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Old 12-13-2012, 10:27 AM   #11 (permalink)
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I'd credit a solid 2-3 mpg, to the project. IMHO the gain was from about 48.x to 53.x =5 mpg but I picked up about 2 mpg when car pooling dropped off to about once a week instead of daily. So that gives about 3 mpg for the heater project. My bet guess, that's all.

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Old 12-13-2012, 10:37 AM   #12 (permalink)
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That's still a significant gain and as the temperature drops even more keep the thread updated as to what the startup temps are. If it drops to 10 degrees and you still have the same startup temp as 30 that would be great
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Old 12-13-2012, 10:43 AM   #13 (permalink)
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This mornings outside temperature was at least six degrees colder than any I've had yet this year. That is, the gain I'm seeing isn't completely apples-to-apples.

I think I'd credit a solid 3 mph to the heater project.
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Old 12-13-2012, 10:46 AM   #14 (permalink)
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That's true I didn't think about that. You have inspired me to install one on the vlx using just a block heater
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Old 12-13-2012, 01:58 PM   #15 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slownugly View Post
That's true I didn't think about that. You have inspired me to install one on the vlx using just a block heater
Sounds good. I figure you'll know how to get a heater into the block without causing damage. I don't think I saw a freeze plug type offered but I did find the ZeroStart for the block rear drain.

ZeroStart catalog can be found at phillipsandtemro.com; they make that line. Google Kats Heaters to find their catalog. Both have full listings of applications so you can see what fits different blocks.
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Last edited by brucepick; 12-13-2012 at 02:12 PM..
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Old 12-13-2012, 02:05 PM   #16 (permalink)
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I ordered one from napa. Same part number that was used in tomo's Vx. 400 watt
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Old 12-14-2012, 08:54 PM   #17 (permalink)
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Good work! I've been thinking about a KIMM HOTSTART for my Cummins.
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Old 02-19-2013, 04:05 PM   #18 (permalink)
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So, I've posted elsewhere and I didn't hear a reply. I'm planning to do this on my Civic VX.

My heater came with an adapter that could be used in the radiator petcock (drain) valve. Wouldn't this be a perfectly acceptable alternative to tapping into the lower hose???
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Old 03-03-2013, 10:07 PM   #19 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gijoe985 View Post
So, I've posted elsewhere and I didn't hear a reply. I'm planning to do this on my Civic VX.

My heater came with an adapter that could be used in the radiator petcock (drain) valve. Wouldn't this be a perfectly acceptable alternative to tapping into the lower hose???
Did you maybe already install this?

Mine also came with one of those petcock adapters. I couldn't see how it would work and also allow radiator draining. If it looks like it will work for you, go for it!

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Old 03-03-2013, 10:18 PM   #20 (permalink)
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OK, it's fessing up time.

I had to abandon using the block heater after a couple weeks due to unexplained air getting into the system. With air in the system, the coolant didn't circulate when heated, and the block only warmed up about 20-30 degrees above ambient.

Today I finally chased it down. I believe its fixed now.
Two hose clamps below the distributor were leaking.

1)
It seems you need to go back over the clamps after a week or two, especially if using new hose. Most (all??) of them needed tightening up.

2)
Two clamps were leaking. I could see the coolant spray on the hose there.

3)
Watch out for skinny worm-gear type hose clamps. They don't take enough tightening to do the job. Use the wider band ones, if you use worm gear type clamps.

4)
Watch out for those clamps you may set up beneath the distributor. You can't see the area easily once its all reassembled. If they leak, you might not see it. Also make sure the clamps don't get in the way of remounting the distributor - I'm assuming you removed it as I did, to assemble the system.

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