2003 4Runner Engine Block Heater

[xthirdimpact]

Hi board members!

As winter has arrived here in the northeast,the 12deg. morning are a bit rough on the 4runner i have. I would like to purchase an electric Engine Block Heater for my 4Runner to keep it ready for non-rough start-ups in the morning.

Does anyone have one of these things? Pro's and Con's? Model-specific parts?

If so, where can I get one?

Thanks!

[Brian R.]

The most common type is one that replaces a freeze plug in the block and heats the engine coolant. Since you don't live in Manitoba or such, you can wire a timer to turn on the heater 3-4 hours before you are due to start the engine. These more permanent type that heat the coolant (and the following one) are the ones I would recommend. They are known to leak if not installed well, so they bear watching for leaks.

Another more trouble-free type heats the coolant in the lower radiator hose. They are made to fit particular size radiator hoses, so you have to get the right size.

JCWhitney has an interesting gadget that is a heater mounted on a magnet you can place anywhere steel (like the bottom of the oil pan). You can transfer this and the following one from car to car as necessary. The freeze plug type is of course relatively permanent. This could easily be used to heat your engine oil in conjunction with either of the coolant/block heaters above.

There are others that insert into the dipstick and warm the engine oil. I don't like much about this type except for its convenience. I would rather just place a 100-150 W light bulb in a coffee can under the pan.

Almost any auto parts store will have one or more of these.