Block heater?

[scdaf]

Has anyone any knowledge of availability of a block heater for the 451? Seems such a device would benefit those of us with short commutes by allowing us to start with a partially warmed engine which would offset the slight cost of running the heater. This engine must have been sold somewhere it gets cold...

[Fredvon4]

I firmly believe in these devices. Even down here in relatively warm Texas I pre heat my motor block over night during the cold months

I will be researching appropriate factory and aftermarket devices for this car after I take possession

Estimated ETA Date:

3/31/2008 to 6/29/2008

[JPaul]

Anyone has conctact(s) in Canada? Pretty cold up there...

[scdaf]

Thought it might be time to ressurect this thread as even though we're in the middle of summer, experience has shown that winter will come... Any answers about a block heater for the 451?

[nsaamiller]

Up here in north country (S.D.) I have used the magmetic type heaters that are fairly small but efficient. There should be a place for it, and it can be held down with HD ty-wraps or just the magnet if your roads are pretty good.

[Jimbo]

I've used both the magnet type and the kind that installs in a soft plug. both work well. On a 1.0 liter engine you might invest in a timer, so that it comes on 1.5-2 hrs prior to your start-up time. Shouldn't take very warm up that tiny cooling system. from my experience, since the advent of electronic ignition and fuel injection, the times when a car will not start have been greatly reduced.

[Dougg]

I like block heaters, but I get the impression that the idea is a fading one... When we got our M-B C-240 my inquiries about available block heaters came up blank. I have one on the old Ford Ranger and also had on previous vehicles. It not only makes the engine start easier, but speeds the arrival of warm air for defrost and the heater. I like the idea that the engine gets a head-start on warming up, for a bit less wear n tear and less emissions too I expect.

If there's a block heater appropriate for the smart I'd be interested, as mine will be a short-range cross-town commuter this winter without much opportunity to get fully up to temp.

[DFWehman]

No, no me! I have seen dipstick heaters as well, not sure if it would work / fit in a smart. Amazing forum, adjacent posts on block heaters and frozen ac units, these cars do get around!

[Karl Roth]

Chevy offers block heaters on a lot of there cars for $75. With the bock on our cars made out of aluminum the magnets don't have much to stick to. Routing the cord to clear the exaust could be a pain, perhaps to the front. Are there freeze plugs aka casting plugs that are accssable.
karl

[jefferios]

It'd be nice if there was one available. But when I am at school there isn't a way for me even to strech a cord to my car in the dorm's parking lot. LOL, people would think I was charging my smart.