Quote:
Originally Posted by IndyIan
Is there a problem with a frost plug block heater? In -5C my car starts off with 35 to 40C coolant temps. That is half way to operating temp.
Also on a cold day, I don't know if 1500W could actually get a rad up to higher temps than a normal block heater, I might think it might even be lower. The rad is designed to lose heat after all.
Ian
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I don't think there is anything wrong with a frost plug heater.
Haven't tested, but I believe the 1500 watt tank heater will bring the engine block and heater core to the same or hotter temperature than a 500 watt frost plug heater will bring just the engine block (and in less time). However, unless you plumbed the tank heater from a tee at the lower radiator hose, there won't be any significant change in temperature in the radiator. Assuming plumbing into the lower radiator hose - the radiator will probably still never get even close to as warm as the engine and heater core - no circulation through the radiator - any heating of the radiator is by virtue of conduction. However, since the radiator is designed to loose heat to air flowing though its fins, provided the radiator isn't exposed to wind (garage for instance) heat loss may be less than one might first guess (because air remains trapped between fins).
35 to 40C coolant temps were measured at:
- the engine block?
- the radiator?
If the car sits unplugged overnight and the engine starts out at say -15C (5F), when you plug in the frost plug heater, how long does it take the coolant to reach 35C?