[s-cars] Re: I5 Block heater

[Charlie Smith]

Earlier, Frederic L'Huillier wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Which temperature reach the water and the oil with this Block Heater ?

These block heaters will get the engine slightly warm to the touch.
Heaters like we are discussing go into the water jacket through a
freeze plug opening in the side of the block.  This heats the coolant.
The warm coolant will rise to the top of the engine, meaning that the
cylinder head will probably get the most heat.

With the aluminum block, I don't know if the V8 has freeze plug openings.
I have seen aftermarket block heaters that go into a coolant hose such
as the hose to the radiator.  Those would certainly be usable.

If one block heater didn't warm the engine enough, it is possible
to install more than one heater.  You could probably put one in each
freeze plug opening, and then connect their AC wiring together.

I've used a block heater in temperatures of 20F / -7C.  It isn't
necessary for starting in those temperatures.  I figure the engine
gets a bit less wear than starting from clear cold, and you get
quicker heat out of the heater.

For a diesel engine, getting the head warm will best aid cold weather
starting, since it's compression heat that ignites the injected fuel.
A warmer head will do less cooling of the compressed air before fuel
injection takes place, thus easier starting.

    - Charlie