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Block heater - choices?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by Kingsway, Apr 11, 2018.

  1. Kingsway

    Kingsway Active Member

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    I see that when taking about block heaters for the Prius or Prius C, everyone seems to talk about a low-wattage cylindrical one that slips into a recess in the block, and which takes several hours to heat the engine.

    With my vehicles in the past, I've used a 3 kw heater with a pump, which can get an engine up to temp. in quite a short time. They are available quite cheaply, and I wonder if their is any reason not to use one on a Prius?

    I guess it would have to go into the heater circuit - but could that be a problem with a modern car that has climate control and automatic valves??

    This is the sort of thing....

    Professional 220v 2000w Car Vehicle Engine Heater Preheater Coolant Heating Kit | eBay


    TIA
     
    #1 Kingsway, Apr 11, 2018
  2. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    really. .... guess our Toyota OEM block heater must have been a reject because it would make our Prius ICE warm in just 1 hour.

    .
     
    #2 hill, Apr 11, 2018
    Kingsway likes this.
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I find one hour gets you a leg up (maybe 10~15C about ambient), two hours to where it plateaus (about 20~25C above ambient).

    I'd be inclined to stick with the stock block heater, but I'm not that adventuresome. I can't recall any Prius c block heater installs reported here; wonder if it's the usual PITA?

    There were some concerns about 4th gen block heaters, believe it was their power cords were defective. Not sure if that would apply to Prius c though.

    Does block heater show as an accessory if you go to Toyota site and "build" one? I think it does up here: you could try the Canadian site, see what the installed accessory cost would be. That may only be appicable with new purchase though, not sure. The part alone is around $70~80?
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Apr 11, 2018
  4. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    #4 hill, Apr 11, 2018
  5. Kingsway

    Kingsway Active Member

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    #5 Kingsway, Apr 12, 2018
  6. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    I don't know, you could always install a 240 to 120v Step Down Transformer.

    I do miss using the 240v teapot I had during school years in Cambridge UK. Much more efficient
    .
     
    #6 hill, Apr 12, 2018
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    May or may not be compatible with Prius c. Probably is, but worth checking. Someone recently ordered that block heater through PriusChat Shop, but had a LOT of problems with delivery. Can't recall the outcome now, I think they ultimately managed to just stop payment, weren't getting any response from PriusChat Shop.
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Apr 12, 2018
  8. HiC

    HiC Junior Member

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    I have tried aftermarket heaters from zero-start and Katz. both would not fit due to the size/shape of the part next to the cord. I am assuming the Toyota part works, but didn't want to spend the cash and order one to try.
     
    #8 HiC, Apr 13, 2018
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