Hi,

I wish to install a block heater on my 98 max (automatic). Is this something I can do?

Thanks.

 

Sure. If you are reasonably handy, It's not that hard. I would recommend a coolant heater over a block heater. They just go in between one of the radiator hoses... they are cheap (40-50 bucks).

 

Is this really needed? I hear about newer cars having this feature and unless your in an atmosphere where its very very below freezing, isnt this kinda unecesarry? Esepcially since a normal functional car get to full working tempterature in about 5 minutes?

But Justaguy I know how cold it gets in the winter time in Montreal.

 

Yes I think it's needed..In Jan and Feb it gets to -31 celcius and with the windfactor it can be -45.

Last year when I started my car, you can almost hear the grinding on those extremely cold days (did u know that on those cold days your skin would freeze in less than 1 minute?).

I'm not sure why you recommend the coolant, since it's the oil that needs to get up there and lubricate the parts as fast as possible.

 

If the coolant is warm, the block is warm, which means the oil stays warm.

 

hummmm worth looking into. I never knew they existed...do you have any instruction sites on it?

thanks!

 

is your friend.

 

Block heaters are great inventions - saves LOADS of wear on the bearings. With oil pressure as high as they go during freezing temps (or even near freezing) operation, you're just circulating oil from the pan, through the pump, and right back into the pan (pressure limiter). And then when you start to rev the engine...it's all over but the crying. I mean, not ALL of it does that, but you get the picture....doesn't do an engine much good.

Trav

 

Oh I understand, I know how cold Montreal gets

 

It gets pretty cold here too. It's so cold your nuts freeze up and fall off and break into a million pieces, well, you get the picture. I need one of those, a block/coolant heater. But it would be nice if they made one that could run off of a seperate battery while you were at work in the event that a outlet was not avalible to plug the thing in.

 

Just so u know, the wind chill wont effect your car, or anything else non living.

 

How about installing a remote start system that turns your car on every so often?

Jae

 

A lot of wear and tear on your engine happens when you start the car... so that's probably counter-productive.