Block Heater Installed.

[jesimpki]

Hey guys, I finally got my block heater installed on the Accord. However, the position of the coolant drain bolt on the engine block is definitely not the best. My hands were badly cut after a two-hour long attempt to remove the bolt failed and I decided to have my mechanic cousin remove it and install the heater. I figured I would try it out at work last night so I plugged it in a little over an hour before I left.

I must say that I am impressed with the performance after a short amount of time. The car isn't fighting the brakes like it usually does while the ECU tries to warm up the block while running in open loop mode. I would really like to see how well it helps to warm the block during freezing weather, but I may have to wait until next winter. However, this morning temps were hovering around 45° F at 6:00 AM. I plugged it in for just a hare over two-hours, and when I left at 8:00 AM, I could really tell a difference. The car shifted smoothly and sooner into each gear as compared to driving with a cold engine. I was also able to get into overdrive much sooner as well.

Now we wait for new, better tires...

[bgd73]

That is a great idea.. I keep procrastinating. the old boxer is cold all year round...in fact when heat finally cathes up in the 50s F and above.. the engine squeezes six month old bad gas, like it never reached WOT.

the block heater could fix this...

[gone-ot]

...nice benefit too is that it's installation doesn't affect summer fuel economy when it's not being used.

...although there is some thought that it can actually help summer FE too by almost eliminating the typical initial half-hour engine-warm-up cycle, if also used in summer.

[jesimpki]

I wish my Accord was OBDII so that I could get accurate coolant temp readings but alas, it was made in 1991. It would be interesting to compare the time versus coolant temp like Metro did. I can agree with the notion that a heater will help in the summer. 90 degrees F ambient temperature is still shy of 190+ F operating temperature.

[gone-ot]

jesimpki -- Q: does anybody there in Blacksburg remember the names "Titus, Rony & Larson" and their series of "Bug Books" printed by Howard W. Sams?

[jesimpki]

Tele_man, I'm not familiar with those books or authors/publishers, but a professor in the Computer Science or Electrical Engineering department might be.

I never knew there was an entire group in Blacksburg devoted to the subject of microcomputers. Virginia Information

Of course, I wasn't born until 1989 either and didn't touch my first computer until 1998(a Packard Bell *ick*).

Edit: I did find some books by those authors through the campus library catalog online.

[gone-ot]

...one of the books in that listing is mine, from a long-long time ago (TRS-80) and before IBM got into the game.

[Clev]

Hey Jesimpki, which heater did you use and where did you install it? I'd like to have on in the Clunker by this winter.

[jesimpki]

Tele_man:

Here is the list of TRS-80 references from the catalog:
Subject: TRS-80

Clev: I bought mine from Napa Autoparts. I am pretty sure it is the exact same part number as mine as for your Accord, but I looked it up through their site to be safe.

They carry two models, one by Balkamp (what I got @ $49.59) and one by Kats which is cheaper (@ $37.99), but didn't look as appealing to me. Both are the same wattage (400W).

Here are the links:
Balkamp Heater

Kats Heater

On my engine, it just replaces the coolant drain bolt, which is just above and to the left of the oil filter and somewhat recessed. If your engine is similar to mine (F22A1), it should be in that location. I just recommend having a mechanic you know remove it for you to save time and blood. Of course, the antifreeze needs drained as well.

Two and a half hours plugged in seems about optimum in current weather here (~40F mornings), but the colder it is, 3 hours may be better/necessary for the equivalent benefit.

[Clev]

Mine's the F22A4, so it should fit the same. Thanks!