Geo Metro Block Heater How-to - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MetroMPG · 10-24-2008, 11:33 PM

I think heating the transmisison oil would definitely be worthwhile.

bbjsw10 · 10-25-2008, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I haven't tried to measure impact on fuel economy because I didn't think I could control enough variables to get meaningful results.

I haven't done any scientific tests like yours but I know I was getting 34-37 in the morning to work. It is about 3.8 miles, same route, about the same traffic. The first morning I used it I hit 62.3 according to Guino. The same mileage I could get on the way home when it is warmer out.

A cold engine kills me driving to work, too short of a drive. But a short drive to work is nice just not for FE.

Thanks Darin, those graphs were the reason I went with the one I did. I read every single word on those tests you did and tank sounded like best choice.

Chris D. · 10-29-2008, 02:55 AM

I definatly need one of these for my tacoma, my fuel economy is in the crapper..

MazdaMatt · 10-29-2008, 09:58 AM

Well, i cleared 4" of snow off my car this morning. St. Thomas Ontario (south west). Not happy. Need to put on the winter tires and I was thinking about a block heater as i was putting on my gloves to deal with the freezing shift knob and wheel. I like that unit. Methinks I needs one.

MetroMPG · 11-02-2008, 11:36 AM

Definitely worth getting, Matt. Do eeeet!

Any more observations, bbjsw10? That was a massive improvement, according to the Guino.

bbjsw10 · 11-02-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Definitely worth getting, Matt. Do eeeet!

Any more observations, bbjsw10? That was a massive improvement, according to the Guino.

Yeah Matt, get one and everyone else who has a car that lives in the cold climates.

Observations, Hmmm. Firstly I love it, we have had frost about 10 times now and the windshield is half defrosted when I go outside. Just from ambient heat from core rising.

The mileage increase has been like that everyday when using this. I tested 1 morning without and dropped right back to the 35-37Mpg range, I shall run it everyday now. This was the easiest/cheapest mod for cold weather, IMHO. I am seriously thinking about adding one to my Wife's Civic Si, too. I have not had a cold start trip under 50Mpg since using this, and some runs were only 1.5 miles(which was just for a test I normally don't turn it on unless needed) So Yeah I Love It!!

thefirebuilds · 11-11-2008, 04:39 PM

amazon

$32

Amazon.com: Kats 13080 850 Watt Alumininum Circulating Tank Heater: Automotive

MazdaMatt · 11-11-2008, 04:56 PM

hm... i clicked the link and it says "make sure it fits your vehicle" and it tells me that it does not fit my 2k2 mazda protege5... is that just silly (because it is not oem bolt-on), or does my car maybe have different sized hoses?

AppleMac*Fit · 11-12-2008, 11:51 AM

Good DIY! I didn't know those were manufactured; I thought there were only the block, glow-plug style heaters.

bbjsw10 · 11-13-2008, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MazdaMatt

hm... i clicked the link and it says "make sure it fits your vehicle" and it tells me that it does not fit my 2k2 mazda protege5... is that just silly (because it is not oem bolt-on), or does my car maybe have different sized hoses?

It said the same for mine! As you can see it fits, measure your heater core hoses if they are 5/8" it should work as long as you have enough room for the heater.