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Need help installing an oil pan heater

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by Clark PB, Dec 15, 2016.

  1. Clark PB

    Clark PB New Member

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    [​IMG] This is a photo of the type of heater I want to install on the bottom of my Prius V oil pan to heat the oil and the engine due to our cold snap here in Vancouver, Canada. I'm not sure which of the plastic panels I need to remove under the engine to access the bottom of the oil pan or some other flat surface. Has anyone used/installed this type of heater? I believe Temro/Zerostart makes a similar heater. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
     
  2. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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  3. jzchen

    jzchen Newbie!

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    You could just try to open the oil change "panel", and see if you have enough room getting it in...

    MT2L03 ?
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I would take the engine panel completely off. The following is applicable to regular third gen Prius, maybe somewhat applicable for you:

    There's about 10 plastic push-in fasteners, and maybe 4 10 mm (socket size) bolts, the latter at the front. Stay organized with the plastic fasteners: there's two around the oil flap that are larger, have grey heads (vs black for the rest). When you have the fasteners off: wash the grit out of them in hot/soapy water.

    Still, I would get the Toyota Block Heater, it'll do a better job I think than an oil pan heater.

    Attachment is for reg 3rd gen Prius, parts numbers may be relevant for your v.
     

    Attached Files:

  5. bobzchemist

    bobzchemist Active Member

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    If you are as forgetful as I am, you might want to consider something like this:
     
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    To avoid clicking the link, could describe those? Timers?
     
  7. bobzchemist

    bobzchemist Active Member

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    Sorry, Mendel, they are magnetic disconnect attachments for extension cords, etc. much like what you'd get on a home hot-oil fryer.

    I imagine they'd pay for themselves several times over the first time someone was late to work or otherwise made a panicked dash out of the house and forgot to unplug the extension cord.
     
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  8. Bluegrassman

    Bluegrassman Active Member

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    Link not working for me. What is the name of the item please?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  9. bobzchemist

    bobzchemist Active Member

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    It's a Stanley 30311 Safety Socket. It's the most reasonably priced of all the break-away magnetic sockets I've been able to find, although I'm not sure why that is - the technology doesn't seem to be all that complicated.

    All Power Plugs Should Be Like the Stanley Safety Socket
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Yeah sooner or later you'll forget to unplug, need to plan for that.
     
  11. bobzchemist

    bobzchemist Active Member

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    A different option might be to use something like this.
    Kat's 1160 300-Watt Magnum Handi-Heat Magnetic Heater
    :