I know there is another long thread on this - which I have read. Someone there installed a regular block heater in their HHR from the top.

I've talked to my mechanic here, and it seems that the only actual heater available for the HHR is the GM kit, which is over $300 in parts alone.

Question: Is the block aluminum? (If so, the magnetic one won't work).

Also - anyone got a link to an engine diagram? Does the 2007 engine even have a frost plug?

My mechanic said it IS hard on the engine to start it at really low temps (I'm in southern Alberta), but that if it is starting, to not worry about putting a heater in.

Any ideas out there?

Thanks.

 

I have not had to use the block heater on my 2006 HHR and we are seeing -20F temps here in NW wisconsin. My HHR sets at the airport often all week.

 

Thanks, Tom. Yeah, I guess I will just forget about the heater, and make sure I keep up on the maintenance...that should help the engine!

If GM has a special on them, maybe...but I ain't holding my breath!

Have a great holiday!

 

Why not first go for a 75 to 125 W heater pad stuck to the oil pan with high temperature silicone? Not as good as an immersion heater but simpler and perhaps $50 if DIY. You can always add the bolt-on type if you need more.

 

they also have dipstick heaters

 

Cool, thanks!

I did see the oil pan pad here - $88! Think I'll shop around a bit.

A dipstick heater - boy, does my warped sense of humour want to take off on THAT one! - but I'll check that out too.

Thanks again.

 

Canadian Tire wants $88 but shop the parts suppliers - like Bumper to Bumper, NAPA - for much less. First measure how big a pad you can fit on to the oil pan - then go shopping.

 

I like oil pan pads the best. The heat rises up through the entire block in a short time. They don't burn out like immersion heaters and dipstick heaters, which operate at much higher temperatures due to their smaller size. Block heaters don't heat the oil in the pan.
http://www.padheaters.com/index.html

 

Apparently, pad heaters can burn out if not installed carefully - no air bubble, not installed vertically on the side of the oil pan. I was warned a couple of times not to buy one too powerful - 75 to 150 watts for the HHR. And I would be careful about plugging one in when the oil was still hot.

I suspect it takes a long, long time for the heat to get up into the block but eventually it will - if out of the wind.