For us Canadians, we require block heaters for our vehicles. Here are a few alternatives. Magnetic heater: They work by heating the oil in the pan. They are ok, but the heat can weaken the magnet. The big drawback would be it can not be used on aluminum pans. External heaters: Mainly used on air cooled VW Bugs and older Hondas. They have an external element bolted to the side of the block, creates heat in all directions, your block is only on one side. "Sticky" heaters: These are the heaters that are epoxied to the oil pan, heating the oil. Normally used on big rigs to heat the fuel in the tanks and on newer VW / Audi engines. This is the best bet so far. If you know of any other way to warm your block other than a fire underneath, add it to the list. Robert
Block Heater 1 inch lower rad hose heaters by zerostart works on suzuki, diahatsui, minicab, but not hondas
There are also strap-on (Hahah I said Strap-on) pan heater. Better than magnetic in my opinion. Has long metal straps that are bolted on using a couple of the oil pan bolts. FYI, last year I ran all winter without any block heater and there was only 1 day it wouldnt start on its own. A good battery is important. Those engines are so small, a good battery can crank and crank.
the inline lower rad hose heater by zerostart is available at Canadian tire...$44.95, bought one yesterday
Block heater off a Suzuki 3 cyl will work from an auto wrecker for next to nothing. These are external heaters that bolt on the side of the block. Just find a place to bolt on. Works on a 1000 cc, will work on 660cc.
the polar pad oil pan heaters (orange stick on)from Canadian Tire take about 5 mins to install and have worked great on my jdm diesels.
Redundant? Have been running my Carry this last cold snap. Up to -45 C with wind chill and starts first time every time, no block heater. Never had a carburated vehicle start so well. Will be adding a block heater to extend engine life. Goes through the snow like it's not there with 12" all seasons. Straight as an arrow on ice. Too much fun
Polar Pad Im running the 125w polar pad,no worries about air getting into coolant system,works fine in -45c. The hardest part on this install was convincing the store that they had them in stock(can tire, the customer is always wrong)
I believe the reason for the inline heater not working on the Honda is that the coolant lines have to run all the way from the front to the rear mounted engine. The inline type requires an upward slope on the mounting position to function properly. I agree with Minibrutes, the clamp on heater is the better option to the magnetic lower wattage heaters for us here in the great white north.
Yup. Stick on or clamp on. Dont bother with the hose heater. Honda's also seem to produce the least amount of heat at idle. Insulate the small line going to the heater. It will make a difference. Just us the foam pipe insulation at a home improvement place or even Canadian Tire. You may want to up the idle for the winter as well. If you are driving its not a problem, just longer stops, so it is not required for many. And a small 12V electric heater is a cheap way to add a little extra heat to the cab. Switch your oil to 5/30 and make sure the fluids in your diffs and trans have been changed. The fluid from Japan is pretty thick.
I have the stick on one.... I have the stick on oil pan heater ...works great...for the last 2 winters with my crummy old battery. BUT Just replaced my original battery and switched to royal purple oil so this winter should be better. I always have a mini battery booster in the van in the winter. Cus my battery is so far from the engine and minus 35 is friggin cold. Mini booster is the Best $30 I ever spent at XS cargo
heh weird this thread got dug up. thinking this winter im gonna try to find a dip stick heater for mine. the magnetic on just doesnt seem to keep it warm as id like it to be.
I know it's kind a late to pop into this conversation, but I'm thinking of putting an inline heater in my Suzuki DD51T. Doea anyone know the diameter of the lower hose?
