Was -56c with the wind last week, that wasn't too fun at all :cry:

 

Just so people understand.......-56C will freeze uncovered skin in what?.....like 3-4 min?
We had -44C and I almost got frostbite on my ears walking 5 min to the subway!

.....but my 4Runner fired right up (no heater)!!!

 

My 88 pickup has one, and rightfully so since its from Canada. I've got it plugged in right now just to see if it works. Would the temp gauge show it heating up or would the motor just warm up faster? I can't tell if its working or not.

 

Mine you can hear the coolant being circulated. No impact on the temp gauge, I don't think it gets it that hot. Just warm enough to make starting easier. It should sound like it does in summer when you start it if the heater has been working. Not the "slow motion" sounding start like a cold mid winter start does.

 

I have an Autometer temp gauge in my '86 and it'll actually move the needle up a 1/4" when I leave the heater plugged in overnight.

My heater actually makes a "hissing" sound when plugged in.

 

Anyone ever try the magnetic kind that stick to your oil pan? That's all I can seen to find around here, can't locate a freeze plug style for my 22RE.

 

The block heater I built this fall.....
The pick up has since been sold and I now have a nice WARM place to putz on the 4Runner.

If anyone needs any frost plug heaters, by all means, drop a line. In ND we have plenty to go around. Not that our toyotas here even need them.

 

I picked one up yesturday. My truck was frozen soild ( -27) and wouldnt start. Ended up being the Gas Line.

The magnetic ones SUCK. you have to take them on and off. So everytime you plan on using it you gotta crawl under you truck, stick it to the oil pan and plug in, Than remove in the morning and unplug.

PITA. But it worked for a quickie fix. Ill be getting in a inline heater installed soon.

 

I have a Toyota block heater. I bought it from the dealer, and installed it myself.

Highly recommended if you experience cold temps in winter.

 

Back at home we had block heaters on two cars, one factory and one aftermarket. I'm no expert, but I would say that a heater will help your engine. I wouldn't worry about it ruining it, it definently won't over heat you enging.