engine block heater

[ericgarrison]

Does anyone know where to install an engine block heater on a 4.3 V6? In the winters here in Minnesota, you can't go a winter without one. For anyone that doesn't know, they are a heater that plugs into your engine, and when it gets below freezing, you can plug it in to an electrical socket to warm the oil.

[Ali Croff]

depends on what kind you want to install, there are three different options. One goes in the dipstick tube, one replaces a freeze plug, and the last is a magnetic heater that you stick on the oil pan.

[movin2stereo]

There is also one that splices into the heater hose lines.

[ericgarrison]

I'm not sure what type it is but I'm pretty sure it is the freeze plug type. The instructions list about ten possible locations, and also that it's probably in the left rear, with a "12 O'Clock Mounting". I'm not sure what that means. Any help would be appreciated

[Jeremy-WI]

It means you have to put it in at noon. GM usually faces the heating element straight down on the 4.3. On the 5.0 and 5.7 the element faces the front of the motor

[ericgarrison]

Now that I know what direction, how do I find where it goes?

[Vortec350S10]

I bought one for my 4.3 but after I looked how hard it would be I didn't even try it. I culd barely see a freeze plug, let alone even reach it. And then you have to pull it out? I just said screw it. Later I out a 350 in it and when I was rebuilding the block I could barely get a freeze plug out with it in the engine stand. Maybe its easier on a 2wd but I know on mine it was nearly impossible.

[Jeremy-WI]

It goes on the drivers side closest to the firewall on the 4.3, 5.0, and 5.7

[www451oa]

Here in Mass, we had a pretty bad cold spell this past winter. First of all, My remote starter has a spiffy option of temperature controled starting. If the systems reads less than 7F or 0F, it will automatically run the truck for 20 minutes. WORKED GREAT.. I've got an Avital alarm/remote system, same company that Makes Clifford Alarms.