Prepping Car for Cold Weather (Northern Ontario) - Comments/Suggestions

[3930dave]

For the block heater type I looked at a few before calling Honda, just to see about cost. Decided to go with the Honda OEM, about $160 installed - not cheap but it's a nice setup, goes in the engine block coolant drain hole. Looked up specs on wattage and couldn't really find anything, and nothing in the owners manual. Initial thought was 3-4 hrs for time on the block heater, but sounds like it shouldn't take near that long. If instructions aren't provided by Honda will play with it and see what works - maybe 15 min or so and see how it does.

Block heater screenshot below.

View attachment 343075

I prefer the block mounted ones, and these today seem pretty quick - guessing that shroud may help convection circulation.

An hour might be enough - perhaps closer to 2 hrs at -40C. Assuming adequate coolant levels, left ON overnight should not be a problem (other than the utility bill, if paying) - an OE Honda heater should be tested for continuous duty use.

Using that heater for short trips this winter means that engine = wrt. it's oil.

I haven't used one, but I'm pretty sure I've seen a block heater extension cord with a built in thermostat - nice for those nights that start out (Canuck) warm, then drop like crazy.

I went looking for an external cord, but found this instead, (Even better, as it senses the coolant hose temperature):

Temro Block Heater Extension Cord 5 Feet GM Chevrolet Accessory Part New | eBay

Purchased new at GM parts counter for block heater, GM accessory part.

Made in Canada by Temro, Part Number 2900009.

Item is New, never used.

They make an energy save plug. The unit has a tem senser in it that attaches to the outlet hose to the heater core . If the hose is 20 degrees or colder the unit will turn the block heater and then turn it off when the hose get to 40 degrees. The receptacle end has a curved spot on it to go on heater hose.

In that search, also came across this tester, useful for someone who can't/won't/shouldn't be using a multimeter:

Plug Alive Block Heater/Outlet Tester | Canadian Tire

Nice that it is smart enough to distinguish if the heater is drawing power.

Rgds, D.

 

[tcartwri]

ummm, I don't even use a block heater in my tdi... A honda 4 cyl with 0 weight oil, is not going to have a problem starting.

 

[3930dave]

ummm, I don't even use a block heater in my tdi... A honda 4 cyl with 0 weight oil, is not going to have a problem starting.

Modern vehicle: Block heater = Nice to Have, not mandatory for starting (above -30C). I don't believe anybody indicated we are solving a starting issue.

Try short-tripping your tdi (less than 10km) for even 2 weeks in January then have a look at your oil fill cap.

Varies by engine type, even from the same manufacturer, but short Dec/Jan/Feb trips in many parts of Canada is a great way to get condensation into your motor oil.

Bonus (what most people notice) is instant heat when you get in.

Rgds, D.

 

[buickanddeere]

ummm, I don't even use a block heater in my tdi... A honda 4 cyl with 0 weight oil, is not going to have a problem starting.

You are totally missing the point

 

[SPIKER]

One thing if ya want or can you plan on putting the plug in a lot I would get one of these types of plugs (just make sure your block heater watt rating is less than the units rating to automatically kill power if it warms up.


Amazon.com: Farm Innovators TC-3 Cold Weather Thermo Cube Thermostatically Controlled Outlet - On at 35-Degrees/Off at 45-Degrees: Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[dmccarty]

Up here, the smallest 120vac heaters seem to have ceramic elements. I like the ones with 3 heat settings (typ. 500w, 1000w, and 1500w). Anything UL or equiv. approved should do the trick for you - down your way I'd be surprised if you need to run one higher than 500w for that application.

Rgds, D.

something along these lines
Holmes HFH131-TG Personal Fan - Personal Care - for the home - Macy's

One has to space it away from the backrest so that it gets airflow and strap or bungee it in place so that it does not fall over.

WOW. The heater in the link is 1200 watts! Am I allowed to buy a small heater from Macy's to put in my truck? :laughing::laughing::laughing: I would think the heater needs some camouflage or a touch of green to go in the truck. Shockingly, Cabela's does not sell a similar unit. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

I would think 500 watts would be enough to warm up the truck enough to clear off the glass. Just saw this one on Amazon, Amazon.com - Lasko #100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater which has good reviews and I would think 200 watts would be enough to warm up the interior. Certainly it is cheap enough to try.

Later,
Dan

 

[westcliffe01]

Its got a thermostat.. Once the cab temp reaches the level set by the thermostat, it will cycle the heater on and off while the fan keeps blowing. Very few companies make 500W heaters since that would be a very niche market. Some of the heaters have 2 heatting stages and you can turn on 1 or both.

Dont forget the timer ? 1-2 hours is all you will need to have a comprehensively defrosted car. Then you will be able to see where you are going and any slush left anywhere on the outside will be easy to remove and not glass hard.

 

[3930dave]

One thing if ya want or can you plan on putting the plug in a lot I would get one of these types of plugs (just make sure your block heater watt rating is less than the units rating to automatically kill power if it warms up.


Amazon.com: Farm Innovators TC-3 Cold Weather Thermo Cube Thermostatically Controlled Outlet - On at 35-Degrees/Off at 45-Degrees: Patio, Lawn & Garden

That's pretty much what I was thinking of - nice range of temperatures.... could even use one for AC in the summer.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

WOW. The heater in the link is 1200 watts! Am I allowed to buy a small heater from Macy's to put in my truck? :laughing::laughing::laughing: I would think the heater needs some camouflage or a touch of green to go in the truck. Shockingly, Cabela's does not sell a similar unit. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

I would think 500 watts would be enough to warm up the truck enough to clear off the glass. Just saw this one on Amazon, Amazon.com - Lasko #100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater which has good reviews and I would think 200 watts would be enough to warm up the interior. Certainly it is cheap enough to try.

Later,
Dan

Price is right. I know you've seen a bit of snow down your way in recent times, but probably don't see -40.

Try the 200w one - can always kick the timer on earlier if an hour or 2 isn't enough.

Rgds, D.

 

[westcliffe01]

200W = 2 old fashioned light bulbs. I highly doubt that is going to have much impact in a real midwest cold spell.

Given that about any house wiring I have seen will run a 1.5kW heater, I don't see the problem.

With my F250 I have the block heater and the cab heater running on the same circuit. It works pretty well. Certainly takes a LOT longer to get going if I forgot to plug in when I get home.