So you're looking into using a block heater. You've made a good decision, that's if you've decided to actually use one! So you're here to find out some insights into installing a block heater as well as the cost of obtaining one and having it installed. Well, there is no single answer to, "How much does it cost to have a block heater installed?" Neither is there a single answer to how to install a block heater. There is however a general overview to give you a good idea and get you into a range at least for cost and a DIY option as well as an idea of how and were there installed.
So first, the cost of your block heater is going to be dependent upon the type and style you are going to need for your particular engine. So lets just get down to it. Block heaters can rang in cost between around $40.00 to around $120.00. With the typical and most popular ones in use today, seem to be right around $70.00! This is quit a small investment considering the huge benefit you'll get in return for using one. So there you have a general idea on cost. Now this is only the purchase of the heater. If you want to have it installed for you, obviously the cost will increase.
The cost of having a block heater installed can range as well. This is due to the fact that some can be installed into freeze ports that are rather easy to get to and some could be a little more difficult to get at. As you well know, the more of a mechanics time is taken up the more the cost goes up! However, it would be safe to say that in the range of $100 - $200 dollars for an installation a block heater should cover the average for labor. You're still in the range of a minimal investment for the benefits your heater is going to offer, more on that later!
So now lets move on to installation locations and instruction.
Most block heaters will be installed into freeze ports in your engine. A freeze port is just a round hole at the bottom of your engine. Usually there are a handful of the ports. The freeze port is a design in the engine of a hole that is there when the engine is cast. A freeze port cap is then installed into the port hole. These caps are machine pressed into the ports and are made of a lighter material than the rest of your engine. The purpose is to give a weak spot for engine fluid to break in case of a freeze of the fluids. This in turn protects your engine block from cracking and allowing you to only have to replace a freeze port cap instead of your entire engine block incase of this effect. Some engines don't have freeze ports but they have specific ports designed to install block heaters into. If they do not, there are other heaters that can function in a similar fashion.
So above all, make sure you are getting the correct block heater for your engine. These little devices can save you some time and money over their life span! If you are having trouble finding the right block heater for your engine, give our friendly staff a call, we can help you get the exact one you need! If you want to know more about how a block heater can save you time and money click here.