2007-12-06 15:22:13 · 9 answers · asked by Word yo 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
We all have block-heaters in this town. A necessary evil when living north of the Great Lakes. The cords are an eyesore, but what the heck!
2007-12-06 15:33:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your carb and choke are working properly you might be able to get away with it in emergencies but I wouldn't recommend on a practical basis. A little warm up isn't a bad idea for any engine, with a carb or fuel injection if they have been sitting outside for several hours in 10 degree weather. Also your transmission will benefit from being allowed to warm up a little as well.
The only option you have is a block heater, one that fits into a freeze/ soft plug of your engine block and that you plug into electricity. These keep your engine coolant warm, therefore your engine is more ready to go on cold days. These kinds of heaters are used in large trucks and can be ordered as a factory installed option on many vehicles. They are the safest, most reliable and efficient kind. Even then you can plan on seeing a size able increase in your electric bill if you use it lots. Using hose heaters, either lower radiator hose or heater hose models is just asking for trouble. The stick on models that fit on your oil pan are dangerous.
If you are going to do it anyway, I would suggest some Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil, a heated garage and some prayer.
2007-12-06 16:27:01 · answer #2 · answered by lwjksu89 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Install a block heater. Easiest would be a stick on oil-pan heater but I don't know that it would warm the top of your engine enough plus you run the risk of burning up your oil. If you're going to go that route I would get 2 sizes smaller than recommended so you could leave it on all night.
What I would really recommend is a lower radiator hose heater. See links.
2007-12-06 15:32:11 · answer #3 · answered by Linksep 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not a good idea to simply start and go with any vehicle in cold weather. Oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid all drains to the lowest point and thickens up in the cold. Allowing a few minutes for the lubricants to loosen up and flow around is a good idea.
That said, as an old timer who drove when most cars were naturally aspirated (carburetors) a properly functioning choke should allow you do start right up and go.
.
2007-12-06 16:05:24 · answer #4 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Keep the car in a heated garage. Other than that, ya gotta wait a few minutes!!
2007-12-06 15:25:05 · answer #5 · answered by kuntryguyy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'd need a battery & manifold heater.
2007-12-06 15:25:34 · answer #6 · answered by Robert S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as your automatic choke and carb is working properly, you should be able to drive away fine.
2007-12-06 15:25:05 · answer #7 · answered by wangus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not good give a warm up first.
2007-12-06 15:25:33 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Short answer- DON"T!
2007-12-06 18:50:32 · answer #9 · answered by Mike 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋