engine block heater

[nwdiver]

Since I don't plan on getting an RTL, that means I can't have heated seats (not from the factory anyway) so would an engine block heater help the truck warm up faster? I've never had a vehicle that had one...that's what the little plug hanging out of the grill is--right? The coldest it gets here is typically 25F but that's unusual and it only happens around now when there isn't any cloud cover at night. Unfortunately, the Ridgeline won't be fitting in the garage either and more unfortunate is that it's been COLD here this year . Rain I can take, but not cold or heat or humidity. Will I be able to start the truck and turn on the heat (and actually get warm air) or will there still be a wait?

[delphi7x10]

It will help it warm up faster, but if the 6 is anything like the 4 in my wifes Civic, you don't have to worry. It heats up very fast, and our nights are much colder than what yours are.

Robert

[Ctrl-Z]

You certainly won't need an engine block heater if it barely gets below freezing in your local. All a block heater does is circulate the engine oil allowing easier engine starting in very cold conditions. It won't make the coolant any warmer. I can only assume Honda Canada is smart enough to include them with all the Canadian models though...

[H&A]

The block heater is a heating element that goes into the coolant to warm it.

I'm not sure how much it would speed heat coming out inside the vehicle though.

-Trevor
HandA

[AdrianNTierney]

Does anyone hereaboits know just how mich an engone block heater warms up the coolant?

[ProHonda]

I had one on my F150 and 02 Mustang (canada rides). Car blows heat way faster with it plug in a few hours before you leave. ( helps deice faster)

I plan on getting one also, helps keep the block warm and less start knock.

H&A sells the kit for cheap, downside is you have to drain the coolant.

Mods, mods & more mods to buy

[Lingered_I]

Originally Posted by Ctrl-Z

You certainly won't need an engine block heater if it barely gets below freezing in your local. All a block heater does is circulate the engine oil allowing easier engine starting in very cold conditions. It won't make the coolant any warmer. I can only assume Honda Canada is smart enough to include them with all the Canadian models though...

Some block heaters heat the oil. The Ridgelines' heats the coolant. It doesn't physically circulate the liquid but relies on conduction through the engine block and convection through the coolant itself to raise the liquid temperature by as much as 50 degrees. Engine warm up time will be shortened as will the the time taken for warm air to be available through the air vents.

[tadtam]

When I lived in Alaska I had an aftermarket (JC Whitmey) model that had a heating element and a pump. It was installed by cutting the heater hose line. This heated and circulated the coolant, therefore, your vehicle was toasty warm as soon as you started it up. You needed it on those -50F mornings

[rtraviator]

There are a few different types of heaters, the one you are referring to, the block heater is put in place of a freeze plug on the engine block and as stated before when you take that freeze plug out, out comes the coolant! I ran a V6 Aerostar and 4 cyl. Escort through four winters in Anchorage, Alaska. The Aerostar was garaged, Escort wasn't and neither one had a block heater. I don't think that much would be gained in 25F weather by having a block heater installed. On the few mornings I've ran my heater in the Ridge this winter (~20F) by the time I've traveled the 1.7 miles to exit the subdivision and then turn the heater on, it's blowing warm air, though won't blow hot for a couple more minutes.

TL

[Webwader]

On the few mornings I've ran my heater in the Ridge this winter (~20F) by the time I've traveled the 1.7 miles to exit the subdivision and then turn the heater on, it's blowing warm air, though won't blow hot for a couple more minutes.

Just wondering why you are doing that. With the automatic climate control, I just leave it set normally. The fan stays off until the temp is warm enough, which is about 4 or 5 blocks. The exception to this is if you hit the defrost button.