Block heater Northern Canada

Anyone have an opinion as to the necessity of a block heater for cold winter climates of below -25 deg Celsius (-13 F)? I've heard block heaters aren't really necessary in newer vehicles especially if you use synthetic oil.

I'm less concerned about whether the truck will start or not (I suspect it will) but rather just wear and tear on the engine if you're starting a cold engine block at -30 C. Will it prematurely wear the engine?

Thoughts appreciated.

 

I started my old 22re at -43 in Hinton once without having it plugged in. It was not happy.

We plug in if it gets colder than -20c here in the interior of B.C., it’s easier on the engine and warms up faster once it is running.

 

For us its not if we use a block heater, more a question of how long should you leave it on. Some think if you leave it on all night there is risk of "burning" the oil, no clue if that possible. Most people I know turn on the heater about 3-4 hours before they need to go, most use a timer.

 

Yes on my previous vehicles I've always used a timer to come on 2-3 hours before I leave for work. I doubt it would "burn the oil" to leave it on longer, but it uses a significant amount of electricity if you leave it on all night.

 

I've never used them on gas engines and all my previous vehicles have been 98 or older. Always start right up below 0

 

I like to use them, I feel it's easier on the vehicle, plus I want it to warm up as quick as possible.

 

Not with my Tacoma but with my Xterra when I lived in Yellowknife where the average winter temp is below -30c. I kept mine plugged in every moment it was not running. for your temps though it is hit and miss. -15 to -25 is less necessary but allows for less idling time before heading out.

In Yellowknife I had to idle for a long time regardless when the engine was cold because my transmission and clutch would be like glue until things warmed up, not just the oil.

 

Doesn’t the block heater just warm the radiator fluid? I thought the oil was separate?

 

Yes my mistake, oil pan heater is another heating element.

 

Depends how long you want to keep the truck. The engine is wearing a little bit every time you start it cold. If you're just planning on passing it on to the next guy after 60k miles then you probably won't have had any problems by then.

 

I'd say it's for sure worth the $150 for peace of mind even if you aren't planning on keeping the truck long term

It gets -40F pretty regularly up in Norther Minnesota so I'll never go without it

Beyond the block heater.......are any of you guys using battery heater / blanket / warmer things or oil pan heaters? I haven't looked into either of them myself, but I think it could be easy enough and pretty cool to hook up all 3 permanently and into a combined plug. That way when I plug the block heater in, the oil pan heater and battery warmer could be tied in and I'd be good to go. Looking for suggestions on specific aftermarket products because I don't think Toyota makes their own?

 

The new block heaters are quiet expensive, 307$ CDN + about 200$ install.

They are modular and have a small outlet for an extension cord in the bumper. All prairie Toyotas come with them standard.

It is a lot less wear on the engine especially below -15C. It takes less effort from the starter and it warms up way faster using less fuel.

Here's a pic where it's drilled into, Toyota wants it drills into the painted plastic, but all dealer techs install it here. (this is my truck when I had it)

 

+1 to all of the above. Having lived the first 30 years of my life in Canada, it’s much easier starting when it’s been plugged in. No block heater needed for Arizona though.....

 

That sounds steep, but I believe it. They probably know they can get the markup. I got mine installed for US$150 here in Minnesota and they put the plug in the engine bay next to the battery, no drilling.

 

We don't even have an option in Alberta, they just install it on all Tacomas and charge for it. Apparently it's a "mandatory" accessory.

 

Yes you need a block heater. Lots of reasons why, both environmental and for wear and tear on your engine.

However, beware: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-2018-toyota-block-heater-recall.539971/

 

Yep, well aware of that recall. My dealer here is getting in a new wiring harness so I should be good to go.

 

How far north are we talking? I'm in NWT and have a block heater, battery blanket and replaced the factory battery with a Northstar AGM. Gets to -55°C or so here.

I'd get a block heater at minimum for peace of mind.

 

That’s pretty far north haha

What made you pick that battery?

 

Anything colder than -20 I plug in,I also use a cold weather under hood mounted trickle charger so I have full cranking amps as batteries greatly decrease in the cold. We get stretches of -40 for days so its a lot easier on the vehicle IMHO. A few years back it was -58 C my 99 Tacoma fired right up ( it was plugged in ) but my wife's CRV wouldn't start as the block heater cord had snapped off due to the cold.