Installing Block Heater on 02' Tacoma

Hi all!

I'm new to all this and am looking to install a engine block heater in my Tacoma. It's a 2002 V6 3.4L 5VZ-FE with a Manual Trans. Is there already an existing plug in the engine for a block heater or do i have to drain the anti freeze and what not?

Also, if you know of anywhere that'll give you step by step instructions that would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I'm either going to get one of those pads that stick on the oil pan, or a magnetic one. As seen on Amazon.

 

I don't know where you are, but I usually stick a pad heater onto the oil pan with HiTemp Silicone and call it good. Keeps the oil fluid and makes starts easy. I did this on many vehicles in Alaska and worked great. I'd rather wait a couple minutes for the coolant to heat up and have good oil flow than the opposite.

 

Oil pan heater is the simplest, and most functional, unless you are spending a winter in Fairbanks, then add a block heater as well.

 

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/2367...iMOvBdG76YK9Tz-V8hR7PUz5y3GM3GCAaAvaSEALw_wcB


https://www.google.com/search?q=eng...CigB&biw=986&bih=674#spd=17344657444051571192

http://royalpalmsmtpleasant.com/kats-engine-heater/

 

https://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-5504

 

Anybody actually installed something like this: https://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-5504

The heating pad sounds like a temporary solution for winter. I'm possibly moving to alaska in the next year and want to get my truck ready. 98 V6, and the actual location of freeze plug and method to install the heating element would be helpful!

 

Did you ever get a block heater installed? I have found C0140-02134 to be the part number but my dealer is not able to source it so I may order one from a dealership in Ontario.

 

Every mechanically minded person I’ve talked to in Fairbanks says it’s necessary to have a block heater as well as the oil pan heater, as well as a battery maintainer. Installed the latter two. Today I got a block heater from the Toyota dealer in Fairbanks for the same model, but after reading a lot of reviews I’m anxious about the freeze plug removal process. Did you ever install it? Which freeze plug? Any pointers?