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I installed the Block Heater last night

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by gforeman, Nov 20, 2007.

  1. gforeman

    gforeman New Member

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    The instructions here were very helpful. My right arm looks like a cat scratched it :D My that little thing gets slippery when you coat it with the grease! It took me more time to route my cable than actually installing the heater pin.


    A few questions...

    1. At what temp do you start plugging it in?

    2. How long do you have it plugged in/on before your departure?

    3. What is the grease for? Just thermal transfer?
     
    #1 gforeman, Nov 20, 2007
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    1) I use it all year around...serious benefit starts showing up at any temp below 60.
    2) 3 hours seems to be the optimal time as far as increase in temp vs energy used....longer plug-in times will get the ICE temp marginally higher, but 3 hours seems to be the best cost/benefit point. If you have a regular schedule for departure times use a timer.
    3)Yes, thermal transfer.
     
    #2 efusco, Nov 20, 2007
  3. FireEngineer

    FireEngineer Active Member

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    Congrats! Evan gave the answers, but I'll tell you the arm will heal fully within the month.

    Wayne
     
    #3 FireEngineer, Nov 20, 2007
  4. Skwyre7

    Skwyre7 What's the catch?

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    Unless you keep installing them like Wayne does.
     
    #4 Skwyre7, Nov 20, 2007
  5. gforeman

    gforeman New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Skwyre7 @ Nov 20 2007, 10:51 AM) [snapback]541963[/snapback]</div>
    Once is enough :D
     
    #5 gforeman, Nov 20, 2007
  6. satwood

    satwood Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(G-Man @ Nov 20 2007, 07:53 AM) [snapback]541900[/snapback]</div>
    Where did you buy your heater? I have been looking for one and can not find it online.

    Thanks in advance
    Steve
     
    #6 satwood, Nov 20, 2007
  7. keith999

    keith999 Junior Member

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    I am also interested and cannot find where they are for sale. Please let me know as well.
    Keith
     
    #7 keith999, Nov 20, 2007
  8. FireEngineer

    FireEngineer Active Member

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    If you want a block heater try the PriusChat shop or www.metrotpn.com.

    Wayne
     
    #8 FireEngineer, Nov 21, 2007
  9. KSlauson

    KSlauson Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FireEngineer @ Nov 21 2007, 06:20 AM) [snapback]542393[/snapback]</div>
    Wayne,

    I popped over to Prius Shop, and cannot find any listing for a block heater. Over at metrotpn, they have this notice: BLOCK HEATERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, HOWEVER WE DO EXPECT SOME SOON . PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR A NEW ANNOUNCEMENT SOON. (11/02/07)

    So I guess I'm out of luck for awhile. It snowed a bit last week in Wasilla, conveniently while I was in Madison and Chicago, but my Alaskan Prius was snug in the garage. I'll just wait patiently for the next group buy, I guess. It's about time to trade out my wife's Grand Caravan for something newer too, and I'm seriously considering a 2006 or 2007 Prius if I can find one.

    Madison sure has a lot of Prii. From my daughter's house I could easily fit three in my camera viewfinder. I've attached the picture: [attachmentid=12556]

    Ken
     

    Attached Files:

    #9 KSlauson, Nov 21, 2007
  10. ToddWess

    ToddWess New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Nov 20 2007, 08:40 AM) [snapback]541907[/snapback]</div>
    Just need some clarification on this . . . because I'm confused . . . you run an electric heater for three hours before running your car to save gas??

    What about the fossil fuels that are burned to generate the electricity for the heater for three hours from the local power grid?

    And you're paying for that three hours of electricity on your utility bill . . . and an electric heater uses a TON of electricity . . .

    Not trying to change any minds or anything, just looking to be educated in case I'm wrong on the issue.

    Thanks,
    Todd
     
    #10 ToddWess, Nov 22, 2007
  11. Silver Surfer

    Silver Surfer Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stephen Atwood @ Nov 20 2007, 11:38 PM) [snapback]542264[/snapback]</div>
    I have one, Email me if interested.
    I purchased one through the site and do not think I will tackle installing it.

    Jim
     
    #11 Silver Surfer, Nov 23, 2007
  12. Doc Willie

    Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ToddWess @ Nov 22 2007, 06:23 PM) [snapback]543011[/snapback]</div>
    Somewhere on this forum, somebody did the math. IIRC it comes down to 1 cent of electricity saves 4 cents of gasoline in normal usage.
     
    #12 Doc Willie, Nov 23, 2007
  13. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ToddWess @ Nov 22 2007, 06:23 PM) [snapback]543011[/snapback]</div>
    Well, up here in the frozen north, we always plug in our cars. There is a huge benefit to partially warming up the motor before starting it, especially in temps colder than 0 F. At temps of -30 F and colder, a block heater usually means the difference between getting started and needing a tow to a garage.

    The Prius really doesn't have a "block heater" as it doesn't heat the engine coolant directly.

    There is a machined hole in the block that the Prius heater plugs into. The purpose of the thermal transfer grease is to ensure even heat transfer from the heater to the aluminum block. It's a small heater, only 400 watts.

    Based on my power rates in Manitoba, it costs around 2 cents an hour to leave the car plugged in.
     
    #13 jayman, Nov 23, 2007
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