I have a 97 4runner with a 2.7L four .

Did Toyota make a factory block heater for this engine .?

What is your experience with block heaters ?

Are they worth the expense and hassle of instalation ?

I live in a fairly cold climate so a fast warmming truck would be nice .

 

Yes they do make a block heater for the 2.7. I had one in my 95 2.7 Tacoma. Cost less than 30 dollars and many dealers have them in stock. There used to be a writeup on TTORA but you'll never be able to search back that far now. You basically a long screwdriver or bar to beat a freeze plug sideways in the hole. It is then removed with a pair of pliers. The heater goes in its place and screws in (a screw tightens it up in the block). Run a cord to the bumper and plug in. I got it to prevent cold starts. I would plug it in about 1/2 hr before I left for work. There are also heaters that stick by magnet or glue to the bottom of the oil pan. This may actually be better as it heats the oil so its not so thick.

 

Thanks for the information .

 

Where can I purchase on of these stick on heaters ?

 

The magnetic clamp on heaters will warm up the oil in the pan somewhat, which is a good thing. But they won't do much for the water, so I tend to think they will not help your cold start issue much. With a plain freeze plug type block heater, the water temp in the block will be better, but it usually won't do much for the water in the radiator, and also not much for the oil in the pan. I don't have one now, but there used to be a water heater unit that was spliced into one of the heater core lines. It had a small circulation pump which moved the coolant while heating it. This way all the coolant in the system was warmed. It worked real well, but don't know if that type is still available. IMHO, I would go with the inline heater ( if I could find one ), and go with synthetic oil. Quicker warm ups, and the cold isn't an issue with the oil.

 

I saw some of the stick on heater coils in a Jeg's catalog.
You might be able to find it at http://www.jegs.com
The name is: Moroso self-adhesive heating pads. #710-23995
I don't know if they will stick in cold weather, I think they are more for drag racing applications.

 

When I bought my 2003 Tacoma new, I tried to get a block heater installed, but was told that none was available from Toyota for the 2.7L I4. I've also looked aftermarket, but w/no luck.

 

Thanks for the help .