Block heater for 2004 xc70

[beewstew]

It's been cold in MN this week and I've been thinking I should put a block heater in my 2004 xc70.

From what I've seen online, my options are either a 150W stick on silicone pad for the oil pan or a 600W inline heater for the large lower coolant hose. So far as I can tell there's no 1970s frost plug oven element heater for the 2.5 5cyl turbo.

Suggestions about the best option would be appreciated

[Blacklab467]

My 2003 and 2007 XC70's came with the factory Volvo block heater which I understand is NLA now, most cars sold here are optioned that way. You may find that your car has one already , usually the cord is rolled up and hidden behind/ under the passenger headlight assembly. This is the best option obviously. An aftermarket heater for the lower coolant line would be a good solution if you cannot find an OEM accessory heater. I also ran a silicone stick on heater from Fleet Farm on my 2003 car, I think it was 150W, you don't want to go overkill on this heater as it might roast your oil inside the oilpan. My car lives outside and with both heaters plugged in, will start easily in -40 C.
I've been watching the weather for east central US as my wife's from Minnesota.......that storm looks like a doozy!

[abscate]

Could the P3 heater be adapted?

Engine Block Cooling System Parking Heater - Electric Plug-In Style
Genuine Volvo 31373831 - 238182

[scot850]

I may have enough parts to put a kit together for a P2 Volvo OE block heater. The other option I have seen used is the oil pan stick on heaters which is another simple option.

I recall in a bunch of spares that my mechanic buddy gave me to sell for him, there was an almost complete new OE P2 kit. Can't recall what is missing, but I may have those spares as well as the heat transfer compound that you use between the 2 for better heat transfer.

Neil.

[cn90]

Info on block heater is in forum.

The simplest way I have found over the years...
- Synthetic 5W40 oil.
- Good battery.
- Check/replace thermostat, heater core after 120K miles...

This is all you need.

[erikv11]

The thermostat and heater core are key climate control-related parts, but neither has anything to do with cold starts.

I have a factory style block heater on my 98 P80, it is fantastic on the coldest days. You won't need it most days but may be very happy to have it on some. I'd follow up with scot850 if you're thinking to add some external pre-heat.

Here is an interesting, older thread about block heaters: viewtopic.php?t=87591
The bottom line is that heating the block is far superior to heating either the oil or the coolant, with the downside that heating the block can be relatively slow and energy-inefficient (we're talking pennies of inefficiency here, however).

[cn90]

I had a block heater in my previous 1991 240.

That thing was useless, it barely warmed the coolant up a few degrees when it was -10C to -30C.
Switched from regular to synthetic oil. Huge difference in cold start.

I don't bother with block heater any longer.

[volvolugnut]

An older guy once told about using true pan heaters in the north in about 1940s. They would start a fire in a pan and slide it under a truck engine.
Probably started a few truck fires.
volvolugnut

[br0dy519]

I was always under the impression the most useful "heater" accessory was the battery blanket to ensure easy starting in cold weather. I do have one installed in my wife's car, I think. I haven't used it.

I put a small bottle of fuel-line anti freeze in the wife's car because she frequently runs a low tank which as we know is a recipe for condensation + freezing in this weather.

[erikv11]

Two hot tips: don't use parts that don't work; apples are not oranges.

With the P80 block heater, before startup when outside temp was 15 ˚F, the ECT reported 75 ˚F .

P80 and P2 engine blocks are the same.