Engine Block Heater for '97 Civic (Gen 6) - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

brucepick · 12-13-2012, 11:27 AM

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.

slownugly · 12-13-2012, 11:37 AM

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

brucepick · 12-13-2012, 11:43 AM

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.

slownugly · 12-13-2012, 11:46 AM

That's true I didn't think about that. You have inspired me to install one on the vlx using just a block heater

brucepick · 12-13-2012, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slownugly

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.

slownugly · 12-13-2012, 03:05 PM

I ordered one from napa. Same part number that was used in tomo's Vx. 400 watt

slowmover · 12-14-2012, 09:54 PM

Good work! I've been thinking about a KIMM HOTSTART for my Cummins.

gijoe985 · 02-19-2013, 05:05 PM

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???

brucepick · 03-03-2013, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gijoe985

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!

Bruce

brucepick · 03-03-2013, 11:18 PM

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.