Yeah, but that would heat the oil, and I'm not really concerned about the oil being warm, I want the coolant warm.

 

But if you keep the oil/motor warm, the coolant will heat faster. That's the idea.

 

Thank You Sir.............

 

Eric, I checked my son's car out today. On his, you can see the center freeze plug from underneath. Your right, it's in a tough spot but I was able to reach through the passenger side axle opening. It could be done without removing the trans or motor. The freeze plugs do come out pretty easy. In this case a long screw driver and hammer should make it possible. Once you have the plug sideways in the hole you can pop it out. The heater will go right in and with a short screw driver you will be able to tighten the hold down clamp for the block heater.

As far as a dipstick heater vs a freeze plug heater, freeze plug heater is the better of the two. Heating the coolant is best for easier starting. That's why the manufactures install them in some gas engines and most all of the diesels. Saves having to replace the starters due to extended starter cranking too. I owned two GM 6.2 diesels and several big trucks with the block heaters and they really helped with starting. A friend had a 6.2 with a burnt out block heater and he installed a dipstick heater. He didn't really see any benefit from it. My gravel trains always started right up without having to use starting fluid.

If you put one in, remember to unplug it prior to starting the engine. Starting the engine with it still plugged in causes premature failure of the heating element. Coolant rushing past the hot element causes this. Not to mention how many people have left it plugged in, warmed the vehicle up and drove off and can't find the cord when they get back home.

 

Back when I lived in Buffalo I thought I'd be smart, so I put a twist lock receptacle in and then a matching plug on the heater extension cord. I figured that if I forgot and drove off, the cord would just be pulled free from the truck, no big deal, no cord jerked out of the block heater(don't ask). Well I forgot one morning and got to work trailing the extension cord and receptacle along with a few feet of wire, everybody got a big laugh about that, 'cept me.

 

Thank you SO much for looking for me! I was going to go back out and check again last night but my dad and his friend were in the garage drinking until 1am

I'm thinking if I can't get to the freeze plug I'll have to try a radiator hose heater, but a freeze plug would be my first choice. Hopefully I can check again tonight.

Thanks again for checking! I really appreciate it!

 

Auto eject outlet. Our fire apparatus have an outlet with a plunger that ejects the power cord if you forget to remove it. It is a standard size outlet that the plunger is activated when you engage the starter.Would be easy to install if you could find a good location on the car. They have a spring hinged cover that closes to keep out road dirt and grime when not in use. Not sure of the cost.

 

Deisel Engine generator sets have been using the coolant tank type heater for years. The heated water circulates through thermo-siphoning (Zerostart is one brand)

 

Thay are made by kussmaul they cost about 225.00. they are kinda big dont know where you would mount it but would solve the problem forgeting to unplug it.

 

I suppose I should probably fill you all in, right?

Well, I did take my passenger side tire off, and sure enough I could see and feel the freeze plug in the back, right where you said it was. Only problem, my dad insisted we couldn't work back there trying to pop it out and install the heater, he didn't want to even try. And if he isn't going to try, no sense in doing it then...since I won't get any help and I kinda need it. So, engine block heater is out. Next best thing (in my opinion) is the lower radiator hose heater. So, went to a small parts store and bought a Zerostart heater. Hooked it up, fairly easy, little messy as expected though.

So, we put one of those on. Have to say it does seem to help a little. Has been in the low single digits a few nights, and it does start say harder than a nice summer day, but not near like it used to in those low temps. Most days it just sounded like a dying whale. Another thing though, I was expecting the heat to warm up really fast, like be ready as soon as I start. Well, guess not, but it does blow out hot air in about 2 miles, so that's better than it used to be. Finally, it does reach the operating temp a little faster, about 2 miles is all... So, not really sure how well it works, but it does a little. We have it hooked to an outdoor timer to turn on anywhere from 5-6 hours (I think) right now before I have to leave. Will have to tweak it to get best results.

So, thanks again everyone for all your help and input, it's much appreciated!