Cold weather is here: Electric Block Heating Element

mika · Post by **mika** » 04 Feb 2015, 09:01

I am specifically asking about an OEM electric block heating element, Part number 8670959 (complete with the electrical socket). I am well aware of other heating options for cold weather: battery heater, and the lower radiator hose splice that uses a heating element. But this one caught my eye:

Tasca parts quoting at 30+shipping, also on Ebay. Says 1998-2004 c/v/s/xc/70 compatible for turbos, no mention on N/A.

Anyone have experience with this...specifically: 1) how did you install it? 2) would you think it will fit an N.A?

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Feb 2015, 09:09

I have this, have posted about it recently, it is a 500 W heater and works extremely well. Will fit an NA no problem, I installed it from underneath with the car on ramps, it was a pretty easy job.

Last I heard you could no longer get this part from the dealer but if you can, go for it. Be sure to get the cord, too.

EDIT: The one in the pic looks the same as the one I installed, although mine came from a Canadian spec 850. I have it installed on my 98 V70. I have seen the Tasca listing now on eBay and I can't see any reason why the one for sale by Tasca won't install on an 850 block, but just want to clarify that I have one of the older units, it is formally possible this new one is slightly different.

mika · Post by **mika** » 04 Feb 2015, 09:16

To save my life I cannot find your post about this, a link would be appreciated. I would be particularly interested in learning where it attaches to the car.

Looking forward to meeting you one day Eric, once the weather clears up

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Feb 2015, 09:24

Here ya go Martin:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=67151

It is almost a sure thing on the fit, I wouldn't worry about that. I can get you pics if needed, it mounts to the engine block on the back side, under the exhaust manifold. You route the cord to wherever is needed, I have it coming out one of the little grills. Yes, we will meet eventually!

Post by **scot850** » 04 Feb 2015, 12:40

Had this on a 98V70XC and a 93 850 N/A. Works well. Not convinced it will work on a 99 on until I had a look under the rear of the oil pan where the oil cooler is on the later cars to see if the mounting holes are in the same place. I need to have a look under the 2000 V70R to see how it works.

Either way, if it is still available they do work, but I am not sure if they are as effective as a unit fitted into the water system would be. I remember seeing a kit that you could splice into a rad hose, but unless the water is somehow circulated, it may not be as efficient in heat transfer to the block. An oil pad heater would also be good as it is as much the oil that needs to be warm quicker.

Be glad you have an N/A as they heat up much quicker than a Turbo as they pass heat through the air system from the exhaust manifold until the car is up to temp. The 93 N/A was super quick in heating up compared to any of our turbos. Also didn't suffer from the intercooler freezing!

It is definitely worth it if you get extended periods of cold and the car is outside. I also have a Viper remote start for the V70R so car is nice and toasty when I leave work. Can start from 4000ft away!

Good Luck!

Neil.

drgswede1978 · Post by **drgswede1978** » 04 Feb 2015, 13:01

I have one of these on my 98 xc70 works great here in Sweden.nice warm motor and interior after 30 mins.
http://www.defa.com/en/automotive/warmup/

Post by **scot850** » 04 Feb 2015, 15:59

Maybe I should start pulling any I see at Pick-n-pull and keep them for folks that need them. I have a generic system check unit that lets you know they work or back they go to pnp. Most 850/V/S70's would have been fitted with these up here. Question is at 15-20 years old do they still work!

Neil.

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Feb 2015, 16:27

The one I have is an old one, still working well FWIW, if you can grab them at pnp I think you would find some takers. However if indeed what Volvo is now selling is equivalent to the old ones, then that might make the old ones less sought after.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 04 Feb 2015, 21:55

Block Heater GOOD - But... Any heating element has a finite life span.
If available, a fresh spare on hand for a 15-20 year old car is a good thing.
If they still have these available at 30 bucks, it's cheap insurance.

The other big item in Fairbanks is a silicone heat pad:

: silicone-pad-heater.jpg (8.86 KiB) Viewed 3007 times

These are typically installed on the oil pan with high
heat silicone and give you hot oil from the get go.
I also have a long skinny one on my transmission.

The other biggie, especially with all of the electronics
on cars these days, is fast becoming a maintenance charger
that's permanently installed and tied into your plug-in's.

When you're plugged in at -40, it'll keep the charge up and
prevent that embarrassing "raised hood in the parking lot"
look that's often accompanied by a pitiful expression and
wistful outstretched arms holding up jumper cables.

Man - I really hate when that happens...

mika · Post by **mika** » 06 Feb 2015, 10:38

erikv11 wrote:The one I have is an old one, still working well FWIW, if you can grab them at pnp I think you would find some takers. However if indeed what Volvo is now selling is equivalent to the old ones, then that might make the old ones less sought after.

Erik, next time your under the car, can you please snap a photo of where the heater attaches or how it looks hooked up? I cannot find/figure out where I should install.