it is cold and my crx won't start. I've thought about taking the battery out to thaw it then jump it. the bad part is the hood is frozen shut so I can't get to it. there is an electric cable I find underneath the hood. I've not get to use this before. Does anyone know, can I use this to plug into an electric outlet and start the car?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1000_miles &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">it is cold and my crx won't start. I've thought about taking the battery out to thaw it then jump it. the bad part is the hood is frozen shut so I can't get to it. there is an electric cable I find underneath the hood. I've not get to use this before. Does anyone know, can I use this to plug into an electric outlet and start the car?</TD></TR></TABLE>

If it has a three prong plug, it's more than likely a block heater. See if it runs to a plug on the back of the block, if it does, plug it in and enjoy your toasty warm engine.

 

thanks. are there any safety measures? what is the amount of time I do this for?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1000_miles &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">thanks. are there any safety measures? what is the amount of time I do this for?</TD></TR></TABLE>

usually you leave it plugged in all night.

 

ya it keeps the coolant warm so the block doesn't turn into a little icicle over night. just DONT forget to unplugg it before you drive away!!

 

If you had properly mixed coolant, shouldn't this not be a problem? I can see why a battery warmer would help, but why is a block heater needed with properly mixed coolant?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tippyman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you had properly mixed coolant, shouldn't this not be a problem? I can see why a battery warmer would help, but why is a block heater needed with properly mixed coolant?</TD></TR></TABLE>

It is not just for coolant. It is for the oil as well. Oil gets THICK when it is cold, so by having a block heater it warms the oil as well so that it prevents or minimizes cold start damage.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 88LXi68 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

It is not just for coolant. It is for the oil as well. Oil gets THICK when it is cold, so by having a block heater it warms the oil as well so that it prevents or minimizes cold start damage.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Makes sense...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tippyman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you had properly mixed coolant, shouldn't this not be a problem? I can see why a battery warmer would help, but why is a block heater needed with properly mixed coolant?</TD></TR></TABLE>

its not just for coolant or oil,,but also for the simple fact that its damn cold as hell and the engine would never warm up...you shouldn't need it though unless its 10 F and under

 

They have Genuine Honda engine and battery heaters still for sale on the Honda website. Are they in stock anymore?

 

thanks for all the response guys

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tippyman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They have Genuine Honda engine and battery heaters still for sale on the Honda website. Are they in stock anymore?</TD></TR></TABLE>

If you're seeing them on Majestic's website then yes.

 

ANIFREAZE FTW

 

battery shouldnt freeze.. so you dont really thaw it by warming it up.. your battery doesnt have enough cold cranking amps. your probably need a new battery.

 

block heater ftw especially when its -40 C up here in the north (north bay ontario canada), makes starting so much easier
bought my block heater 2 months ago at the local honda dealership for about $35. the guy was supprised that they still had them in stock somewhere he said most accessories are all gone for our cars.
oh and the block heater installs on the front of the block just below the exhaust manifold. the large bolt.

 

got the installation instructions somewhere around the garage can look for them if anyone is interested

 

yeah -40F is pretty freakin cold.. even 50/50 antifreeze water mix will freeze at -40f, which is also -40c, for the physics nerds among us. i would have to say that if your car doesnt have a block heater, or you are not running 0w-30 oil, then dont even try to start it until it warms up. all kinds of bad things happen to bearings that dont have oil because the oil is too thick.. just ask my roomate.... https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1537221