Engine Block Heaters are used to heat the engine block and engine fluids of gas and diesel vehicles as an aid to starting in cold weather. The heater is operated using standard household AC power and the heat generated is distributed throughout the engine by the convective flow of the warmed coolant. The heaters are approved to North American and European electrical standards and designs are available for most engine makes and models. Two basic types of heaters exist. The conventional heater is directly installed into the coolant jacket of the engine and the conduction heater is installed against the engine block or into a dry port of the engine.
In addition to helping start the vehicle, Engine Block Heaters provide other benefits. The warmed engine produces significantly fewer emissions during and after starting. Heat output from the vehicle cabin heater will be quicker. And engine and starter system components will have extended life due to the reduction in wear associated with starting cold engines.
Phillips & Temro works directly with OEM engine and vehicle manufacturers to design Engine Block Heaters for their specific applications. In addition, heaters are sold in the aftermarket directly to consumers. See the Application Guide and Product Catalog for aftermarket part numbers, ordering information, and application information organized by engine make & model.
Use of an Engine Block Heater can be enhanced with the addition of a Phillips & Temro thermostat. The thermostat cycles the heater on and off based on the temperature of the coolant in the engine. This allows the heater to operate only for the amount of time necessary to maintain a given coolant temperature – more in cold weather and less in cool weather. This in turn reduces the electric power used, saving energy and money. See the Thermostatically Controlled Engine Immersion Heaters Data Sheet for more information.
Thermostatically Controlled Engine Immersion (Block) Heater