Engine block heater in Canada - where to buy online?

[semco]

Thinking of getting engine block heater, but couldnt find any online store for it, because the local dealer wants too much $700 installed. Any ideas?

[annfan]

Semco,

$700 seems way out of line to me. Which dealer do you use?

Are you sure you don't already have a block heater?.....its in the usual place on the right side of the block under the exhaust manifold. I believe all GVs sold in Canada have one installed by the distributor when the vehicle arrives off the boat. Unless your GV was brought in from the USA?

There is nothing fancy about the Suzuki block heater. Its the standard design, fits into one of the frost plugs on the side of the block. Any mechanic should be able to fit one in less than an hour. Even with draining the cooling system, it shouldn't cost $700. Maybe its time to stop by Canadian Tire......

[semco]

Originally Posted by annfan

Semco,

$700 seems way out of line to me. Which dealer do you use?

Are you sure you don't already have a block heater?.....its in the usual place on the right side of the block under the exhaust manifold. I believe all GVs sold in Canada have one installed by the distributor when the vehicle arrives off the boat. Unless your GV was brought in from the USA?

There is nothing fancy about the Suzuki block heater. Its the standard design, fits into one of the frost plugs on the side of the block. Any mechanic should be able to fit one in less than an hour. Even with draining the cooling system, it shouldn't cost $700. Maybe its time to stop by Canadian Tire......

Hi Annfan, this price I got from Suzuki of Calgary! Mine is from the states, so it doesnt have block heater. Also, thanks for the input about CT, somehow I forget about that.....LOL, will check tomorrow

[Taras]

Hi Semco,

Do you really think you need block heater?
I have it in my GV, but I never used it! Survived three winters with no problem.

Is it much colder in Alberta?

[semco]

Originally Posted by Taras

Hi Semco,

Do you really think you need block heater?
I have it in my GV, but I never used it! Survived three winters with no problem.

Is it much colder in Alberta?

Hi Taras, not really cold, but sometimes it migh be below -37C. I know Suzuki is pretty good in winter, last winter in Manitoba was below -45, so it took me aprox several seconds to start the engine from the second shot. Gimme some thoughts why I dont need it....

[geevee]

I was under the impression that Canadian GV's came with a block heater. In any case, $700 has to be a joke. Check with your mechanic or nearest Canadian Tire.

[Taras]

Originally Posted by geevee

I was under the impression that Canadian GV's came with a block heater. In any case, $700 has to be a joke. Check with your mechanic or nearest Canadian Tire.

Canadian GVs do come with block heaters, but he has an American one.

[JimD]

Does anybody use dipstick heaters anymore? Growing up in Kansas we got extreme weather (minus -20+ F) only occasionally and my dad used to use a dipstick heater to keep the oil thin enough we could start the car in the morning. It is not great on the oil but there is no installation time.

Jim

[annfan]

JimD, I haven't seem dipstick heaters in a really long time, although they may still be around. There are also external heaters that attach to the bottom of the oil pan with magnets (not so good with today's aluminium oil pans).

The ultimate are inline heaters that splice into a radiator or heater hose and have a built-in 120V pump to circulate the heated coolant through the block. I've seen these used on heavy duty diesels used in the trucking industry, especially in the Arctic

[semco]

Guys, do you know anything about the WEBASTO heaters:

http://www.webasto.us/am/en/am_auto_heaters.html