Engine Block Heater

Heu guys I'm working in north dakota and I'm looking for an engine block heater recommendations. I have a 2003 prerunner with the 2.7. Thank you. Any installation instructions will help as well, I'm not sure if I need to make any modifications or if there is a stock place to install the heater already.

 

I have no idea if there is a Tacoma specific heater, but I wanted to say that I have seen heaters that fit into a freeze plug opening. You will have to research size and location, but it is a start

 

Honestly, I dont even know where to begin

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/successful-install-of-block-heater.18890/

https://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/product/pyr02141-toyota-block-heater-see-description/

I’m bored and used google for five minutes.

 

I have used the heaters that go in where a freeze plug is, dipstick heaters and found both to suck. The best one was the magnetic style that goes on the oil pan. Least likely to leak and puts the heat where it is most needed.

 

I live in ND and don't have a block heater on my Tacoma. use synthetic oil and make sure your battery is good and you'll be fine.

 

No need for heater. Do it like a man:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXEHfMt6aGc

 

Any ideas on installing a block heater for a 2012?? Don't want to pay for labor...

 

If you have a V6 it’s easy, there’s a toyota clock heater part that has a slot in the block it slides into. A lot simpler than the freeze plug type and doesn’t involve messing with or draining coolant at all.

 

Right on, thank you

 

I like the magnetic ones, really only plug it in under zero degrees F. Seems to reduce that initial hesitation

 

I'd second the magnetic ones. I worked on a dairy farm in northern upstate NY where it could get down to -45F. We'd put magnetic heaters on the tractors and it really helped.

 

The only downside to the magnet type is crawling under the truck to put it on and take it off.

Long ago I thought the magnet will be really strong I can leave it on first big bump it was dragging down the road by the cable tied input cord.

 

Maybe just lucky but I’ve never had them let go, left one on my last work rig because it wouldn’t come off.

 

I don’t see a reason to use the magnetic type when it’s so simple to attach a permanent heater to the oil pan.

 

That's a good point. When we used them on the tractors it was super easy to put them on and take them off. I know on my truck with skid plates it would be a pain in the ass for sure.

 

Seems like a magnetic heater is the way to go then. Another question, I'm current using 10w30 oil, was thinking of switching to 5w30 or even 0w30 for the winter, any thoughts on this?

 

I

if you’re in anything below freezing weather, 5w30 works but 0w30 is best for winter.

 

My truck is regularly parked outside in -30C or even -40C in the winter and it starts fine all the time. I have a block heater, but I never have to use it