Author Topic: Block Heater/Oil pan heater or both? (Read 4086 times)

SUBISHER07 · « **on:** September 24, 2008, 10:26:29 am »

So this is the first car that I have ever owned that did not already have a BH.
Sooooo...I need to install one before winter.
Is it worth doing myself or should I shell out for an Hour's labour @ the shop?

Also, any recommendations on using an oil pan heater in conjunction with the BH?

Thanx in advance!

pearl boxer · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:34:06 am »

Good questions. I have been considering my options on this as well, as my Limited has no B.H. either.

steveb0t · « **Reply #2 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:36:41 am »

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9407&highlight=block+heater

Apparently it's not too tough, but involves draining your coolant. Might be worth getting a shop to do it if you don't want to deal with the coolant.

SUBISHER07 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:40:40 am »

I'm not to worried about the coolant, as my dogs love to drink the stuff anyways!

pearl boxer · « **Reply #4 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:41:34 am »

Quote from: SUBISHER07 on September 24, 2008, 10:40:40 am

I'm not to worried about the coolant, as my dogs love to drink the stuff anyways!

hahaha...so wrong!

GrantC · « **Reply #5 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:41:38 am »

I'll say the same thing I said last time...

Block heater (https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=65) = 400W of energy...

Pad heater (http://www.padheaters.com/sizing.html) recommended size for 4L/5L of oil = 125W/250W of energy...

I'd say if you're doing only 1, go for the block heater. If you're going *all out* then spring for both (and if you have a real oil temp gauge let me know how much of a difference it makes).

SUBISHER07 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:59:42 am »

Thanx Grant.

jutes · « **Reply #7 on:** September 24, 2008, 11:05:34 am »

Cost me 80 bux at the dealer for the BH.

SUBISHER07 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 24, 2008, 11:08:04 am »

Was that incl install?

pearl boxer · « **Reply #9 on:** September 24, 2008, 11:11:34 am »

I just phoned Subaru City.

The block heater costs $46 and the install is $120.

Unless I get a good shipping cost from SGP's, I don't know if it's worth it to buy from SGP even though it's only $31.68

jutes · « **Reply #10 on:** September 24, 2008, 11:13:23 am »

Quote from: SUBISHER07 on September 24, 2008, 11:08:04 am

Was that incl install?

That was just the install. I bought the core from SGP.

SUBISHER07 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 24, 2008, 11:15:40 am »

Quote from: pearl boxer on September 24, 2008, 11:11:34 am

I just phoned Subaru City.

The block heater costs $46 and the install is $120.

Unless I get a good shipping cost from SGP's, I don't know if it's worth it to buy from SGP even though it's only $31.68

Might as well just shell out @ the dealer for that cost.

STI_AL · « **Reply #12 on:** September 24, 2008, 12:33:16 pm »

I had mine installed at the dealer last year for 105 bucks parts and labour.

pearl boxer · « **Reply #13 on:** September 24, 2008, 01:25:38 pm »

Prices have obviously gone up like mad then.

icenemesis · « **Reply #14 on:** September 24, 2008, 04:08:38 pm »

I am getting this put in soon.

35 bucks for the part

1.2 hours for labour

about 150 bucks all together.

Mr. Wheeler · « **Reply #15 on:** September 24, 2008, 04:58:10 pm »

I made it a requirement before I bought my used car from the dealer. They agreed. I find it works damn good too. Not sure if an oil heat pad would be required but it certainly wouldn't hurt. At -15 I plug it in. Heating the coolant means you have warm air from your heaters quicker.

BigRigger · « **Reply #16 on:** September 24, 2008, 05:38:09 pm »

I used both on my 05 sti and it was great. I think the oil pan heater was 300W. You had heat through your vents in 2 minutes.

SUBISHER07 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 24, 2008, 10:03:07 pm »

I think I will give both a shot this winter.
Quick heat in minus temps is always good IMO

icenemesis · « **Reply #18 on:** September 25, 2008, 07:16:39 am »

So what exactly does the oil pan heater do/help?

I think I know, but I wanna hear it outta someone here to make it 100% lol

read as n00b lol

SUBISHER07 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 25, 2008, 07:57:40 am »

Oil pan heater keeps the oil toasty warm, but no where near the point that the oil breaks down.
Quicker, more gentle start up on the cold engine, heat sooner inside the cabin!

GrantC · « **Reply #20 on:** September 25, 2008, 09:16:17 am »

NB: the heat in the cabin is from the coolant, not from the oil. And while the two system are entangled due to the stock oil cooler (just above the oil filter) they are still separate systems.

SUBISHER07 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 25, 2008, 09:54:35 am »

BONDS to Oil Pan or Fluid Reservoir
RAISES Oil Temperature to Operating Levels
IMMEDIATE Oil Pressure Throughout Engine
IMPROVES Crankability
EXTEND Starter Motor Life
REDUCES Cold Start Wear
WARMS Important Internal Parts
REDUCES System Warm-up Time
NO Maintenance
IDEAL for Hydraulic Tanks
WILL NOT Burn Out Like Immersion Oil Sump Heaters
120 & 220 volt a.c. and now 12 volt d.c.
RAISES Oil Temperature from -40°F(-40°C) to +160°F(71°C) in 1.5 hours

Remember HEAT RISES off the heated oil supply.
The crankcase walls along with the cylinder wall, the outer block wall and
the coolant between them create a very effective barrier to the loss of heat to the atmosphere.
Only a small amount of Heat is absorbed by the coolant resulting in a 15-20° increase in coolant temperature.

rs_two_five · « **Reply #22 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:01:46 am »

yeah, I want to get a couple of those pad heaters, and actually use it on my transmission and the eng oil. I figure it would probably be better for the trans too if it had warm fluid in it (so you can actually change gears in the cold.)

as far as installing the coolant block heater, yes, def get a shop to do it, its a real pita to do.

so does anyone know where to purchase one (or two) of those pad heaters?

SUBISHER07 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:04:31 am »

I'm going to check Princess Auto, Parts Source, Crappy tire etc.
One of them is bound to have a pad heater.