Block Heater - Yes? or No?
 

Hi,

Anyone have significant experience with different types of block heaters (stock/aftermarket) for the D17 (2001 - 2005 EL)?

Any noteworthy benefits/drawbacks? (Places to purchase?/install?)

In an inline coolant heater a sensible option on these vehicles?

I'm interested in buying one to have my block warm enough for a quick start & take off each morning; but, of course, was also hoping for feedback before doing so, thanks very much.

((Already did a forum search, only limited attention to the topic thus far...))

I don't think there is anything on this topic on the forum.

I had a block heater installed in my EK hatch, and it was worth every penny. Back then I used to park my car outside in the driveway, and starting it in the morning was awesome when the car was plugged in. On nights when it was snowing outside, I used to come out in the morning and see the hood of the car free of snow. The block heater was so powerful that snow would not accumulate on the hood.

I can't remember how much I had paid for it because this goes back 11 years ago, but I think it was roughly $150.00 including the install, and that's directly from Honda. I believe it was Ideal Honda who installed it for me.

IMO well worth every penny.

Just have your block heater plugged into a timer and your set. Nothing like having a instant warm car on those -20 and below morning. It should save a bit of fuel also (not much) since you won't be idling as long.

where does the block heater get power from? from the battery or an ac outlet?

AC outlet, just make sure its free of any moisture or they will fuse together

We had a VW Golf in the family since 1991. The block heater has saved it from those cold dry winter starts every year. It runs everyday.

useless unless you live in northern ontario...plus they suck hydro like a mother

That's why you put them on a timer so they only go on 1-2 hours before you have to leave.

Never used to have one, and never had a problem...

Although now I have a garage...which is great...

Hey everyone,

A block heater seems to be more 'n more a useful & worthwhile item to purchase for my vehicle. I'm tempted to go OEM with a part like this... however, if anyone has other ideas of where / how much $$ to budget for a top notch model, I'd be glad to read them.

Looking for personal experience here, internet search results on the topic are anemic.

Thanks,
-Troub.

If I were you go OEM. They're not that expensive, and if anything is wrong with it you go directly to Acura to have it fixed. I had mine done by Honda and it worked flawlessly.

With the cold winter we have had, it would probably be a great investment if you don't have a garage or hate getting into an ice cold car.

You can order on from the US for under $50. The install doesn't look that hard either.
http://www.handa-accessories.com/civext01.html

Fantastic site. I get it... H(onda)andA(cura)-accessories.com
Of course, as a company based in North Cali, the EL goes unloved :(

get one
 

:happy:
your el has the same block as the ek 1.6 civic same part 4 all honda's

and h & a don't ship to canada.:doh:

you can get the same oem one as honda at candain tire.
i have one in my sir that i got at honda and a C.T. one in my 91 accord
it's the same part the cost of the C.T. waz 35 buck or so.

o ya they work good.

Yeah, what he said. The EL is the same car mechanically as the 01-05 Civic. I just used that site for reference. collegehillshonda ships to Canada I think. The same part at a Honda dealer here couldn't be more then $100. Or try C-T like mentioned above.