I bought me a block heater and plan installing it, probably, this weekend (got some honey-do's to finish first).

So what do i need to be ready for? I've been told to drill a hole in the freeze plug, the use some kind of 90* tool and pop it out - of course being ready to catch the flow of antifreeze. Then clean the freeze plug hole and put in the block heater and replce the antifreeze.

Should I use the same antifreeze, or replace it with new? Mixed?

So what else do I need to do? How difficult is this going to be?

 

Installing a block heater is a perfect time to replace all your coolant.

I would drain the radiator first, then pull the bolt that drains the block. Then I would pop out the freeze plug just so you don't a big mess in your garage. Tap the heater in (I'm not sure if you seal it with something, though...) and you should be all set.

Is it really that cold where you live that you need a block heater on a gasser? Just curious.

 

Garage - what garage?

Yep - that's a good idea, replacing the coolant. How much should I expect to refill? If I recall right, it should be mixed 1:1?

Not so much that it is that cold here now - but when it gets cold, I figure it's probably cheaper to run a 600w element for a couple of hours than to burn the gas in the Ex. Plus, long term, it would save on cold start damage. IMHO

 

Well, my method for replacing coolant is not for everyone - key point: I use propylene glycol which is somewhat better for the environment (and doesn't kill dogs) and I just drain it into the ground. Propylene glycol is a preservative and SWEETENER used in foods!

Anyway, I drain everything, remove the thermostat, and run fresh water into the thermostat hole and top radiator hose. I also disconnect the heater core and flush that, and put fresh water into the intake/heater-core connection. After a while, it stops coming out green and goes to "fresh". I let everything completely drain.

Then, I look at the owner's manual to determine how much coolant it takes. Then fill the system with half that amount of PURE coolant. Then top off with fresh water.

That makes a 50/50 mix.

Again, NOT for anyone with ethylene glycol coolants unless you want to trap and dispose of all that coolant.

 

Instead of disconnecting the heater core can't you just turn the heat on while you are flushing?

 

FWIW, I know my area allows you to dispose of coolant in your household drains (the recommend just pouring it into your toilet.) Obviously, each city has it's own restrictions, but mine said that for normal household amounts the water treatment facilities can easily handle it.

 

The bacteria in the sewage treatment plants LOVE ethylene glycol.

If anything, you're doing them a FAVOR ... I was surprised to see what's OK to dump in my sewer system here in Lindenhurst (Long Island). I think acetone and other "natural" solvents are OK too, but definitely check with your sewer system people first.

thanks Jay!

 

What about a septic system? Would it hurt there?

 

Funny you say that. I'm comtemplating the same thing on my V10 mainly so that I have nearly instant heat. Not saying TX weather is that cold...I like it warm! (It hasn't been above 32° in the last 6 days, I'd rather have it 104°)
However, I found out that warming an engine before starting, especialy a gas engine, reduces the pollutants enormously. In fact I found a program in Alaska that actually gives away heaters to reduce pollution in the cold caused by cold engine starts. Not saying it's true, but that's what I found....plus it is does reduce engine wear a little.

 

Where did you see the article on the heaters program? That sounds like interesting reading.

 

Might be better as a new thread, but I noticed my V10 warms up FAST! Doesn't run hot at all, but it's up to "turn the heat on" in about 2-3 minutes if that and at full temp very soon after. That's even in 30* weather.

Is that normal? This thread made me question it. I've only had the truck for about 200 miles but seems to be running great (read: I don't think it's a blown headgasket or anything causing it to run warm.)

 

Jay

yes normal

Prostock

Where in Central texas...I am Lampasas near Ft Hood

I order all my outside trucks (and they all stay outside) with block heaters...even on a mild 38 degree morning having instant cabin heat is better then the 3~4 min of normal warm up time... the older you get, the more you appreciate not having cold hands, feet, and butt cheeks

 

Fred, I'm in Brownwood, moved here from Austin and used to do a LOT of wheelin' at Ft. Hood 'till they ended all that.
At 41 I wouldn't consider myself old, but I do not like the cold just the same! My whole commute is only 7min, so I get heat about the same time I park it.

 

Prostock

I have a chunk of property on lake Brownwood... maybe this sumer we can stop together at Humphrey Petes for a brew and BS

 

i'm in central fl


what's a block heater??


just kidding guys, enjoy the weather