Toyota and Engine Block Heater

Re: Stealership and Engine Block Heater

jchristian88,

If not previously said, Welcome to PriusChat.

Since the EBH just plugs into a hole in the block, and uses 120V AC from a
wall receptical, it would be interesting to know just what type of warranty
voiding interaction/failure the stealer is contemplating. If his shop rate is
$95/hr, he's passing up an easy C-note.

IIRC, the most common failure for the EBH is the 120V cord at the plug
end.

Many, many folks here have installed an EBH following the directions in
threads here. Use the search funtion in the blue band at the top of the
page with " electric block heater" as the search term.

There are two major approaches; coming down from the top -- requires
removing the windshield wipers and two pieces of bodywork under the
hood, which is not a big deal -- or coming up from the bottom -- which at
the minimum requires some physical contortions to complete.

Do you also plan on using grill blocking? If so, it would be best to also get
a ScanGauge to monitor coolant temps. Again lots of good info available in
existing threads.

[Edit] Just saw your second post. "Out of the mouth of babes..." Clearly whoever
you have spoken with doesn't drive a Prius.

True, the thermos keeps the coolant warmer than that reamaining in the
radiator/block. But, after a night at let's say 40 deg F., by the time the coolant
from the thermos is mixed with the coolant in the engine/block you'll be lucky to
see 85 deg. (you'd have to have the ScanGauge) Remember that the HSD has to
see temps of 154-157 deg F. to be fully warmed up.

Some start to use an EBH at 70 deg, and I think one poster uses one year 'round.

It sounds like you'll have to go the DIY route, or use a garage/repair shop. It is
neither difficult nor Toyota/Prius specific work.

 

Toyota dealers in the USA will not even have a part number listed for the block heater. However, the Canadian dealers do and it is a genuine Toyota part. (I don't have the number with me right now) That is how I ended up getting the one that's in my '07. The coolant tank is a nice feature but the block heater definitely will help. I use it for a few hours every day of the year before I leave for work and rarely ever fail to get 50mpg or more in the first 5 minutes.

 

Maybe we can work a deal.

If I install your block heater, can you save my retirement accounts?

 

Here is a US dealer who sells the part:

http://www.metrotpn.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=191

 

And if you buy one from Jesse at Metro Toyota or the PriusChat shop I'll come out and install it for free-since your dealers are clueless. The reason they can't find a part number is it is not a Toyota made part in their normal part catalog. They have to go to their third party part book, parts made for Toyota to their specification by a different manufacturer, and find the part number. Your dealers are just lazy.

But if you want to try your dealers again part number is CO140-00900. Also works for the Camry, Tundra and many Lexus vehicles. Or try part number 00113-00213-00900.

Wayne

 

I installed an EBH in my Prius a couple of months ago and it works very well. We are having morning temps below freezing now and the EBH combined with a total grill block makes a world of difference in my FE and causes no troubles whatsoever.

By the way, my wife drives a Corolla, will she experience a similar benefit in FE if I install an EBH in her verhicle? Anyone ever do an EBH install in a Corolla?

 

As for benefits from installing an EBH in a Corolla: I don't think it would help there.

The reason it helps the Prius is because you are trying to use the ICE (gas engine) as little as possible. And Toyota set-up the ICE to run every time you start the car, until the engine reaches a specific temperature. All the EBH is doing is getting the engine closer to the needed temp. So the ICE won't run as long. So with a non-Hybrid, like the Corolla, the engine will be running anyway. So there's no MPG improvement.

 

I have read some threads on other forums focused on fuel efficiency that suggest a block heater will give a conventional ICE about 5-10 minutes of more efficient operation in cold weather - is that not the case? Also I've read threads suggesting grill blocking in cold climates - all focused on keeping the ice running more efficiently even in conventional cars like the Corolla.

 

I bought my EBH at ther Rapid City SD dealer. It is a Toyota part that they keep in stock. I think any dealer in cold climates carry them.
p.s. $49.95

 

What dealers are you talking to. I would NOT trust them. I was at the dealer the other day(only 2 days AFTER installing my EBH), and asked the EBH question to the mechanic that had a 09 Prius on the lift. He went over to the workbench and pulled out a box and open it up. He asked me if This one was the one that I had installed. Yes, it was. If you to the mechanic, They actually know what they are talking about.

The Steaks