I have had a lot of problems starting my runner in the cold recently. I'm gettinig a new Optima battery (mine is 4 years old and has a hole in it) and I also think that it would help a lot to have an oil/block heater. I want the dipstick kind. I have been told they can be had at NAPA but where else have you got them from, and how good was the quality.

Any other tips would be greatly appriciated.

I have to respond to fire/EMS calls from my house sometimes and my 4Runner absolutely must start in the cold. I can't afford to have to sit there and crank it for 10 minutes. Thanks,

Lamm

 

Install a engine block heater, run the cord so it is someplace easy to get to, but yet will not be exposed to salt and slush. The block heater is MUCH more effective than the dipstick heater and they come in different wattages. It'll take about 45 min to install and top off your coolant. In a pinch, you can put a 75W drop light under the hood and leave it on all night long.

The Optima is a good choice for a winter battery, just get a yellow top.

 

My understanding is that the yellow top is a deep cycle battery. If so the red top will have more cold cranking amps and be better in the cold.

 

You're right.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...e/starter.html

 

yellow is deep cycle... and unless you are running stuff that for long time with the engine off, the red top is a better starting battery

 

Get a block heater from the Toyota dealer, or one of the Toyota parts suppliers.

I have one, and they work great.

 

How do you install a block heater? I would like to get one for when I go some places that gets below freezing.
Thanks

 

there are differnt types.. but the most common requires you to remove a coolant freeze plug and install a heating element in its place

 

What kind is the OEM Toyota?
Thanks

 

Running Synthetic will help with cranking...

 

Dipstick heaters are junk no matter where you get them. I have seen more than a few shortout and burn up. Go with the kind that replaces a freeze plug.

 

5W-30 oil helps for winter.

There are also inline water heaters that go either in the lower rad hose or
the heater hose.

 

That makes 2 of us. Glad to know I'm not the only firefighter EMS dude on here (anyone else a firefighter or EMS personnel?)
(sorry to high-jack your thread)

 

Not yet, anyway...

Working on that.

 

Yeah, I sure hate waking up at 2:00 AM for a patient lift but the good outweighs the annoying by a long shot.

I also checked out dipstick and block heaters at Adavnce Auto Parts. the dipstick heater looked like crap and the package said you have to remove it everytime you drive. The block heaters they had stuck onto the oil pan with magnets and also, looked like crap.

I called NAPA and they said they could order a radiator hose type so I think I will persue that route. Does anybody have and advice or thoughts about those?

Thanks,
Lamm

 

I've used the both the type that go in the heater hose and the rad hose.
Both worked well. As a matter of fact I would get heat quite quickly after startup.