Question about block heater

[2LandRovers]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum with an '03 SE7. I just had an OEM block heater installed at the dealer. They left the ac plug under the hood. Is that right or is it supposed to be dressed out to the front grille? I am assuming I can just plug it in overnight or I can get a timer so it heats up a few hours before morning. Does anyone know the wattage of the heater or amp draw?

Thanks

 

[andrewv]

Don't know the draw, but hook it up to a timer and set it for 3 hours and see how it works. Is the cord long enough to snake through the grill?

 

[jec]

The OEM heater used on our 95 D1 in 1994, part number PRC9674, was 350 watts if I recall. Check your receipt to see if yours is the same part number. Try it for 2 to 4 hours, and judge how warm it gets the engine by: 1) popping the hood and seeing how warm it feels on top of the engine, or 2) seeing how fast you get warm air out of the heater after starting up. Then adjust your heating time up or down as indicated.

 

[2LandRovers]

Thanks for the input. I looked on the receipt and the part number is PRC9674 so, I will go with the 350 watt value. Now it looks like I'll have to find a route for the ac cable to the grille.

 

[cognetic]

BLock Heater Install Cost

Would you please share the total cost for your install? I've been thinking about doing this, too...
A parts list would be helpful if you have it from the receipt...
Thanks!

 

[2LandRovers]

I paid $131.13 for the heater PRC9674, they had to drain and refill the coolant $22.01 and labor was $216.25. So, the install came to $369.39 plus tax.

 

[2LandRovers]

Just as a follow up. It was 14 degrees this morning. I had the block heater on for 4 hours. It took 1 mile to come up to temperature and blow warm air. Not bad and worth the investment in my book.

 

[calebsg]

Just for the record, block heaters are a way of life here in Saskatchewan. I live about 1.5 hours north of Minot, ND, so we get some -40 weather every year.

The reason they didn't snake the cord out your grill is that it will swing in the wind and mark whatever it touches. So just pull it out for the winter and try to have only enough out to use the plug without it moving much. If you have a brush guard or bully bar attach it there with a zap strap.

I leave mine plugged in all night.

Finally I am a bit surprised at the cost. I put one in my VW Jetta TDI a few years ago and it was 20 bucks. He knocked a freeze plug out with the end of a steel bar, caught the fluid in a clean bucket, installed the heater and ran the cord out the front in < 1.5 hours. FWIW. The diesel would start all the way down to about -37 or so.

Caleb