Block Heater ?

I've been lurking for a while, just joined and have a question on block heater's, and coolant circulators. Which would you guys suggest. I live in Montana and work in North Dakota and winters/wind can get pretty harsh. I know that the dealer said "with synthetics today you dont need a block heater" but realistically I would like one and plan on installing one simply because it wont hurt. What are your opinions and what is a good product. Thanks in advance.

4dr 2010 taco trd.

 

Get the one made for the truck installed. It's completely different from any other ones on the market. I have it installed in mine. Super cold starts are hard on seals. It will always start but the thing is it does do damage. Best plug it in when it's super cold.

 

I've been in places so cold that I bet I can make him rethink that theory. The Toyota one is really long, mounts at the back of the engine and sits right inside there. Really good metal to metal contact.

Isn't Minot ND coldest spot in the USA ? I watch the weather world wide. Seems to be way colder there than here.

 

I don't know about the 4 cyl, but the factory/dealer 6cyl block heater looks like the easiest install I've ever seen.

 

I had the block heater installed by toyota at time of sale. They told me it was a waste and not needed. Last winter we had days of -35 C and if it hadn't been plugged in it would not of started. Really recommend you get the factory one!

 

There is a how to on the block heater on one of the forums, however, (assuming a V6) it is quite easy. The block heater is about $100 (Can) at the dealer and comes with a bit of grease. There is a cylindrical indentation in the block proximate to the starter motor.

The block heater slides into the opening and then clips secure.

Job is made easier if:
-vehicle is cold
-up on ramps
-block heater and cord are attached before insertion into opening. Grease the heater.
-dangle the cord down 'through' the engine, crawl underneath, then insert heater.
-route electrical cable and cable tie. (mine went round brake booster then front)
-did not have to remove any wheel shrouds etc. as suggested in the DIY I read.

 

Dont forget, wind chill won't effect an inanimate object thats not producing heat.

 

Is the block heater on these trucks simply by contact?

 

Easy to install...

Works great in New England...

http://www.metrotpn.com/ProductDetails.aspx?CollectionID=13&ProductID=191&SortIndex=9

 

Hi guys, Quick questions, I do a good amount of snow travel in my truck and am using my truck to run my huskies in the snow often. I was told by the dealership that a block heater would not help me at all when I am out in the woods in the snow because I could not plug it in. However I am starting in no colder than -10 and usually stay around 0 - 20 degrees. What are my options to help the truck out a little?

 

That's the one. Sure getting gouged up here in Canada. Cost about double. Saved the labour dealer quoted though.

 

Optima Red Top battery. Used one in the NWT, 5 days average temp -37 celcius, no plug in. Started up pretty well, although sounded like one cylinder, then the next, then the next......

 

Nice, Thanks for the vote on the red top. A few others have said to go with that one as well and a couple had said the yellow top

 

As usual, you want answers , ask TW !! Thanks guys, really helping!

 

Thanks for all the info I think that I will order the part from Toyota and install it myself. Sounds pretty easy. Just for reference do you guys know of any DIY threads on this board or others I might be able to link to. I have searched but can't find any its not imperative as I am sure I can figure it out but it would be nice for additional information

 

Owned Toyota trucks (pick-ups and Land Cruiser) since 1985.
I live in Iowa and it'll get below -30.
Always made sure I had a good battery.
Always started, no matter how cold it was and they were always outside, never garaged.
Both carb and FI.
Never even considered a block heater.

 

Here's the thread for the 4.0 block heater install. Make sure the truck is Cold!!! You'll scrape some skin if you have big hands like me! This heater is only 400 watts, and won't heat the block like those used on bigger V-8's, which are usually at least 1000 watts. A small oil pan heater might be a smart addition if you're in a really cold climate.