Outdoor storage, need block heater?

[ChiGGz]

I live in Southern Ontario and the weather is starting to get cold, about -15 *C , 5 *F.
The car will be parked outside under an open shed. No snow will be on the car but I'm wondering if it would be worth while investment to have a block heater?

Should I drain flush the rad? what about tires?

thanks guys.

 

[B-lackGSX99]

I'm assuming you mean that you're storing the car (as in all winter, won't be driven till spring). If this is the case, I wouldn't bother with a block heater...just throw in some fuel stabilizer. Anytime i've stored my summer car (RX-8), i'd put it in neutral a couple times through the winter and just roll it forward or back a touch so that it rests on a different part of the tires...you'll avoid flat spots this way.

If you meant that your car will be parked outside, but you'll be driving it daily still, then yes, get a block heater.

 

[deletrius]

I would recommend one, the weather here is only around 20*F and my car HATES cold starts. It takes around 5 cranks and a good 2-3 minutes just to start it. And they are pretty inexpensive, ones are on eBay for like $6+shipping. Basically same thing BlackGSX99 said.

 

[akdsmer]

The block heater's role is to help the engine start when the temperatures are cold. If you are not going to be operating the vehicle during the winter (AWD? WTF ) then it isn't required. I use the block heater at temps below freezing when the car is outside. I like that the engine is warmer (over +50 degrees F when the ambient air is -30 degrees F) so that the t-belt is more flexible, the engine warms up and get out of open loop faster (better fuel economy and cleaner emissions) and of course the engine creates heat faster.

The antifreeze is necessary. If it isn't mixed properly then the coolant can freeze and crack the block. I would keep the appropriate 50/50 mixture of coolant in the engine. If you remove it and leave it empty then you will allow corrosion to accumulate at a faster pace. Periodic flushing of the coolant is a good decision, but doesn't need to be done just to store the vehicle.

If your worried about your tires you can raise the car up and place blocks under the suspension, leaving the tires unloaded. I leave cars parked for 5 months at a time up here in the "real" north without tire problems.

 

[B-lackGSX99]

there are a few different types of block heaters...definitely cheaper ones on ebay or at general auto stores for heating your oil pan or coolant. but i'd recommend (again, only if you're actually driving it daily) an actual block heater (requires drilling into your block for proper install)...cost me $250 for parts and install, but this really is the way to go if you're going to be experiencing cold weather.

p.s. Fairbanks, Alaska the "real north" eh? <leans back in my seat at the poker table>, i'll see your current temp of -14 degrees celsius and a calm breeze, and raise you to my current temp of -21 degrees celsius and winds that force the recorded temp to -31 degrees celsius. http://www.theweathernetwork.com/features/schoolday/pages/CAAB0103.htm I say it as though it's something to be proud of...but really, i'm miserable and sad.

 

[deletrius]

Wow that is some cold weather. I could never stand to live there. How long does it take to get frost bite in -25*F? Like a minute? Hey BlackGSX where did you get your block heater from?

 

[akdsmer]

there are a few different types of block heaters...definitely cheaper ones on ebay or at general auto stores for heating your oil pan or coolant. but i'd recommend (again, only if you're actually driving it daily) an actual block heater (requires drilling into your block for proper install)...cost me $250 for parts and install, but this really is the way to go if you're going to be experiencing cold weather.

p.s. Fairbanks, Alaska the "real north" eh? <leans back in my seat at the poker table>, i'll see your current temp of -14 degrees celsius and a calm breeze, and raise you to my current temp of -21 degrees celsius and winds that force the recorded temp to -31 degrees celsius. http://www.theweathernetwork.com/features/schoolday/pages/CAAB0103.htm I say it as though it's something to be proud of...but really, i'm miserable and sad.

, we ARE having suprisingly warm weather. It may even start melting snow (which shouldn't happen until end of March)...so you have me beat. Keep all that cold you want...

Your block heater install sounds very wrong. They should "simply" remove your starter, pry out a frost plug and install the heater. If you are drilling a hole, your doing something VERY interesting. I've done my share of these, and they aren't too bad. They make other heaters, but they aren't as efficient.

 

[akdsmer]

this thread discribed the procedure and listed the part numbers I believe....

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1620833&postcount=4

 

[B-lackGSX99]

Had mine purchased and installed at Satan. Could very well be the reason why it was so damn expensive. I am unsure about the drilling part now, that may be a thing of the long ago past. In retrospect, I remember reading that they are still heating coils inserted into the block, not via drilling a hole anymore, but by replacing a freezing plug. There are several types of engine heaters. There is a type that replaces the dipstick and actually keeps the oil warm. There is a heater that splices into the upper radiator hose and heats the coolant.

I like the actual block heater the best. It goes right into the block and does a good job of keeping the coolant and oil warm. Plus it helps you get heat to the heater quicker. That would be my first choice. However I would also recommend having a mechanic put it in for you. The radiator hose type is easy enough to install. It only need a screwdriver and takes about 15 minutes to install. The dipstick type takes no time at all. Simply pull out the dipstick and put in the heater. There is another type of heater I should mention. This type sticks onto the bottom of your oil pan to keep the oil warm. Again, I have no personal experience with this type of heater.

I did call around (places like Canadian Tire), and everyone else said that they couldn't install on my car and that I'd be best off calling Mitsu to do it for me...not sure why, but that's the reason I ended up forkin the $250 over to Satan.