engine block heater

Dooger79 · Post by **Dooger79** » 22 Dec 2019, 16:58

I have a 1968 122s wagon with the b 18 engine. I would like to install a engine block
heater for easy starts in winter if I have to move my car out of the garage.

The problem that I am having after extensive searches on internet is what frost plug hole is recommended for removal for this to happen. The easiest plug to remove would be be one beside # 1 piston on the left side.

However I've had Volvo's in the past with a block heater and if my memory is correct I thought they were always on the right side. Could someone help by telling me what side and which plug counting from the front of the block is the correct one to remove.

ie left side = drivers side just saying.

Post by **alschnertz** » 25 Dec 2019, 15:04

Yes, the industry standard is to assess "left" or "right" as viewed from the operator's position.

Re. the proper position for a block heater, I can't help as to which Volvo recommended.

However, IMO, if it is only an occasional moving the car out of the garage, you may want to just put some kind of heater under the oil pan a half-hour before starting the engine. Warming up the oil will make it turn over easy regardless of coolant temperature.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 25 Dec 2019, 15:46

alschnertz wrote: ↑25 Dec 2019, 15:04 However, IMO, if it is only an occasional moving the car out of the garage, you may want to just put some kind of heater under the oil pan a half-hour before starting the engine. Warming up the oil will make it turn over easy regardless of coolant temperature.

In the 70s we fabricated some duct work for the 50K BTU kerosene space heater. Slip one end under the engine, the other end over the business end of space heater, fire up the space heater. Never failed to get a engine up and running. Did not take a half of a hour.

Post by **alschnertz** » 25 Dec 2019, 17:30

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑25 Dec 2019, 15:46In the 70s we fabricated some duct work for the 50K BTU kerosene space heater. Slip one end under the engine, the other end over the business end of space heater, fire up the space heater. Never failed to get a engine up and running. Did not take a half of a hour.

Indeed, I wasn't referring to a 50K BTU heater.
I was thinking something more like a 500W halogen light under the oil pan.

Yea, a 50K BTU heater would be much faster!

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 25 Dec 2019, 20:20

alschnertz wrote: ↑25 Dec 2019, 17:30 I was thinking something more like a 500W halogen light under the oil pan.

A Infrared bulb pointed at the oil pan would get a more efficient energy transfer then a thermal energy transfer from a halogen.

Post by **scot850** » 01 Jun 2020, 19:34

Why not get an oil pan heater? You can get adhesive ones that stick to the oil pan on the likes of Ebay.

Being in Canada it sometimes gets cold, so we have lots up here. This is an example:

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/univ ... 0001p.html

Then there are water heaters that can be cut into a radiator pipe.

Neil