Quote:
I'm considering installing an engine block heater in my Insight. I would probably purchase the heater and attachment listed on the following web page:
http://www.handa-accessories.com/insight.html
Questions:
1. Can anybody comment on how much time it takes to do this? I'm assuming that it requires draining the coolant, correct?
2. Also, I'm assuming that it actually bolts into the block, right? That is how my previous car's block heaters installed.
3. Also looking for comments regarding where people routed the cord? In my previous cars, the cord just dangled out the front. But I'm thinking there might be a more aerodynamic way of doing this -- your thoughts?
Thanks,
Bryan
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As one fellow put it, it'll take about a minute to screw it into the engine block - just don't over tighten it; i.e, don't strip the threads!
You might note, you can as well purchase a dip stick heater which will do the same job but the in all fairness, the engine block heater is the best way to go - in my opinion.
Get a large bucket to collect the engine coolant, and a funnel to put it back in when you're done, and once installed and the coolent is replaced, start the car and check for leaks! Let it run for about ten or fifteen minutes and stay there to check and make sure there are none.
As for routing the cord, odds are you'll probably have it tucked or tied into one of the multitude of appendages to be found under the hood - and away from every thing that moves. Be ready to use plenty of small nylon line or a lot of heavy duty twist'ems for this.
You might also consider the purchase of what is known (at least around these parts) as a "Rose" timer. Odds are you probably already know what I mean; they have twenty four hourly settings to have the unit come on, stay on for x number of hours and then turn off the power to the block heater. In the dead of Winter (20 below is not common here but it happens) I found it convenient to set mine to come on about two hours before I intended to use the car and pullling out of the garage I already had hot air blowing into the cabin - on those bitter cold mornings that felt real good!
Oh, one more thing ... when you're leaving early in the AM or so, make sure you unplug the unit before backing out of the garage - it's most embarrassing to be going down the highway with a twenty five foot or so length of cable trailing along behind you. :-)
Hope this helped - and best of luck with the install!
Fred / Proud Owner of "The Silver Bullet"
Questions about installing an engine block heater
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