How does the block heater on my Chev cavalier work?

Answer 1

Depends on what kind you had installed.
Most block heaters work by warming the engine oil, that way its not as thick and flows easier. It also helps the engine warm up faster. Some heaters are inserted into the freeze plug of an engine and warms up the engine coolant, also making the engine warm up faster.

Answer 2

Factory block heaters are installed in a freeze plug hole in the block where the coolant runs. The heating element in the block keeps the coolant warm so when the car is started the heater blows warm air and there is no warm up time required.

Answer 3

Factory block heaters are installed into the coolant jacket of the motor's block in what are called "freeze" or "clean-out" plugs. The heating element is only a resistance so when you plug the cord into power, the element heats due to the reistance inside of it. This in turn warms the coolant around the element. Since warm coolant rises, this creates some movement of the coolant to warm the whole block/head.