block heater options/opinions

[Rot Box]

I've been driving my Toyota quite a bit lately and with the cold weather rolling in I'm starting to look into engine heaters. My Dodge has one in place of the freeze plug (like many other factory heaters) and I really like that but I do not want to install one there on my Toyota in fear that it will leak or pop out. I really like the circulating inline coolant heaters but they cost a lot of money and I think it would be overkill for a 20R 4cyl.

So how many of you have experience with the magnetic or stick on oil pan heaters? Do they get the engine warm enough to heat the coolant as well? Also do you think the inline coolant (installed on the heater hose or lower radiator hose) heaters that do not circulate would work half decent? Both of these styles only cost about $30 which would be great.

I can be on call at work sometimes and I really hate hitting the highway with a cold engine. Plus it gets really cold up here and its nice to have the heater working within a few miles

 

[SLC97SR5]

I used an magnetic oil pan heater for a few years on the 22-R. It kept the oil "warm" and provided easy starts.

I feel warm oil is more beneficial on start up than warm coolant, but the warmed oil will not defrost your windows or aid in producing warm air for cabin heat.

I always wanted to install a lower radiator hose heater but was concerned with it impeding the flow of coolant during the summer or high load situations.

-My vote is for the lower radiator hose heater.

 

[Houndoc]

Even on my years living in Logan with a far less than reliable rig (drove a 78 Subaru Brat at the time), I never felt one was needed. The only time I had one not start was a -35 day with a car I'd borrowed from my dad while the Brat was in the shop.

I do agree that is you where to do a heater, either the block or oil pan would have the most benefits.

 

[Corban_White]

I put one in the scout freeze plug and it was only $30. No leaking yet. It was a very tight fit and had an o-ring.