Factory Honda block heater - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Formula413 · 10-02-2012, 09:25 PM

I just found out that I can get an OEM block heater for my car. It actually takes the place of the coolant drain plug in the block. It comes with a harness and I can pick one up for a shade under $50. I was considering getting an aftermarket one that would need to be spliced into the heater hose but this seems much easier. I just wish I had known about it a few weeks ago when I changed the coolant, I could have put it in then with no extra work.

Has anyone ever used this type of block heater that could speak to it's effectiveness or reliability?

Ryland · 10-02-2012, 09:58 PM

I bought one for my civic vx that installs in a threaded plug in the front of the block, not the drain plug, but I can't get that plug out! I think I paid about $35 for mine from the dealer, the one you have looks to be $42 +$2 for the wire harness.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...S+-+ELECTRICAL

it's part #40 and #40a
Mine looks like a tiny water heater element and looks really solid and well built, tempted to take it to a repair shop to have it installed.

Formula413 · 10-02-2012, 10:11 PM

Funny you should mention that, when I changed my coolant the block drain plug (located on the back of the block under the exhaust manifold on my car) was VERY hard to remove, I even broke a Craftsman 3" extension getting it loose (still need to return that at Sears).

Incidentally where did you see the part listed for $42? Best price I saw was $44, the part number is 08T44-S5B-100, and that was substantially discounted.

California98Civic · 10-02-2012, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formula413

Funny you should mention that, when I changed my coolant the block drain plug (located on the back of the block under the exhaust manifold on my car) was VERY hard to remove, I even broke a Craftsman 3" extension getting it loose (still need to return that at Sears).

Incidentally where did you see the part listed for $42? Best price I saw was $44, the part number is 08T44-S5B-100, and that was substantially discounted.

Down near the bottom of the link he posted, $40.21 for 08T44-S5B-100 and then $2 for the harness.

MetroMPG · 10-02-2012, 11:08 PM

I would want to know the power rating before ordering.

The more power in your block heater, the better. More heat in less time means you'll use it more often (more convenient, even for unscheduled trips), and save more fuel. I'm using an 800 watt in-line "tank" style coolant heater.

Formula413 · 10-02-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by California98Civic

Down near the bottom of the link he posted, $40.21 for 08T44-S5B-100 and then $2 for the harness.

I swear that link wasn't there before...

I think he edited it

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I would want to know the power rating before ordering.

The more power in your block heater, the better. More heat in less time means you'll use it more often (more convenient, even for unscheduled trips), and save more fuel. I'm using an 800 watt in-line "tank" style coolant heater.

I was thinking the same thing. Ryland, any chance you have a Killawatt or some way to measure wattage and could fill us in? I would only caution not to leave it on since the instructions say not to run it when it is not actually submerged in coolant. Or dip it in a cup of antifreeze.

bestclimb · 10-03-2012, 02:29 AM

they work ok.

Gasoline Fumes · 10-03-2012, 03:13 AM

I put one in my '91 Civic. It's only 400 watts, but being right inside the block, it's pretty effective. I got it cheap on eBay. I think it was for an Accord, other than a very long cord, it fit fine. It won't get the engine up to full operating temperature, but it does get pretty warm. I can feel the heat as soon as I open the hood after having it plugged in for an hour or two. I've tried leaving it plugged in longer than two hours, but it doesn't seem to get any warmer beyond that.

I had always wondered why the coolant drain plug on the block was so big. One more reason to love Hondas!

bestclimb · 10-03-2012, 03:19 AM

Its not just a Honda thing, it is pretty standard for all makes.

seeodywhy · 10-03-2012, 05:05 AM

I used one in my vx to hf swap because I lived in alaska for a while. They keep things warm even at -50. The only caveat is that while I lived there everyone had them and plumes of black smoke coming from somewhere in town were not uncommon. If you use one just stay on top of oil leaks. I plugged mine in once while it was disconnected and they get hot.