Is it really important, and what harm can be done without it. I live in Northern Canada it it drops below -50C sometimes but normally -25ish in the winter. I use synthetic oil. Thoughts guys?

I'd use it if i were YOU

It's only valuable in cold ass weather....which u def qualify for.....a no brainer

Obviously less time to warm the engine and get the heater on...prob better for the engine too

Somebody else tho can chime in on the benefits of it....an expert

I never cared, but last winter it got cold here like 58 in the mornings & for kicks plugged in my block heater on my dodge diesel the afternoon before.well the next morning my heater was already warm at start up:) perfect for the 6 mile drive to work...

i would get a block heater if i was u that is very cold temp

It is a neccessity in weather like yours and mine. Get it, use it....in the long run it will take care of your engine if it is as cold as you say...and I know it is!

(I posted this in another thread and realized it was in the Canada section. Thought I would add the info here as well)

I just installed one in my Jeep last night. A total pita but I wanted the option so ordered up the parts and installed it. Had to remove the front wheel, fender liner (partial) and starter, and it is still a very tight fit as the exhaust pipe is also in the way.

Parts:

Mopar Engine Block Heater kit 82208937 MSRP $73.20

or Mopar parts:

1 Ea. 56044577AB Cord, MSRP $38.75
1 Ea. 5149055AA Heater, engine block, MSRP $40.05
1 Ea. 6501373 Screw, MSRP $3.65


http://www.wkjeeps.com/srt8/Engine_block_heater_Jeep_srt_001m.jpg

Enlargement (http://www.wkjeeps.com/srt8/Engine_block_heater_Jeep_srt_001.jpg)

I'd deff get it if i had temps like that!:eek:

I think I recall 08srt8Calgary saying that they come standard if purchased in Canada. If that is the case then you should be fine!

Definatley get one!!! It saves on the engine so much, 80% of engine wear is on cold startups and thats a fact. You have to be totally naive not to plug you vehicle in if it gets even 0 F. Plus your engine is already at 68 F well atleast that what mine gets too and then you have heat right away too!! Another plus is that you dont have to start your car up and let it idle for 15 so therefor you save money on gas.

Someone else in the blockheater cord thread said they were standard- but I would be absolutely shocked if it did have one in it. All chrysler vehicles Ive dealt with in the last few months had the bolck heaters installed, and the owners simply couldnt find the cord. Kokanee- you need it bro, your gonna put mad wear on the internals if you go without. At -45 the 0w30 sythentic looks like syrup, mybe not like thick honey like other weights- but still gonna be a hard start up.

Move to Florida and forget about it.........:D

^^Thats a way better idea

Sad Thing is I left miami to come up here! I was in south beach for 9 years!

Definitely not standard equipment on the 09... Opt/Pkg NHK Engine Block Heater $40.00. But at that price I dont know why anyone North of the Florida Panhandle would skip it.

I supposedly have it in my truck. I know this sounds stupid but where is it supposed to be?

I looked on mine and I just see a big empty hole. :( That does look like a PITA to install!

I supposedly have it in my truck. I know this sounds stupid but where is it supposed to be?
You'll probably need a mirror but I used the pic above for reference: Drivers side, just behind the exhaust manifold, you'll either see a plug/wire like in the pic or an empty hole like I did. Someone else may chime in but I believe I've heard those with the block heater have the cord you plug into bundled up, under one of the plastic HEMI covers IIRC, don't remember which one though.

Definitely not standard equipment on the 09...
Standard in Canada on all Grand Cherokee models...

http://www.wkjeeps.com/engine/engine_block_heater_003m.jpg

Thanks, I'll get in there later and look again.