Well, summer is over...and sadly enough we will be getting that terrible white stuff on the ground. Yes, I know we've got some time, but I'm thinking ahead. Well, I was thinking about getting some type of engine block heater or something for my Lumina since it's my winter car and sits outside. It'd be nice to have a warmer car to start out with, plus many days in the cold it cranks hard...it'd be nice to have it warmed up already to help the engine out.

Anyone have any experience, or opinions on different types or brands I should look into? I'm on somewhat of a limited budget...

Thanks for any input!

 

I put a Phillips & Temro/Zerostart brand one in the 97 Express van I had and it worked great. It was the freeze plug type. I put it on a timer for about 3-4 hours before starting the engine. You must unplug the heater before starting the engine. If you don't, it will burn out the element. Freeze plug type are the best ones since they heat the coolant in the block.

If you have a 3.1 engine in your Lumina, catalog shows part #3100015 is listed for that application. It is to be mounted in the center rear freeze plug location with the element at 3 o'clock position. GM dealer may carry block heaters that are similar in design and quality. Good luck.

 

You are correct, I have the 3.1. I figured I'd set a timer on the outlet or whatever to start sometime in the night so it's ready for school. Luckily there's a power outlet right in front of my car where I park! I'll have to look into that brand.

Thanks!

 

Ok...I can't find anything about buying any of those.... Are they dealer only?

 

Amazon has yours for $21.27. They list the part # like this, 310-0015.
I have one here, different part #. I will take a picture of it & post it up for you so you know what they look like.

Try this link:

http://www.phillipsandtemro.com/cust...t/catalogs.asp

then click on the PDF application guide.

 

Here some pics for the one I have. This is for a chevy 4.3 V6 or 5.0/5,7 V8.

The heaters come with about a 5 ft. cord with a plug protector, 3rd photo.

 

Ok thanks... Yeah a picture would be helpful. THat really doesn't sound that expensive. Is installation pretty easy?

Actually,n ow that I think about it I think the outlet in front of my car is for our camper, which is like a 220, 240v? I don't know much about electricity, but it's not a standard plug. Guess I can run an extension cord....

 

Thanks for posting the picture! I might have to look at getting that one on Amazon. Pretty reasonable.

 

They run on regular 110V. They can suck up some power though. This one I think is 1500 watt. That is the max they can make them for 110v.

 

I don't know much about volts and wattages. I know that the plug in front of my car is more heavy duty for our camper... The rest of them in the garage are standard outlets like a house would have.