Plug in my engine bay?

[darkness_fallz]

So I'm bumbling around in my engine compartment today with a rag and a bottle of cleaner, rubbing down everything that I can, trying to make it look like my car isn't that much of a piece when I lift the hood (had the idiots who did my last oil change leave the cap not quite all the way on.. not good) and I found something kind of interesting.

It was starting to get dark out, so I didn't get a chance to really see where it leads to, but there is a 3 pronged power plug (like the kind you'ld just plug into your wall at home) in my engine bay. It goes down near the bottom of the radiator and disappears in the chaos down there. Does anyone know what this could be?

 

[suicideking]

Sounds like the block heater plug.

 

[JiveMasterT]

try to take a picture... that always helps.

 

[Coldandafraid]

heh... you americans dont know what block heaters are.

 

[Lunch_Box]

Block heater would have to be my guess as well. Seems like all the Canadians know what it is, it muxt be are nice winters that help us answer this.

 

[JiveMasterT]

hmm, do all dsms have these? ive never seen one on my car. you should get an extension cord and plug it into your wall outlet and see what it does

 

[Defiant]

No, block heaters aren't standard on any cars I'm aware of. They usually either replace a freeze plug, attach to the sump, or insert thru the dipstick hole, that I've seen. There's not that much to them- it doesn't take much heat to keep things alive.

 

[Coldandafraid]

block heaters do not come on US destined cars, but, are "options" (standard) in all canadian destined cars. Its called an option, but its just another thing the car dealerships charge us for upon delivery of a new car.

 

[4geze63]

My current car has no block heater, Im pretty sure its from canada. so your saying that if it doesnt it is forsure an american car?.

Im getting my engine rebuild soon and am going to get them to install a heater plug, is it a fairly simple process?

 

[2.4 turbo Hyped]

When I lived in north dakota all the cars came standard with block heaters.

 

[Defiant]

Im getting my engine rebuild soon and am going to get them to install a heater plug, is it a fairly simple process?

Um... nice revival, but yes, it just presses in like a standard welch plug.

 

[OWGTI]

They either press in or have a butterfly style tab on the back and screw in. They are very easy to install and I put one in every car I have owned. There are several advantages to a block heater. First off, you have instant heat in the winter. Second off, you have no more cold startup which is hard on a motor. Third, even with a weak battery, your car will start. I have mine set on a timer at home that my dad put in the garage. We have block heaters for all the cars and dedicated outlets/timers for them. I usually time the car for about 3 hours before work. Makes a nice warm drive. I usually use mine between Thanksgiving and the end of February.