improving engine heat up time

lacabrera · **Posted:** Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:53 am

Winters on its way and I am thinking of ways to decrease the time it takes to get the engine up to operating temperature. I think I am right that the cabin heater matrix is always open circuit, and heat in the cabin is controlled by the blender mechanism.
What if an inline thermostat is added to the hose to the matrix to prevent flow? would this help for a quicker heat up or would it cause other problems? or have very little effect.
I have a functioning main thermostat but because of the several short trips per day 3 to 5 miles one way any improvement would help economy.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:59 am

A inline thermostat for the heater core?
Even if you could find one to fit the 5/8" heater hose, it wouldnt help any.

Try using something to block airflow through the grille.

blk05liberty · **Posted:** Mon Oct 31, 2016 3:01 pm

Use your engine block heater if you have one and have access to an outlet. There are other type of electric heaters such as a heater that you put in place of your engine oil dipstick. And make sure the viscious heater is working too. goodluck!

lacabrera · **Posted:** Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:47 pm

Thanks for the input, i have been thinking about getting a block heater, not common here in the UK are they available in 230/240vac?

dennyb · **Joined:** Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:27 pm **Posts:** 110

buy a grille cover or be cheap like me and use corroplast inserted between grille and AC condensor. i left 3 in gap across middle for electric fan and warmer days. kept it untill days warmed up to around 45deg.

previous post on covers.
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=40292

blk05liberty · **Posted:** Mon Oct 31, 2016 11:45 pm

I know they make a converter from 230ac down to 110v. Worth looking into, not sure what's available in uk.

flash7210 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:41 am

blk05liberty wrote:

I know they make a converter from 230ac down to 110v. Worth looking into, not sure what's available in uk.

A 2:1 step down transformer would be the best way.
Idk the wattage of the block heater but the transformers wattage would need to be greater than the heater.
Did U.K. CRDs come with a block heater?

papaindigo · **Posted:** Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:39 am

If your export KJ CRD came with a block heater you will likely find a "wad" of power cord zip tied to the oil dipstick tube. If so when you unwad it take a close look at the wiring as it's likely the exterior rubber coating will be cracked but it's also likely the primary wiring insulation is ok.

Beyond that I cannot offer an opinion on whether your block heater, if you have one, will run on 220 or whether it's "dual" voltage which is also possible. One hint would be whether or not the plug is a "European" style or a 3-prong US style. One never knows but it would be really stupid if DCJ sold export CRDs with a block heater that could not accommodate 220v

lacabrera · **Posted:** Tue Nov 01, 2016 4:19 pm

No block heater on mine plus I haven't seen any cars this side with one. I am surprised because it sounds like a good investment especially on a diesel.

improving engine heat up time

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