[Vwdiesel] Block/Engine heaters?

[Chuck Carnohan]

I've had experience with all but the glue-on style.  I agree with Val
that the freeze plug type is most desirable.  They are not that tough to
install either!  The biggest hassle is draining/refilling the coolant
really.  Freeze plugs will just pop out- bump it on one side with a
hammer and screwdriver, the plug rotates enough to get hold of it with
pliers.  The location is a bit awkward, lying on your back reaching up
behind the engine.  I did it a couple of winters ago in below freezing
temps with the wind blowing.  It took about an hour.  Dipsticks cook the
oil that comes in contact with the element- messy too.  The hose insert
type is probably 2nd best but subject to thermostat constriction and
more places to leak antifreeze and, still have to drain/refill coolant.

-----Original Message-----
From: vwdiesel-bounces+chuck.carnohan=itd.idaho.gov at vwfans.com
[mailto:vwdiesel-bounces+chuck.carnohan=itd.idaho.gov at vwfans.com] On
Behalf Of Val Christian
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 1:18 PM
To: Neil
Cc: vwdiesel at vwfans.com
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] Block/Engine heaters?

I have the block type (soft plug insert) on my diesel tractor.
20 years old, sits outside 24/7.  Works great.  Pain to install,
but pretty close to permanent.  It has enough heat output to 
handle frigid (10F to -5F) temps with high winds.  

My thoughts on the tank type is that they loose a fair amount of heat 
through the radiator.  The dipstick type are power limited.  The glue
on type I have no anecdotal experience on.

I'll have the head off my 91 NA in a couple of weeks.  It would be a 
great time to install a block heater.  What are your price points and
wattages for the blockheater?

Val


> 
> It's gettin chilly at night here in the desert, now and the old rabbit
=
> doesn't start so easy in the AM....  I've been thinking about a block
=
> heater for it.... it's a Calif car...  my Colorado car had a good, =
> 'freeze-plug' heater, but I don't want to go through installing that
on =
> this one.
> 
> JCWhitney has a few; one that glues onto the pan; I'm afraid I would =
> scrape it off during one of my Baja trips;
> 
> Another is a 'tank type', you cut it into the heater hose...  the ad =
> says it 'circulates' the coolant - pretty interesting;
> 
> Last is a 'dipstick' style... a slender, flexible rod to be slipped
down =
> the dipstick tube....  ad says 'not for plastic pans'...  they didn't
=
> use plastic pans on old ('81) rabbits, did they?
> 
> Has anyone used any of these?  I'm kinda leaning to the dipstick
first, =
> and if that doesn't do it,then maybe the tank...
> 
> What do you think?
> 
> Neil
> 
> 
> 
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