How to Install an Engine Heater

Cold weather and cars, especially those with diesel engines, are a poor mix. Cold starting is difficult and tough on an engine. Oil is thicker at cold temperatures so proper lubrication for all the moving and rotating parts in an engine takes a little bit longer to happen, potentially shortening the life of your engine. An engine heater keeps the engine warm to help prevent that problem. Determine the type of engine heater that best suits your needs: tank type, magnetic mount, radiator hose, dipstick and freeze plug. Magnetic and dipstick heaters require no installation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Engine heater
• Hose cutter
• Hose clamps
• Screwdriver
• Automotive antifreeze and coolant
• Water

Installing a Tank-Type Heater

1. Drain the radiator.

2. Cut one of the heater hoses at a location where there is room to mount the heater.

3. Slide a hose clamp on each end of the hose and push the heater hose onto the nipples of the tank heater. Slide the hose clamp in place and tighten securely with a screwdriver.

4. Refill the radiator with a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water.

5. Plug the heater in to turn it on.

Installing a Radiator Hose Heater

6. Drain the radiator.

7. Cut the lower radiator hose a few inches below the engine water pump. These heaters work best on a vertical section of radiator hose close to the water pump.

8. Place a hose clamp over the upper end of the radiator hose. Slide the heater into the hose and position and tighten the clamp to secure the hose to the heater.
   Secure the lower section of hose to the heater with another hose clamp.

9. Refill the radiator with a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water.

10. Plug the heater in to turn it on.

Installing a Freeze Plug Heater

11. Drain the radiator.

12. Locate a freeze plug with enough room around it to give you room to remove it. Removing the freeze plug is easiest with a punch and hammer. Try to punch one side in to the engine far enough to insert a screwdriver in and pry the freeze plug out.

13. Coat the gasket on the freeze plug heater with a little RTV sealant and insert the heater in the hole.

14. Turn the screw on the heater to tighten it into the freeze plug hole.

15. Refill the radiator with a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a heavy duty extension cord with engine heaters to prevent overheating of the extension cord and to ensure that full power reaches the heater.

References

• CarTalkCanada: Block Heater Installation
• F150online: Installing Engine Block Heaters