I feel like a noob asking this.....

I need to know about engine block heaters.
I have never looked into them at all and now have a need for one (well actually, its for the gf's parents, cuz their car wont start in this awesome iowa winter weather). I am seeing different stuff online and im not sure which parts are legit and which parts are repackaged turbonators. Some of them are engine OIL heaters, some of them are magnet mount, some of them... well... lots of options. can someone just link me up to a legit engine block heater?
thanks

 

well theres a few different types..depends on the application i would assume

 

application is a 98 lumina.

suggest something to get this thing running in -10 degree weather

 

i would think the coolant heater/pump style. then you would have warm if not hot air ready when you started the car right away

 

have you ever installed one?

 

No I have not. But from what I understand you install it inline with your cooling system.

 

There's basically three types of heaters, more or less, but you may find different versions. The magnet mount is the easiest one to install, and sticks to the oil pan to warm the oil. I've never used one, so can't say how warm. The extreme stiffness of the cold oil is a good part of what makes cold cranking difficult, so that heater would help if it does keep the oil runnier like it is during the summer.
Another kind is a block warmer, and it goes in place of a freeze plug. It's the more p.i.t.a. type to install.
The third is a recirculating heater pump that installs inline on the heater hose. The nice thing about that one is it warms the engine, and you get more instant-toasty interior heat output.
I would choose between the magnet one or the pump depending on what you want. Are you just after easier cold starts and nothing else, or are you wanting more of a start and drive setup? Both cost almost the same amount.
Heater Hose Engine Heater
Magnetized Oil Heater

 

I've transfered a factory freeze plug heater on a v6.....the factory had a screw down plate to make sure it doesn't come out. They are basically a small water heater element with a long cord to plug in.

The biggest question is....are they going to be using this every night for months or are they going to be using it a couple times and then not again for a long time?

Reason is, if it's just a tempory situation, you could just use an electric blanket to keep under hood temps above 50º for a couple of nights.

 

Many years ago, I had a neighbor who once put a regular light bulb type of trouble light on the engine to help keep it warm, and for good measure covered it with a blanket. It did keep the engine good and warm, that is until the fire department came to put out the garage fire.
Car and garage...total loss. A good learning experience...priceless!

 

i have used a magnet mount oil heater on two vehicles, and i dont think it made any difference at all. my brothers c10 came from colorado and had a recirculating coolant heater on the heater lines. i think that would be the best to install as it moves the coolant around and will warm up the cab slightly from the heat in the heater core.