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231 Posts
Hey all,
We may be moving VERY far north and I'm researching block heating options.
I'm from northern Ontario originally, so I'm not new to cold start problems, however in the past I always just bought vehicles with factory block heaters.
In this case, we'll be upgrading the Suburban for cold weather use in Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada. (info here FYI)
Here's my info and my plan for you to comment on.
1988 Chevy Suburban Silverado 4x4 with TBI 350, and TH700R4 Automatic (built with proper valve-body upgrades etc.)
My intention is to install a tank type heater and an electric battery blanket.
The tank type heater is the kind that splices into the heater hose circuit and heats and circulates the coolant through the engine block. There's an example of one here.
Battery Blanket picture
I also plan to move the vehicle to all synthetic lubricants. I use oil already and I like it's performance. Also it's flow characterists at low temperatures are superior to conventional oil. I've seen that with our diesel mercedes in cold weather. The cranking amps went down considerably after moving it to Mobil one. I'm going to move the other fluids (tranny, differentials, etc.) to mobil or Amsoil.
I've used the battery blanket along with a stock block heater (feeze plug type) with my other vehicles but the freeze plug heaters are marginal in real cold (ie < -20 f). In theory the tank heaters seem like a better idea to me. But I wanted to ask if anyone has any real experience with these units.
Do they work well enough for real cold situations? I'm also worried that they might impede heater core flow and therefore function. As much as I want my engine warm, I'm more worried about the people in the cab! ;')
Any other comments or suggestions also appreciated.
We may be moving VERY far north and I'm researching block heating options.
I'm from northern Ontario originally, so I'm not new to cold start problems, however in the past I always just bought vehicles with factory block heaters.
In this case, we'll be upgrading the Suburban for cold weather use in Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada. (info here FYI)
Here's my info and my plan for you to comment on.
1988 Chevy Suburban Silverado 4x4 with TBI 350, and TH700R4 Automatic (built with proper valve-body upgrades etc.)
My intention is to install a tank type heater and an electric battery blanket.
The tank type heater is the kind that splices into the heater hose circuit and heats and circulates the coolant through the engine block. There's an example of one here.

Battery Blanket picture

I also plan to move the vehicle to all synthetic lubricants. I use oil already and I like it's performance. Also it's flow characterists at low temperatures are superior to conventional oil. I've seen that with our diesel mercedes in cold weather. The cranking amps went down considerably after moving it to Mobil one. I'm going to move the other fluids (tranny, differentials, etc.) to mobil or Amsoil.
I've used the battery blanket along with a stock block heater (feeze plug type) with my other vehicles but the freeze plug heaters are marginal in real cold (ie < -20 f). In theory the tank heaters seem like a better idea to me. But I wanted to ask if anyone has any real experience with these units.
Do they work well enough for real cold situations? I'm also worried that they might impede heater core flow and therefore function. As much as I want my engine warm, I'm more worried about the people in the cab! ;')
Any other comments or suggestions also appreciated.