Engine heating options for 2011 Tacoma 4L v6?

I used to live in Colorado in the Rocky Mountains in the 70's and 80's. I had block heaters and or radiator hose heaters on all my vehicles and it saved my bacon more than once when it got to -50 F overnight warming up to a brisk -20 F during the day.

I just recently moved back to the Colorado Rockies and I'm looking for engine heating recommendations for my 2011 Tacoma 4L v6. My local dealer says they Toyota does NOT make an engine block heater nor do they recommend installing one. They claimed that it will lead to uneven cylinder wear as the heating seems to be localized. They also said that a heater installed in the heater hose won't heat the engine, just the heater core. An oil pan heater won't work because the flat surface area of the pan is too small. An oil dipstick heater doesn't fit.

I've read in some of the threads that the 4L v6 specifically has a hole for a cartridge heater to be inserted and that it does NOT come in direct contact with the coolant (therefore eliminating the problem of a freeze plug rusting out). Apparently it came as standard equipment on the Taco in Canada?

Interestingly enough my wife's Subaru Outback has an OEM engine block heater option that screws into the block and heats the coolant. However having had a freeze plug heater rust out on me, I'm loath to do anything that goes directly into the coolant.

So was there in fact an OEM engine block heater? If so, what are the plus's and con's?

Any other recommendations for heating the engine?

Thanks

 

My 2009 came with one, but I have no idea what type it is. I just plug it in and it works, LOL. This is on a Canadian truck. I usually plug in once it gets to -10C to -15C and it makes a big difference. Even at temps down to -30C or -40C, it starts very quick and warms up fast.

 

The "dry" cartridge heater sold by Toyota works just fine - the aluminum engine block conducts the heat well enough that the whole thing warms. I've installed the OEM Toyota heater in my wife's corolla, and used a Temro aftermarket one in my Tacoma because it was about $20 cheaper. Having said that, I'd recommend the OEM since it was an easier fit than the somewhat more bulky Temro.


It sounds like whoever you spoke to at your local dealer is very uninformed of facts and reality.

 

http://manage.toyotaap.com/docs/TOYOTA060208.pdf

This bulletin is from 2008, so only covers up to 2009 models, but your 2011 will be the same.

 

I have one of those on my 2012. It was a bit of a PITA to install - there's a thread or three out there to save you the cursing. It's an easy install once you move the little bracket that's in the way. Block heater just plugs right in and the bracket goes right back in place. swivel head stubby ratchet is the key to making this happen, but read the threads and know what's coming. If you're prepared, it'll take about 10 minutes (maybe less) to install.

Once it's installed, you'll plug it in every time the temp goes below 10F and have warm, fast starts.