john4wd

I have an 84 with a 22R and I am wanting to know if anybody knows where I can get a engine block heater for the winter? (Truck parked outside and car in garage) I asked dealer, he said not one listed...My brother had a 86 extra cab 4x4 SR5 and he had a plug sticking out the grille and I never thought to see if it was a block heater or not before he got rid of it...If anybody know where to get a factory one please let me know and include a part number...Thanks...

phorunninduke

They sell various kind of universal fit ones that will work for you.

john4wd

I prefer a new factory one, my old boss had a Mack dump truck and was to cheap for one from Mack dealership and I installed an aftermarket one for him and it leaked all the time. We had to use that orange copper engine sealent to get it to stop leaking...It might not happen to toy, heck even a factory one might leak, but I prefer one if i can get one...If I can't get a foctory one where do I go to get an aftermarket one? Thanks for any info...

Ps. If my brother didn't have one on his, what was that plug sticking out of the grille...

Trumpfan

you could try a SMALL oil pan heater (no It wont cook the oil) works like a block heater only you heat the oil instead of coolant, usually orange siliconed or high temp epoxied to the bottom of the oil pan- can't cause leaks. I use'em on my truck and car as well as aircraft and chopper engines/gearboxes at work. NAPA and parts source sell them the SMALLEST one (125W) should do it.

phorunninduke

Yeah, the ones i am thinking of are often magnetic, or just go inline with a few clamps.


Not much chance of leaking in either case. But whatever, I tired to help.

john4wd

I just had a thought, what about one of those that goes into the dip stick tube. I've seen them in auto parts store a few times, but never actually thought about getting one, after work might go see if they still have one.
I drive a semi so i know they warm up more than coolant, when it was cold monday I had truck plugged in since friday, I knew cold weather was coming so I plugged it in.
The guys who parked there trucks on other side of lot didn't, there engines cranked and cranked then fired after a while and ran like crap till they warmed up, mine started up smoothly first turn of the key, that's Y I want one for toy so when I go to work I can use there power to keep my rig warm (They might not like that ;}LOL) and for at home use...Thanks for all the replies...

vwfastg60

Theres 2 kinds i have seen.
1 goes in line on a coolant hose(cheap but works...how well i dont know)

The 2nd one you tap in to a freeze plug.I have been talking with a few vw guys that say this is what they use during the winter in canada and out east. I have been looking for one to put on my 87 cause i dont have a garage spot for it now and its been below 0 at night and the hottest day i have seen is 45 its supposed to be 40ish for a while and even when i have a garage spot i cant fit the truck in with the lights on top now