard 110v outlet. The other side of the BH sits in the antifreeze/coolant to warm the block. Phillips & Temro Block Heater \| Canadian Tire __________________ Also drives: '01 Maxima AE 5sp, Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom Last edited by KanataZ; 06-20-2012 at 07:01 PM. Reason: added links

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06-20-2012, 09:39 AM	#16 (permalink)
falconfixer Track Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: 10aC Posts: 978 Drives: Taco Rep Power: 76	I couldn't come up with anything regarding how the factory installs the heaters. I am pretty sure it's in the block and a PITA to install after the fact and expensive. Best bet is el cheapo from generic auto store near you.

07-20-2012, 11:26 PM	#23 (permalink)
djtodd Track Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 932 Drives: 2012 Nismo TT Rep Power: 3398	OP: regarding the long warm-up times. Do you have a thermostatic plate with your oil cooler?