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Old 08-19-2012, 01:35 AM
 
Location: Perry, UT
600 posts, read 1,932,751 times
Reputation: 376

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I have a 2007 Ford Expedition that is parked outside. Any recommendations on parking heaters for the winter?

What do thy cost? Are they easy to install?
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Old 08-19-2012, 04:53 AM
 
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,690 posts, read 57,994,855 times
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There are many types. Is this a Diesel or Gas?

The best I like, are recirculation Block heaters that mount into a heater line and recirculate fluid through engine and heater,


INSTANT heat is really NICE when you head out in the morning.

Some draw up to 1200W. Look to size it according to cooling capacity (folks that sell them can help). AND use appropriate cord / timer that can handle the load.

There are MANY types of heaters... oil pan 'blankets', dip stick, freeze plug, electric blankets, propane (and fuel) fired,,,

If you are in a cold climate consider doing yourself a few favors...
NEW fuel filters in Fall season, (Drain off any water traps)
Secure / lube battery cables and connections
Fill tank when 1/2 full and always before letting sit awhile.
Buy FRESH fuel (i.e. from a HIGH volume seller)
Use fuel conditioner in winter.
Use synthetic fluids and oil.

If a diesel, and in a VERY cold climate, consider getting a Racor Heated fuel filter.
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Old 08-19-2012, 08:58 AM
 
Location: Northern MN
3,869 posts, read 15,166,492 times
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1 a block heater that goes in to one of the freeze plugs in the block is best.

2 a tank-heater(splices into your heater hose) is easy to install but it does not flow very much warm water any where when it gets really cold..

Those magmatic heaters do work in pinch but they really don't work that well for day to day use.
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Old 08-19-2012, 09:05 AM
 
11,555 posts, read 53,154,100 times
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snofarmer's got it spot on ...

an in-block heater, if there is a location on your engine for one .... is by far and away the most effective.

At a typical 300w draw, these are much more effective than any 1200 watt remote tank circulating heater.

The additional advantage to these is that with the prospect of having to use an extension cord to reach the vehicle, there's less draw and voltage drop on the circuit to power the heater.

"easy to install" is relative.
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Old 08-19-2012, 09:22 AM
 
Location: Northern MN
3,869 posts, read 15,166,492 times
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"easy to install" is relative."

I agree, it is easy for me to knock out a freeze plug for others it could be intimating.

or you could go for the big buck option, an aspar heater
http://espar.com/

but I'd just get a block heater.

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Old 08-19-2012, 10:23 AM
 
Location: Perry, UT
600 posts, read 1,932,751 times
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Interesting. Thank you for the information. It's a gas engine and yes it will be very cold when I start at 5 in the morning.

Do you have some links to heater brands so I can see if we have someone installing then here?
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Old 08-19-2012, 10:27 AM
 
11,555 posts, read 53,154,100 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TCAS007 View Post
Interesting. Thank you for the information. It's a gas engine and yes it will be very cold when I start at 5 in the morning.

Do you have some links to heater brands so I can see if we have someone installing then here?
Kat's is the most common brand I've seen.
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Old 08-19-2012, 03:04 PM
 
Location: Wicker Park, Chicago
4,789 posts, read 14,740,681 times
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I just recently got an engine block heat for my 2005 dodge Grand Caravan SXT, $116.13 total cost dealer install. Has 1 year warranty too.
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Old 08-19-2012, 04:55 PM
 
25,840 posts, read 16,515,156 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TCAS007 View Post
I have a 2007 Ford Expedition that is parked outside. Any recommendations on parking heaters for the winter?

What do thy cost? Are they easy to install?
May I ask why you think you need this? I live in Minnesota and wouldn't even think of needing an engine heater. New cars start so much better than they did 20 years ago.
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Old 08-19-2012, 05:14 PM
 
Location: Perry, UT
600 posts, read 1,932,751 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PullMyFinger View Post
May I ask why you think you need this? I live in Minnesota and wouldn't even think of needing an engine heater. New cars start so much better than they did 20 years ago.
I need the windows defrosted and the cabin a bit warmer so I can start right away very early in the morning or night.
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