I've had factory block heaters in three new cars over the years and they were installed in place of a core plug (what some people call a freeze plug). It heated the water in the block and had to affect the oil temperature somewhat. The engine would spin over like it was summer outside instead of winter.

I don't have one in my 95 LHS. It was bought used and I just use Mobil1 oil in it and have had no winter starting problems with it ever since I had the TSB done that covered cold weather starting problems with the early 3.5L engines.

I would think that a lower hose heater is your best bet where you live. Would warm the water and oil as the wattage on that type of heater is higher than the core plug type. Just my $0.02.

FredB

 

There are both block heaters that go in place of a freeze plug and dipstick heaters. Although factory installed ones tend to be block heaters installed in place of a freeze plug. Either way, both the coolant and oil would receive heat, although one more than the other depending on which one you're using.

 

Thanks for the replies guys! I'll probley still put in the "inline" one I was looking at.... it's like 1000W if I remember correctly! When it gets to -40 here I HATE hearing the savage grinding of the engine on startup. :crying5:


Mind you it's been around +10 for the last while.... usually it's in the low teens with several feet of snow on the ground by now. Mabey I wont need one at all! Whoo! Go global warming!!

 

Yeah, us guys with Canadian model Chrysler Intrepids have the engine heater as standard equipment. Haven't used it yet.....but it's there if I need it.

 

Whoo! Go global warming!!

:shocked::yousuck: :heh_heh: :flame:

 

Hey, it's hard not to be happy when I look out my window and see warm sunshine and grass rather than 3 feet of snow!!!


I'll be singing a different tune in the summer when I'm working outside in +30, frying my ass off because theirs no ozone layer left!