Gonna install the V6 block heater today. Any advice, tips?

Bought the block heater (cartridge type) for the v6 block and am installing it today.
Gonna try to take lots of pics.
Any advice/tips, especially on where to route the plug?

EDIT: Here's the video.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UNmmhsyHag&feature=youtu.be

 

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/6...ck-heater-install-write-up-lots-pictures.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/16297-just-installed-block-heater.html

 

i thought those were only needed on diesel applications?

 

There's plenty of wire to do a clean route. Run it straight up and zip tie to the wire harness running along the top of the firewall. Go over the brake fluid reservoir then along the fender, inback of the fuse box and battery, then out the front. I used a loose zip tie to help secure the plug to the grill.

 

Dont do it with a hot engine or when its is really cold outside. makes it a challenge lol

 

plugging it into the right hole on the block helps too.
I made a video of the process I will post a link when im done.

 

yep. That's how I plan on routing mine

 

Video is formatting to a .wmv now, will upload to youtube afterwards.

 

More common on diesels in the states but there is an advantage to using them on gas engines also. I believe they're standard equipment on a lot of Canadian Tacomas.

 

video is up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UNmmhsyHag&feature=youtu.be

 

So what can I expect from the block heater??

I plugged it in last night and had it come on at 430am this morning. I started the truck, but the engine temp gauge was still at C. It did seem to get warmer faster. Is that what it's supposed to do? I've never had one, so I don't know. Just want to make sure it's working.

 

How long after 4:30 did you start the truck? It's only a 400W element, it won't warm the engine in 30 minutes. In bitter cold situations, it just helps keep a little bit of heat in the engine overnight. If it's only 10 or 20 F outside, that little heater probably won't make that much of a difference.

 

started the truck around 730 when I went to work.

 

How cold was it? I know a lot of the ones on diesels are around 1,500 watts vs the 400 watts from the Tacoma one. This is exactly why I've been hesitant to get one for mine. They'll keep some heat in the engine if you live in areas where it gets -30 F or below but I can't see them being a big help otherwise.

 

the outside temp was 26 degrees when I left this morning.

 

Figure it's gotta be more help then hurt.
My dealer said they didn't want to install it because they "damage" the engine.
Really? REALLY?!?

 

At that temp, I wouldn't even bother plugging it in. It should help it some because it is putting heat into the engine but I can't see it being a big difference until the temps get much lower. You're right, it will still help, I just don't know as if you'd see the difference. When the truck spends the night out in -40 degree weather, there's a good chance it absolutely will not start the next morning where the addition of the block heater could mean the difference between starting and not. At 26 degrees, that is not really a concern.

 

yeah. I pretty much just plugged it in to see if it worked. Mostly it will be used when the temps get really low here, which isn't too often, or when we go up to international falls, MN to visit my in laws. somedays there the high temp is -20, -30.

 

I'd try it then, in the really cold conditions and I'll bet you'll notice it starts easier and warms up quicker than it normally does in those temps.

 

this thing has been working great the last couple days. It's been getting into the low single digits to below zero temps and windchills way below zero the last couple nights.. Have a timer plugged in and set to turn on at 430am, till 730am, which is right about when I leave for work. The truck has started RIGHT up, no slow start. And I can drive it normal and it has great pickup right away rather then feeling sluggish because of the cold. Great investment if you ask me.