By reading a number of posts, I have decided I want to add a block heater to my 05 this winter. How do I choose one, are there more than one kind, brand, and most important of all, how do I install and use one? Thanks The Pepboys clerk said all I need is a dipstick heater, whatever that is.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CMUCasey @ Nov 15 2007, 09:01 AM) [snapback]539944[/snapback]</div> There is a 'bend' in the dipstick tube so a rigid dipstick heater will not fit. Search about and I would recommend looking at Hobbit's web page that describes the heater and how to put it in. Bob Wilson
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bwilson4web @ Nov 15 2007, 12:56 PM) [snapback]540020[/snapback]</div> Even if you found a dip-stick oil heater, you might want to reconsider because while they will keep oil warm if it's warm when you install the heater, they will not heat cold oil except for a small area surrounding the dip-stick heater. If you choose to get an EBH (Electric Block Heater) from Toyota, here is the link describing the installation. Thanks to those who went before us and compiled this information because it made the installation much easier for me. http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=36066&hl=EBH
Dipstick heaters are inexpensive and easy to use, but "gunk" tends to build up on the dip stick. Block heater is a much better choice.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CMUCasey @ Nov 15 2007, 10:01 AM) [snapback]539944[/snapback]</div> You only have one choice, the heater that comes from Toyota. If you're convenient to a Canadian Toyota dealer, it would be a quick and easy install. There are numerous threads on this forum about the EBH install, the following is long but detailed http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=11176&hl= The Prius engine heater inserts into a cast hole in the aluminum engine block. You may be familiar with the frost plug heaters that actually warmed the coolant. The Prius EBH does not work that way I would generally avoid dipstick oil heaters, unless used in conjunction with the EBH. A dipstick heater by itself tends to break down cheap motor oil, and create condensation in the motor.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob64 @ Nov 17 2007, 11:35 PM) [snapback]541110[/snapback]</div> Actually that would be a VERY good idea! As the thermos is insulated, it would be very easy to keep it toasty warm with a very small electric heater I would love to figure out a way of using a circulating tank-style heater on the Prius. With the electric coolant pump and 3-way valves, the plumbing would be a nightmare I use this heater on my tractor and my '84 Ford truck at the hobby farm. I use the 1,500 watt model on both machines, and they get the block toasty warm in less than two hours, even at -40
I've been thinking... but how much insulation is around the coolant thermos? I wonder if anyone has tried upgrading the heat retention ability of it by wrapping it in fiberglass insulation or equivalent.
