For anyone with a block heater.. Where is it??

[AdamLowther]

Hi 96 Q45t. I live in Canada, and the car was originally sold out of British Columbia here in Canada.

I'm not sure it was ever equipped with one, but am trying to find the block heater if it exists.

I am thinking it may be tucked away somewhere as it may have not been used in awhile.

For anyone that lives somewhere cold-ish, any suggestions on where to look? i.e. drivers side/pass side?

Based on what I can see I dont think it has one, but maybe you have some tips. its been -35F here in the last few weeks so a block heater sure helps.

Second part of the question, anyone have any experience installing these? I am guessing it would be a pain trying to find and remove the plug in the block to put the element in. Ideas welcome.

In the meantime I am running 0-30 full synthetic and making sure she is warmed before driving it.

Cheers

[Infinitiguy19]

As far as I know, There was no block or battery heater on the G50 Q45 AKA 1990-1996 Q45's

But you may want to read this: zer...-work and I guess try google.

[Skibane]

I have no specific info on factory-installed block heaters for Q45s, but...

One of the more popular locations for factory-installed heaters on American vehicles is freeze plugs - Basically, the standard freeze plug is replaced with a plug that has a built-in heating element. Biggest disadvantage is the limited wattage - The small size of the freeze plug limits the size (and heat output) of the heating element.

On the aftermarket, tank-type heaters are popular. These are typically installed in the bottom radiator hose (although some versions can be plumbed into the heater core hose). Sizes up to 1500 watts are commonly available.

Oil dipstick heaters are also available for some vehicles. They replace the existing dipstick with a version equipped with a built-in heating element. Obviously, the heating ability is limited by the small size of the dipstick.

AFAIK, nobody makes a heater that is specifically designed for automatic transmissions. However, several companies make magnetic-mount heaters (example here) that can be slapped on the bottom of a steel ATF sump pan (if you don't mind the resulting reduced ground clearance).

[AdamLowther]

Thanks for the thoughts. Usually here in Canada, cars come off the lot with a block heater in the freeze plug as you mentioned.

It looks like this was not the case with the Q (I am guessing very few of these sold in Canada to begin with).

I think I will install one, but I dont think it will be in the freeze plug, just due to the difficulty of getting in there when it is so cold out. One of the in line elements you mentioned should do the trick.

Thanks for the thoughts. As usual, much appreciated.

[Infinitiguy19]

What about adding a climate controled garage with a ton of insulation. The garage will protect your car and bring more value to your car and house.

But the above is way more expensive and hard to do, unless by some chance your a carpenter/construction worker (Fingers crossed).

Just kidding, Hope you find a solution buddy.

[Q451990]

There is a TSB with the installation instructions for the factory block heater. It was definitely an add on option and used the freeze plug location... If you want to go over to http://www.infinitihelp.com and register, you can download 2 TSBs per day at no charge. It's ITB90-31 in the "EM" section.

Heath

[Infinitiguy19]

Actually do you mind posting a more direct link because Infinitihelp.com nor google can find it.

[Q451990]

The link above works for me

The TSBs are located under the "ownership" tab at the top of the page.

Heath

[yodawill2000]

Used to have an Ole' Country boy from Nebraska as a neighbor.He drove an ole 4x4 truck and simply used a heat lamp aimed at the old pan about an hour or so before start up.He swore by it.