2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport I6 4.0L . So I live out here in Hood River OR, It has been below 30 degrees for quite a while. it gets down into the single digits easy at night. I dont have a garage for my baby. starting has been rough on her. I mean, she fires and all, but sounds sluggish and I imagine that it is increasing wear and tear. I have been doing a bunch of research on block (engine) heaters. I dont want to do the frost plug block heater. I understand that this is the most efficient, but I also understand that I have to take off the (stupid) exhaust manifold (which is already causing me heat soak issues). I also understand that if there is a leak from the frost plug, I cant get at it.
So I have come to settle on the easier and cheaper of the two. I dont need a heater for Wyoming style lows.
So my question is: This will be a lower Rad. Hose Heater. I looked at my lower hose, and it comes out of the bottom of the radiator--------> the water pump. I dont think there is room to attach it on the radiator (will bump hose into air box). it does look like I could attach it onto the water pump side, as long as im conscious of not having anything hang over near the serp. belt.

From what I've read, the heated coolant is supposed to go to the thermostat, heat it to engage, and bypass. Though, my lower hose just goes to the water pump. I have done my H2O pump before, and it has an opening into the block? yes? So im wondering if the heated coolant bypasses the pump fins and travels directly into the block? does it cause an overall circulation of coolant if thermostat is eventually activated.

Input? (Dont really have the cash to have someone install the frost plug, yes.. i understand it is the better choice though)

Thanks

 

With no actual experience I can contribute a couple things. First, the thermostat is in the line with the upper hose on the passengers side. I don't think that's an issue.

Yes, the pump is open to the block. Warm coolant will rise in cooler coolant, so if it were heated down low I'd expect it to rise up into the block. (convection). Then even if there were not convection, (mixing), there would still be conduction of heat through both the water and metal. (in other words, you could heat any area and the heat would travel throughout. (slowly).

Yea, I'm just over the boarder in the corner of CA. Just had a couple days in the 20's, not common for us! The Jeep fires right up Btw.

You know, an old battery might start to give it up in cold weather. They are sensitive that way.

 

Have u thought about one of these heaters? Good info in the FAQ section.

https://www.wolverineheater.com/category-s/1477.htm

 

yeah, Ive heard that a lot of guys dont like oil heaters because they degrede the oil additives. I just picked up a new hose, antifreeze, s.s. clamps and the heater. Im going to install tomorrow. The guy at napa said that I should have a summer, and a winter hose. he said that the heater will restrict the flow of the coolant. then I got another opinion, and the next guy said... "RESTRICTION? Ha! the smallest part for restriction is the thermostat, you should be just fine". the guy at napa also said its going to het the coolant to 275-330 degrees. I find this hard to beloeve since the coolant boils at 268 or so. i think im going to do a temp test here in a bit. its 600w

 

There's way more oil myths out there than facts. The FAQ section probably has more factual info than Internet oil hearsay/myths. Seems like they would say something on there webs site about preheating oil shortening oil additive life or preheating oil requires more frequent oil changes, but they don't. Warmed up oil seems way better than warmed up coolant. Isn't that what the NASCAR dudes do....preheat their oil? Maybe there's something to it.

 

Yeah, I see your point. is that one of those magnet ones? I just installed my heater into the hose (off the Jeep) and did temp tests. Im posting pics now

 

Here are some pics. I made sure to install the heater in a way to make sure that the cord will not need to bend awkwardly. secondly, I installed so that the cord is not on the bottom of the hose. so if there was a leak, the coolant would not go onto the cord and run down towards the plug.

TEMP TEST: this is a 600w lower radiator hose heater. I placed it in water and plugged it in with a thermometer to monitor the temp. the guy at napa had me scared by saying 600w will heat to 275!!. this heater kicked on until it hit 190 degrees. that must be what its internal thermo is set to. This is GREAT! just slightly under running temp.

 

It will be interesting to see if the dash temp gauge will be registering the next morning at start-up. Keep us posted.

One thing for sure about the oil pan heater...zero, zip, nada chance of any leak. I like the idea of warmed/thinned oil right there at the oil pick-up tube for quick/easy flow the moment u hit the starter.

 

its true. no chance of a leak. but I also am using 4 stainless steel hose clamps. I cranked them down, and I doubt that anything could leak its way out. and if it does fail, Ill still have my original rad hose. not too much at stake (not like a frost plug leak). Im very excited to see if it will register on dash too. some guys are saying you can leave the heater on the ON position to let the warm coolant flow into the heater core so you have heat quick.

 

BTW, it got to 0 last night

 

You find it hard to believe because you are not stupid!


Now the guy at NAPA? He's either stupid or dishonest.


I suggest you ignore everything he says, unless he's ringing up your purchase.

 

HA! yep, all his info was false.
So I got it installed this morning. Kind of a B to get the old hose off!! I miss my 92, apparently removing the power steer pump is a real process on my 2000. I worked around the pump which was not fun. also miss my old radiator drain plug, couldnt get my rad to drain. I got it up to temp so the thermo would trigger and move the new coolant 2 hours ago. I just went out and its still at ~105 degrees, and 30 degrees outside.

 

Probably just as well. Those things are prone to breaking, and that has been known to leave someone with no choice but to buy a new radiator. Can't get the drain plug out, can't get it to close. Not good!



Cool!

Er, wait... No, it's warm..... which is... cool.... I guess....




Good to hear, though. I've been considering doing one of these.


Give it a few days and give us an update, please?

 

OFFICIAL UPDATE: THIS WORKS!!! It took me about $60 for the whole thing. $34 for heater, ~25ish for new hose, and the rest in coolant. So the jeep has been parked all night. The temp currently (at 8:18 am) is 5 degrees F. It was lower last night (maybe 1 degree). I popped my hood and placed my hand on the Head-valve cover (near the oil cap), and it was WARM!! turned my key to AUX and it shows the engine temp at roughly 100 degrees F (It heats the coolant to 190). I'm stoked!! When I drove it yesterday, it fired up as if it were summer! took some serious strain off the battery. now, my oil is still ***** cold, but at least it will be moved in a warm engine which should warm it up faster. STOKED

 

Now is your chance to be a CherokeeForum hero and install the oil pan heater and do a "comparison" of the 2 heater types. What's another $60-$70 and your engine bearings and valve train will luv u.