Which freeze plug to remove for engine block heater?

S

slavrenz

Member
:
2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0
Hey guys,

So I'm getting an OEM block heater for my car, and I know that it goes in one of the freeze plugs, but does anyone know which one? Pics would be extremely helpful, along with any tips on how to install it.

Thanks
 
bump for the cold ass weather outside right now. 0 degrees, 5 inches of snow and counting!
 
I would guess one of these. Go for the one that easiest to get at.

block.png
 
How sure are you? I've heard from others that the plug is on the other side of the block, so I'm not sure what to think.
 
In my experience freeze plugs in the block are often the same diameter. If thats the case its all about access. Does it come with installation instructions?
 
sethro_GT said:
In my experience freeze plugs in the block are often the same diameter. If thats the case its all about access. Does it come with installation instructions?
Click to expand...

I don't know. I am buying it from Maxx Mazda, but I'm not sure if it includes the instructions.
 
I need help with this ASAP, folks. So I got underneath my car the other day to try and install the engine block heater (the person who sold it to me says it goes in the freeze plug above the oil filter), and I can barely get my hand up there, let alone a chisel to pop out the freeze plug.

Does anyone have a copy of the actual installation instructions for one of these? Or perhaps could clue me in on how to get this thing installed? If I don't hear anything by tomorrow, I'm just gonna take it to a garage and let them deal with it.
 
Hey, when i get a chance i'll take a look at mine to see where it is installed. My block heater came installed by the dealer when i bought the car back in 03.
 
It's installed on the back of the engine, towards the front of the block. (#1 cylinder.) All the dealers installed them without having to remove anything but the oil filter. Pull the filter off, bang out the old plug, and install the block heater in it's place and tighten down. LMK if you need more help.
 
Maxx Mazda said:
It's installed on the back of the engine, towards the front of the block. (#1 cylinder.) All the dealers installed them without having to remove anything but the oil filter. Pull the filter off, bang out the old plug, and install the block heater in it's place and tighten down. LMK if you need more help.
Click to expand...

Thanks - it was really just a case of me freezing my ass off out in my garage, and not seeing any easy way to tackle it (I debated taking the oil filter off, but I didn't have any oil in case I lost some in the process). I ended up just taking it to a garage, and they did it for $30. No biggie.

But now that it's in, holy crap does that car warm up fast. Here's to instant heat and better gas mileage!
 
slavrenz said:
Thanks - it was really just a case of me freezing my ass off out in my garage, and not seeing any easy way to tackle it (I debated taking the oil filter off, but I didn't have any oil in case I lost some in the process). I ended up just taking it to a garage, and they did it for $30. No biggie.

But now that it's in, holy crap does that car warm up fast. Here's to instant heat and better gas mileage!
Click to expand...

Wish I had known you could still get that block heater in The U.S. They are unavailable in Canada. I had to get a heater that goes in the bottom Rad hose.

Pat.
 
slavrenz said:
Thanks - it was really just a case of me freezing my ass off out in my garage, and not seeing any easy way to tackle it (I debated taking the oil filter off, but I didn't have any oil in case I lost some in the process). I ended up just taking it to a garage, and they did it for $30. No biggie.

But now that it's in, holy crap does that car warm up fast. Here's to instant heat and better gas mileage!
Click to expand...

Better gas mileage by not having to have your car sit and warm up?
 
sube said:
Wish I had known you could still get that block heater in The U.S. They are unavailable in Canada. I had to get a heater that goes in the bottom Rad hose.

Pat.
Click to expand...

He bought it from me. My car came with one from the dealer.

Glad you got it sorted out Steve.
 
Hey slavrenz, any idea how much power that block heater draws? I'm curious about the operating cost of a block heater and whether it's worth it.
 
MaxPower said:
Hey slavrenz, any idea how much power that block heater draws? I'm curious about the operating cost of a block heater and whether it's worth it.
Click to expand...

First of all, ironic that you should ask that given your username...

Second of all, wow. Really? How is that even a concern???
 
Maxx Mazda said:
First of all, ironic that you should ask that given your username...

Second of all, wow. Really? How is that even a concern???
Click to expand...

Yeah, I can tell you that if you have to ask whether or not the cost justified, you probably don't need one.
 
No, I don't need one, was just curious about its power draw. So, if it's plugged in overnight for 10 hours, it'll draw about 4kWh which is (at $0.20 per kWh) about $0.80 per day. Not too shabby.
 
Please log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Where is the engine block coolant plug located (for block heater)? 2018 CX-5
Replies
0
Views
586
macker
M
C
Help! Trying to turbo my Protege5
Replies
1
Views
494
jadycr
jadycr
K
02 P5 2.0L engine missing even after plugs and coils replaced
Replies
7
Views
2K
pcb
P

Latest posts

Back