How and where do you install a block heater on a 850 turbo 1995. Daughter going to college in canada

 

what kind of block heater?

 

Isn't there something on these cars that you can plug into during cold weather to allow you to turn over the car? The temps in Canada get very cold!

 

no. i am in wisconsin and last year we got past below 0 for more than a week and it started fine. i wouldnt worry about it.

 

There has to be something as it gets to -40 C in manitoba.

 

good gas in the tank with additive should be enough.... with good antifreeze you should not have any issue with a gas motor. if it were a diesel motor i would be worried.

 

You can buy aftermarket coolant heaters that have a circulation pump. I remember that the parking lot at Sears in Fairbanks, AK had pay parking meters that turned on the outlet in front of your parking stall. The concept of a pay parking meter in Alaska is quite bizarre but to get the power turned on it is worth it.

You just need to match the hose size and figure out a way to secure it.

They also make heated dipsticks but my experience with them is that all they do is burn oil.

...Lee

 

According to this site you can increase the coolant/H2O ratio beyond 50/50 to attain greater freeze protection (but not beyond 69%) to get freeze protection down to -90F or -68C, so i imagine a 60/40 ratio would get you -40C protection no problem.

But if you really want a block heater just google "engine block heaters"; there are all different kinds.

Like Tony said, a gas additive is probably more important; when i was in MI there was a product called "dry gas" i think. Also need to pay attention to your lubricants; engine oil especially!

 

dry gas works, as does "HEET" they are both the same in the end of it all.

 

Its been a few months since anyone has commented on this topic, but isn't the best part of the block heater = instant heat?

I had an old RX-7 with a rotary that refused to start in the winter. I put a heater in one of the radiator hoses. The car started easily in the cold and I had instant heat.

I was thinking of adding one to my V70, but haven't seen much info on it. Anyone using one?

 

I suggest running synthetic oil, too. The oil does not thicken like conventional, making for much easier cranking. I did this with my old VW Rabbits with over 100k miles on them. They sat outside all winter in VT (-25 F some nights) and started up just fine.