Block Heater 3B

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magnus_heydoc

magnus_heydoc

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I bought a Toyota block heater from Dan at 4 wheeel auto and it apparently comes without instructions. (He checked others on the shelf and there's nothing)

Anyway, I'm wondering which frost plug is best to install the BH and which orientation should the U shaped heater be installed? The sooner I install the better as I'm occasionally having to use the 'ether bunny'

Pics would be great.

aaron
 
Don't know if it's the same one I have but the center pin of the plug is up as far as orientation goes, think of the plug as a triangle. It is located just forward of the edic motor and just aft of the injection pump, pretty much the only place it will fit on a 3B and still leave access to the plug.

Do a search for "Wilson switch" so you can do away with the ether can. And check the condition of your glow plugs they may not be working properly.

Tony
 
Kynot62 said:
Do a search for "Wilson switch" so you can do away with the ether can. And check the condition of your glow plugs they may not be working properly.

Tony
Click to expand...
X2. Block heater never hurts, but a properly working glow system and glow plugs would be the first thing I'd ensure. Helps with starting in all temps but truly shows it's necessity when the temps drop....:cheers:
 
As stated before you want the heat just behind the injection pump. I would position the heat coil down in the block remembering that heated coolant will rise. In cold climates there is no substitute for a heater. A circulation heater which costs a bit more is really the fast option. I use one on an agricultural tractor with great results. Plug it in for half an hour before start means you are ready to go when the key is turned.

Supplemental heat will save your glow plugs from repeated cycling as well as your battery. It means that your starter will last longer too. Did you ever wonder why all those parking lots in Edmonton have electrical plug in facility when most are driving gasoline powered vehicles? Then add the difficulty of starting a diesel at -40 C* to realise that you do need that extra heat in the block.
 
IIRC, the last freeze plug on the block behind the pump and under the EDIC is the one to replace. I installed mine there.

I can't quite remeber orientation, but I will check tomorrow as the plug on mine is shaped like a ^ and it poiints up like that. I will check to make sure, but that is how I think it points....

K
 
diam. is essentially that of a frost plug.........

So I was looking to install the BH and was looking at frost plugs to see a suitable home and to my delight there was already an element in the frost plug just behind the IP. It just needed a cord which I had.
I plugged it in and it started awesome this am.

I now have a NIB BH for a 3B or I'll send it back to Dan at 4wheelauto.
50 bucks is what I paid for it. Figure 10 bucks to ship it.
best
Aaron
 
magnus_heydoc said:
So I was looking to install the BH and was looking at frost plugs to see a suitable home and to my delight there was already an element in the frost plug just behind the IP. It just needed a cord which I had.
I plugged it in and it started awesome this am.

I now have a NIB BH for a 3B or I'll send it back to Dan at 4wheelauto.
50 bucks is what I paid for it. Figure 10 bucks to ship it.
best
Aaron
Click to expand...

I hate it and love it when that happens. I put in a radiator hose heater in mine...
 
free rollin!

Now that I plug in my rig and fire up my 14.5V plugs she starts like a dream and I get to switch over to veggie oil a bit sooner as everything is over 30 degrees C preheated.
All problems solved and no more expenses.
 
magnus_heydoc said:
Now that I plug in my rig and fire up my 14.5V plugs she starts like a dream and I get to switch over to veggie oil a bit sooner as everything is over 30 degrees C preheated.
All problems solved and no more expenses.
Click to expand...
Aaron, did you get my PM re: using 14.5v plugs in a 12v cruiser? :eek:
 
The block heater puts the heat where it counts. The rad hose heater is an accessory heater that will add a bit more but is no where near as efficient. Yes, it is easier to install but that is probably the only plus that it has going for it. Why waste power waiting for that heat to migrate to the block?
 
BJ42 Block Heater

Never thought of looking for a block heater on my 1983 BJ42 but after reading this thread I decided to go look and was surprised at finding this.
Does anyone know where I can find a cord for this block heater? You never know when I might need it here in Texas! I've already rebuilt the radiator block-off blind - just in case.
Later,
Ted
blockhtre 001.webp
BJ42 053.webp
 
Nice blind! Mine is still original and showing it's age!. You could try the Toyota dealer for the block heater plug. Toyota is famous for using the same parts for many different vehicles for years ( for example I had the same tire iron on my 1973 corolla, 81 land cruiser, and 2007 Yaris, same lug size too). You might find that a block heater for a Toyota corolla for example might have the same plug, different element that goes in the block mind you, but same plug for the power cord.

My 3B block heater is on right now and it keeps the valve cover luke warm to the touch. It's snowing now just below freezing and there is no snow on the hood vents on top of my hood. My baby is nice and toasty in the cold. Block heaters work well. I have no experience with in-hose heaters.
DSCN2600.webp
 
Last edited:
nutsaboutsoccer said:
Is the block heater plug that you just posted a 2 prong or 3 prong? Mine is a 2 prong made in Canada, so I figure it might not be original. That might make it harder to find a cord.
Ted
Click to expand...

2-prong. My truck is an original CDN import with the 'cold weather package'; block heater, radiator screen. If you imported yours from Canada, then they are likely very similar.

I just had a closer look and by the looks of it, mine is 2-prong but my plug is a 3-prong(the end that goes to the extension cord to the house). I would have to remove engine parts to get it off, so I didn't.:rolleyes:
 
magnus_heydoc said:
The one I 'found' on my 3B is 3 prongs in sort of a triangle as is the toyota part I just got from Dan at 4wheelauto in Edmonton.
FWIW

Aaron
Click to expand...

If the two prongs on your block heater are the same distance as the two apposing holes for the positive and negative, you should be able to shave/cut off the ground section of the plug (the third prong in the middle) to make it fit. A little scroll saw would make cutting it a breeze. If you do this, better to cut it a little too tight than too loose. You can always fine fit it by sanding off excess from the plug.

Also, have you checked the continuity of the block heater to ensure it works? It would be a shame to do all this fiddling only to find the block heater wont work.
 
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