Anyone installed a block heater?
 

So coming up to winter in Canada and I decided to install a block heater. Probably don't really need one but the gearbox is a bit notchier than i'd like when cold, and and a block heater should mean this won't last as long in the mornings. Warm air quicker is always nice too at -20.

However, instead of being an easy half hour job of removing the undertray, draining coolant and screwing in a new heater (as it was on my impreza) on the BRZ you need to remove the exhaust headers, and accoding to the instructions the midpipe too. And of course instructions say install new header ('flange') gaskets and 'rear donut gasket' too.

Anyone done this? I'm trying to figure out if I can just remove the headers, and leave the midpipe in place. There is what the instructions call an 'exhaust extension pipe' between the headers and the midpipe, which should be left in place (sits above the subframe).

So:

Engine block::headers::exhaust extension pipe::midpipe::axleback is how I see the exhaust parts.

If I can just drop the headers, I'll need the gaskets for the headers::block, and the gasket from headers::extension pipe.

I just can't figure out what removing the midpipe achieves, unless it lets you move the extension pipe backwards a bit to make access a bit easier. I don't think it should be actually required though, but don't want to discover it is required (and therefore need more gaskets while the car is in bits and undriveable).

Have attached a link to the pdf installation guide. Advice appreciated!

PS also nice to see subaru included a little 14mm allen bolt with the heater, saves folks having to order this not-in-any-toolkit-i've-got part from online somewhere.


http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...Uk6rwHd03yl9dw

Thanks
Jon

Just try to do it without removing the front pipe. If you can then great. If not then you remove a few more bolts. Not that big of a deal.

How warm is it expected to keep it?

It's not removing bits that i'm bothered about, it's about having gaskets available to put them back together. They probably own't be in stock at the dealer so i'd have to wait a few days for them to arrive.

I might even get away with reusing the old gaskets, but I don't love getting under the car (only got ramps, no lift and this car is low!) so i'd much rather plan it out first and only have to get under there the once.

Call the dealer and ask. I haven't had a problem reusing donut gaskets, but the flat gaskets I would replace. Probably not even a dealer specific item - you could check your local auto parts store for them as well in the event that the dealer is ~3 days out.

would an electric starter be easier to install?

Yep you're right. I'll get the flat gaskets in then have at it. The car's got only about 600km on it anyway so I can't imagine the donut gaskets will be in bad shape.

To start the car automatically before I get in it you mean? I really don't like the idea of those - car takes ages to warm up when idling and that's when most engine damage occurs. Besides, I already have the heater now.

I've never heard of warming up your car in the winter causing engine damage? and at a cold start they rev over 1,500 for the first couple min, shouldn't take long to warm up. Just throwing out ideas, my babies first winter coming up.

There are different points of view on it. I prefer starting up then driving off after only 20-30s but keeping the revs reasonable (say 2-3000rpm) until engine warms up. It takes much much longer for the heat to come though if just left at idle, and who knows how long for the gearbox to warm like this.
In the meantime, the mixture's rich and all that unburnt fuel is dripping down the sides of the bores and contaminating your oil, along with cold pistons rattling around. It's actually brought a tear to my eye thinking about it. :)

Don't really know which does more damage for sure, but I prefer near immediate drive-off.

Hey Jonboy,

How did the block heater work out for you? I ended up not driving the BRZ much this winter - I tried to get another year out of the 6year old Pirelli Snowsports that I had on my 2 WRXs, which didn't work out too well given the winter we had! I ended up installing an outside outlet for the block heater in the wife's Golf TDi. That damn thing took forever to heat up without it. Even with the block heater there were days when it wouldn't even get up to temperature by the time we got to work in the morning, a 20 minute drive. I'm thinking the BRZ would be much better, just need some decent snows.

Hi Talus,

Re the block heater, it worked just fine, and made the gearbox a little easier too first thing. Would i say it was essential in our climate (looks like you're from my town)? Probably not, although it did was nice to have warm air from the vents within the first couple of minutes. With all the hassle of taking the manifold off to fit it, would I do it again? Maybe, but i'd have to think about it carefully. With the 0w20 in the fa20 it's certainly not essential.
Totally different beast to a TDi though, I had one myself for quite a few years and they are way slower to warm up than the BRZ just because of the block thickness.

However should you put your BRZ through winter - hell yes! It is the most fun car I have ever driven in snow, and that includes an STi. I had a sh*t eating grin on my face every single day on the way to work, and it takes a lot to do that to me at 615am on a -20C morning! You know what our winter was like this year - my AWD left the garage about 5 times over the course of the winter. I wouldn't like to head far into the hills with it on a snowy day though, and that was with 4 new x-ice3s fitted. Only got stuck once, but not many hills around here.

Strange all Canadian vehicles come with these from factory odd you didn't have one to begin with. Anyhow colder then -20 in winter they serve purpose.

Maybe in northern parts, but certainly in Southern ontario they don't - at least neither of my subarus did.

*edit* ah, you're from alberta - it's a bit nippier over there in winter I hear!