FZJ80 1FZ coolant heater

[bjowett]

O'boy o'boy...It's time to pass along yet another minor project I've been working on.... the engine coolant preheater for a 1FZ. Those of you that have used some type of engine preheater in winter conditions know how nice they are... and for those that have not, have a look at this super easy install. The 1FZ has an ideal lower radiator hose and t-stat assembly to fit a Zerostart lower radiator hose coolant heater.

A Phillips and Temro Zerostart part number 3200002 heater is used. It fits 1.5"/37mm hoses, perfect for the the lower 1FZ hose. It consumes 600W, and will heat to a max. of 248F. Being directly below the t-stat, it will heat the coolant present to a point where the thermostat will open, then convection takes over.

To install, drain coolant, remove lower hose bewteen between the t-stat housing and the lower stainless steel pipe. Measure from the top down 2.75"/70mm, remove a section of the hose 1.19/30mm, install your heater and reassemble. I may even upgrade the section of hose to a nice silicone piece, it will be dealing with much heat... better safe than sorry.

Page 85 in the catalog below has more info. on the part.

http://www.phillipsandtemro.com/Files/us_zerostart_04cat.pdf

 

[brent]

Thanks for the info, was thinking about getting one of these on my rig, am planning on moving north and think its almost mandatory in AK, anyway how much do they run, tried calling the manufacturer but was put on hold???? Thanks again.

 

[TX_TLC]

...have a look at this super easy install.

Is that "super easy install" with or without the engine sitting on a pallet??

Sounds pretty good though...

 

[concretejungle]

Looks easy, and pretty trick. I don't think i'll need one here in NC. Still, thanks for sharing. Might be something Slee starts offering..........

 

[robbie]

Looks nice brian. How much will the element restrict flow? It will restrict some I am sure, but to have two restrictions(the other is the t-stat) close to each other may not be that great. just one thought. later robbie

 

[Gold Finger]

bjowett
Does the heater incorperate a pump of some sort or is it dependant on convection.

 

[bjowett]

TX_TLC...Easy compared to installing a freeze plug block heater! The lower hose is pretty easy to access in the truck.

Robbie, these heaters are a straight through tube, there is no heating element sticking out to impede coolant flow. It relies on the surface area of the 1.5" x about 3" length tube to perform the heat transfer. It may be a smidge small... not sure yet. I may also run a small oil pan heating pad, around 300W or so.

 

[bjowett]

bjowett
Does the heater incorperate a pump of some sort or is it dependant on convection.

They work on convection.... better than one might think. They need to be installed low down and vertical, the 1FZ cooling system is perfect for it!

 

[concretejungle]

excuse my ignorance, but this accomplishes a warm engine when you first go to crank it up in the morning?

 

[stayalert]

Thats what they do. I have a 1000 watt version in my VW diesel. works pisser. I put mine on a timer and for below freezing (like all of the winter) I'll set it to come on at 4AM or something and come off at like 6:30 when I'm leaving in the morning. Much more important on a diesel as they generate little waste heat compared to the gassers. I gotta say though here in New England my cruiser warms up really quickly without any heater.
And since I'm a safety geek....plug these things in with some thought. I was in Vermont over the holidaze and read of a farmer in woodstock or barnard VT that lost some cows, alot of hay, a two year old tractor and one of his out buildings. Sad but could have been worse. The fire was sparked by temporary wiring (ie extension cord) to a block heater on the tractor.

 

[stayalert]

unplug the thing before starting too 'cause the life of the element will be less if energized and exposed to air/air/coolant mix will be reduced..

 

[brent]

How much for one??????????

 

[bjowett]

Much less wear and tear....Oil gets to parts sooner, moving parts are closer to hot operating spec, instant heat to melt ice on the windshield.... start and go.

I think they retail around $30, but don't quote me on that. You can snag em' on ebay for $10.

 

[loquito]

Thanks for the info, was thinking about getting one of these on my rig, am planning on moving north and think its almost mandatory in AK, anyway how much do they run, tried calling the manufacturer but was put on hold???? Thanks again.

Lots of rigs up here don't have them, but that said they are nice to have.

 

[Mark W]

A freeze plug heater is more work to install but it is more effecient 'cause the coolant circulation pattern when the heater is running doesn't include the radiator or any other external hoses. Not a concern in many places but if you live in real cold climates it makes a difference.

 

[loquito]

Ijust thought this was interesting becouse they were talking about cold starting.

http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/coldfact.htm