Plugging in block heater

[Douglas S]

Warming Up Your Car in the Cold Just Harms the Engine

**The picture even makes my heart flutter

That's interesting, but not really relevant IMO as we are not discussing idling the engine to warm it up. A pre-heated engine means oil gets to temp faster which means reduced wear.

The difference is likely immaterial, but using a heater of some type (I actually heat my oil, trans fluid, and coolant) is beneficial when it comes to starting at temps lower than -20C.

 

[Hornd]

If it was necessary to pre-warm vehicles then why would Toyota not supply Canadians with block heaters and car starters on every model?

 

[AJP]

If it was necessary to pre-warm vehicles then why would Toyota not supply Canadians with block heaters and car starters on every model?

Probably the same reason that the upper rear hatch is not double sided galvanized steel or the VSV for EGR and the HG and the gas tank fail prematurely...but thats just a wild guess.

 

[LC4LIFE]

If it was necessary to pre-warm vehicles then why would Toyota not supply Canadians with block heaters and car starters on every model?

It's not necessary, but I am convinced it is better for the motor. All I know, is that I routinely plug in my block heater anytime I park outside, overnight, and its supposed to get below 25ish. I can tell very easily the LC appreciates it. She starts easier, quieter, and is much smoother the first minute or so, especially compared to when it's not preheated.

 

[Hornd]

Probably the same reason that the upper rear hatch is not double sided galvanized steel or the VSV for EGR and the HG and the gas tank fail prematurely...but thats just a wild guess.

Or the Heater Mixing Valve is not Brass or the Tie Rod has Fine Threads instead of course.
Toyota not perfect but they are close.

 

[Tom Owen]

I have a US spec 2013 Landcruiser model URJ200L-GNTEKA and am traveling to Alaska this coming January. We plan to make the drive from Fairbanks to Prudeau Bay as well as other interesting destinations. I would like to install a block heater on my vehicle and would like suggestions as to the optimal heaters including models/part numbers/pros and cons. Also, any other suggestions such as engine blankets, oil pan and battery warmers, etc. would be appreciated. Please let me know if I have posted this incorrectly or should be posting elsewhere as this is my first post on this website. Thank you. Tom Owen

 

[96FZJ80]

I have a US spec 2013 Landcruiser model URJ200L-GNTEKA and am traveling to Alaska this coming January. We plan to make the drive from Fairbanks to Prudeau Bay as well as other interesting destinations. I would like to install a block heater on my vehicle and would like suggestions as to the optimal heaters including models/part numbers/pros and cons. Also, any other suggestions such as engine blankets, oil pan and battery warmers, etc. would be appreciated. Please let me know if I have posted this incorrectly or should be posting elsewhere as this is my first post on this website. Thank you. Tom Owen

I see you found and posted in the 200 series section..

You're supposed to do Sugarland in January and Alaska in July. Sounds like a "cool" trip.

 

[AJP]

I have a US spec 2013 Landcruiser model URJ200L-GNTEKA and am traveling to Alaska this coming January. We plan to make the drive from Fairbanks to Prudeau Bay as well as other interesting destinations. I would like to install a block heater on my vehicle and would like suggestions as to the optimal heaters including models/part numbers/pros and cons. Also, any other suggestions such as engine blankets, oil pan and battery warmers, etc. would be appreciated. Please let me know if I have posted this incorrectly or should be posting elsewhere as this is my first post on this website. Thank you. Tom Owen

Tom -- if I were you I would consider contacting the Service Dept for the Toyota dealership in Fairbanks Alaska and ask them what the locals like to use ... and what seems to work.

 

[RockShoes]

I see this thread is a few years old. Can anyone confirm if the OEM block heater is still an option? My former California LX450 is moving to the BC interior from Vancouver so this will be the first true winter she lives in full time.