Want to install an Engine Block Heater yourself? This guide may help.

Okay...dumb question here....other than waiting for the next group buy, where can I buy a block heater for my Prius? I searched the forum, but didn't see a link to a website.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CIA_Guy @ Sep 12 2007, 09:23 PM) [snapback]511689[/snapback]</div>

Besides the PriusChat shop go to www.metrotpn.com.

Wayne

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CIA_Guy @ Sep 12 2007, 09:23 PM) [snapback]511689[/snapback]</div>

Besides the PriusChat shop go to www.metrotpn.com.

Wayne

 

First time posting on the forums. i've been lurking around for a few weeks so sorry if this is a repeat question. But does installing the EBH yourself void any of the warranty?

Also, what about the EV switch, i read that one thread that the dealship said it would void the warranty. Is there a definite answer to whether it does or not?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JoeyJoeJoShabadoo @ Sep 15 2007, 06:33 PM) [snapback]513147[/snapback]</div>

EBH cannot void your warranty, it is a Toyota part placed into a sleeve in the engine block meant only for the EBH and none of the wiring integrates with the Prius systems, totally separate.

As for the EV switch.....your on your own.

Wayne

 

I see that everyone uses a timer to have the EBH start about 3 hours before using the vehicle.
My question is: Can the EBH remain plugged in all the time without overheating the engine area, or causing the EBH itself to burn out?
Some of us are "retired" and do not have to worry about having a timer to get the car ready for a work commute. I would just like to be able to leave it plugged in until I plan on driving as long as this will not create a problem.
Thanks

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Silver Surfer @ Sep 16 2007, 06:33 PM) [snapback]513424[/snapback]</div>

Sure, go ahead. Longest I've left it plugged in was 6 days. When started the ICE temp was just a little higher, a few degrees, than a 3 hour preheat. The ICE and transaxle are a great heat sink, pretty much impossible to overheat with a 400 watt element.

Wayne

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Silver Surfer @ Sep 16 2007, 06:33 PM) [snapback]513424[/snapback]</div>

The heater draws 400 watts. If you leave it plugged in all the time, that quickly adds up to 9.6 kWh a day. That's almost a buck a day for most people (10 cents a kWh).

You would probably spend more on pre-heating the engine than you'd save in gas at that rate. (especially if you are retired and don't drive much).

You might consider buying a timer and setting it to shut off the heater overnight, and other times that you know you'd likely not be driving.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bruceha_2000 @ Sep 9 2007, 02:00 PM) [snapback]509629[/snapback]</div>

No answers here and I didn't find anything useful with Google. I've decided that it should be safe enough if I just push the connected plugs into the grill which holds them tightly, just as I do to 'store' the plug while I drive. I also push the cap into the grill so it doesn't get full of rain overnight

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(n8kwx @ Sep 16 2007, 10:18 PM) [snapback]513480[/snapback]</div>

Anyone have an estimate as to how much the EBH can save in gas as opposed to without?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob64 @ Sep 27 2007, 08:55 PM) [snapback]518785[/snapback]</div>

See the original engine block heater thread, calculations were done there.

Wayne

 

Green Hokie, thanks so much for your guide! I used it today to install my EBH that I got from Acornblue. The install was quite tricky, and without your guide I don't think I could have done it.

In fact a lot of the additional comments in this thread helped also, like wearing fingerless gloves to prevent getting your skin scratched and connecting/disconnecting the cable about a dozen times so that when you finally connect it blindly it goes in easily.

Thanks PriusChat!

 

Does anybody still have them in stock? I notice they aren't in the Priuschat shop any longer and Metropn says they are back ordered.

 

Doubt it, I think the priuschat and chicago area group buys have cleaned out the stock of EBH for the moment... You might wanna check some other stores... also, check with the latest part number, as I heard the part number has also changed.

 

As a complete newbie (still waiting for delivery of the '08 Prius), this might be a good time for me to ask: Is there anything in the Toyota warranty that prohibits or gets nullified if a block heater gets installed? Would this be something I'd want to remove before taking it to the dealer for service?

Thanks!

Jim

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Casey Jones @ Oct 3 2007, 11:40 AM) [snapback]520684[/snapback]</div>

No and No. Come to the Milwaukee Hybrid Group engine block heater install party on Oct. 13th and get all the info first hand.

Wayne

 

Thank you Green Hokie for the pics and instructions and Wayne for the extra tips but, I do have two cents worth to offer. I have had my EBH for a while but, waited til our first oil change to consolidate my under car tasks. My son and I installed yesterday.

Self Installers Beware! There is a pseudo-hole that at least one other member tried installing the EBH into and had pictures showing that the EBH would not seat completely nor clip into. Don't be fooled as I was. I did the same.

The pseudo-hole is lower than the real hole, it's in the same general area as the pictures and the opening faces toward the passenger's side of the vehicle. The real hole is higher up and the opening faces toward the driver's side of the vehicle. If you are lying on your back, between the ramps, with your feet out the front of the car. . . Wrong: Inserting right to left. Correct: Inserting left to right.

Green Hokie's sixth picture shows the correct EBH chamber body just at the tip of the red arrow. You can not see the hole opening in the picture, just the chamber. Knowing "where" is part of knowing "how". I hope this helps others avoid my mistake.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FireEngineer @ Jul 16 2007, 10:52 AM) [snapback]479579[/snapback]</div>

Your kidding right? Inside joke I missed? Set 'em as light/dark as you want. The cheezy stock picture manager program that comes w/ your O.S. will do it for you (ie, do it yourself) after you download them.