The device mentioned in the title of the article enables the engine of a car or other vehicle without starting it. Such a device is used to preheat the engine, facilitate starting the engine, and in some cases to warm the air in the vehicle interior.
The importance of the engine heater in Russian conditions is difficult to overestimate. The device is especially relevant for owners of cars with a diesel engine. On numerous forums, you can often read that "diesel fuel is frozen." However, owners of cars with a gasoline engine will also benefit from such a device in the conditions of the Russian winter. The heater brings the oil temperature to an acceptable level and the car starts easily.
Electric heaters
This type of heater is non-autonomous. This type of device was invented in 1949 by A. Freeman. The invention is patented. The heater is screwed in instead of one of the bolts of the engine block, powered by a 220 volt outlet. In some machines, such devices are included in the package.
It is clear that electric heaters are popular in northern countries: Canada, Scandinavian countries. In Russia they are also used.
This type of heater is rather complicated. It has the following components:
- a heating element. Usually, its power varies from 500 to 5000 watts. The heating element is placed in a sealed heat exchanger, which is mounted in the process holes of the engine cooling system, or is connected to the cooling jacket using pipes.
- ECU with timer. The timer is needed to control the time of turning the heater on and off.
- block for recharging batteries, if they are provided for by the design of the heater.
- a fan necessary for heating the passenger compartment or the engine compartment of a car.
- there are models with a pump that contributes to uniform heating of the engine.
The principle of operation of an electric heater is simple and based on the most well-known laws of physics.
The heating element acts on the coolant. It starts to circulate until it warms up completely. The heating element must be installed at the bottom of the cooling system, since, according to the same laws of physics, warm liquid rises, and cold liquid falls down. If the heater is equipped with a pump, then the location of the heating element is not important.
Autonomous heaters
Autonomous liquid heaters are installed under the hood of the car and operate on one of the types of fuel: gasoline, diesel fuel, gas.
Components of a liquid heater:
- a fairly complex control unit that controls a number of parameters: temperature, fuel supply, air supply;
- a pump responsible for supplying fuel;
- air blower;
- a boiler with a fuel combustion chamber placed in it;
- a pump responsible for the circulation of the coolant;
- the system can also be equipped with a relay that turns on the cabin fan of the stove. In this case, not only the engine is heated, but also the interior, which is very convenient;
- timer, remote control or other heater control module.
The principle of operation of this type of heater is also quite clear. The system is started remotely or using a timer. The fuel pump comes into motion, pumping fuel from the car tank into the combustion chamber, another pump pumps air. The spark plug ignites the fuel. The heat is transferred to the coolant, which begins to circulate thanks to the third pump. As soon as the liquid heats up to a certain temperature, the interior fan turns on. The interior of the car starts to heat up. If the coolant reaches a high temperature, the system shuts down.
The average fuel consumption when using such a heater is 0.5 liters of gasoline per hour. It is better to spend money on gasoline than in the morning to “conjure” at the car with a blowtorch and other improvised means, trying to start the car.
The disadvantages of liquid heaters include the following: in its operation, the system uses the energy of a battery installed on a car. If the battery is weak, then the liquid heater can "plant" it completely, and the car will not start in the morning.
In general, this type of heater does not have serious disadvantages, but it has great advantages.
Thermal accumulators
Toyota Prius is equipped with such devices. What are they? A heat accumulator is a thermos in which a certain volume of warm coolant is collected. When the engine is started, the collected liquid is injected from the heat accumulator into the cooling system. On average, the temperature of the entire cooling system fluid rises by 10-15 degrees, which makes it possible for the engine to work without much load. By the way, thermal accumulators can keep the coolant warm for up to 2 days.
Obviously, the method has the right to life. Moreover, when using such batteries, it is not required to spend additional electricity or fuel.
Diesel fuel heaters
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, diesel fuel is not very friendly with low temperatures. Therefore, heaters are also used to dissolve paraffins formed in diesel fuel.
Diesel fuel is heated by two types of devices: some of them are mounted on the diesel fuel cleaning filter, and others - on the fuel system line, or crash into it.
Popular models of starting heaters
Webasto Thermo Top E
People who are at least a little interested in cars have probably heard the name Webasto. Yes, this is perhaps the most popular brand of heaters.
The Thermo Top E model is a preheater-heater, that is, it heats up the coolant, the engine and the air in the cabin. Produced in Germany, like other Webasto products.
Thermo Top E is a classic example of liquid heaters, which have already been discussed. The device is relatively compact, suitable for installation even in small cars. It is important that even at the time of its start-up, the heater consumes a very small amount of electricity. Thus, you do not have to worry about the level of the car battery.
The upgraded version of the heater timer allows you to turn on the heater for a period of 10 minutes to 1 hour. With a frost of 10-15 degrees, the heater may well cope with its task in 15 minutes.
In the hot season, the heater can ventilate the car interior, which is also very pleasant, especially for owners of those cars that do not have air conditioning installed.
Everything is good in Webasto, except for the price. Not every Russian car owner decides to spend money on a heater from this company.
Teplostar 04TS
Teplostar is a domestic heater manufactured in Samara. The model, in general, is very good. With the help of 04TS, the coolant and the interior are heated, there is a remote control that operates at a distance of up to 150 meters. That is, if the car is under the windows of the house, then it will not be difficult to start the heater from the remote control. The remote control has only one drawback: it is not equipped with a feedback system. There is a danger that if the heater fails, the owner of the car will only find out about it in the morning, sitting in a cold car.
It is gratifying that Samara manufacturers of heaters paid special attention to the safety of the device. Before starting, the ECU checks the operability of all systems. If something does not work correctly, error codes are displayed on a special display. If for some reason the combustion in the chamber stops, then the fuel supply stops. This is very important and valuable.
Severs 103.3741
Severs is a heater that is also produced in Russia, but it is non-autonomous and operates from a 220 V outlet. The device has a thermostat that protects against engine overheating. Heating up to 60 degrees is carried out in 1-1.5 hours. At a temperature of 85 degrees, the system stops working. If the coolant temperature drops to 50 degrees, the heater starts its work again.
It is noteworthy that the heater has protection against moisture and electric shock.
The only downside of Severs is that he needs an outlet. For car owners who have their own garage, the device fits very well. But for the rest it is of little use.
Defa Warm Up
Non-autonomous heater, which is produced in Norway. Warms up the engine, interior and, attention, can recharge the battery. The latter is very important, since in the cold the car battery loses its power significantly.
It has basic and universal kits that can be combined as you wish.
Compared to the Severs heater described above, Defa is, of course, a little expensive. But the functionality justifies the price.
Autoplus MADI UAPD -0.2-2
The device from the company Autoplus is a heat accumulator. It can be easily installed on a car of any size. All operation of the device is automated. The driver does not need to do anything. It is noteworthy that any car owner can install a heat accumulator on a car on their own. No special skills are required here.
Nomacon PB
Nomacon is a pre-heater for diesel fuel. It is mounted on a fine filter. In fact, there are no competitors to this heater in the domestic market. But Belarusians keep fairly low prices for the device, while maintaining the high quality of the equipment.
Results
Having considered the types of preheaters, having familiarized themselves with their main models that are popular, one simple conclusion can be drawn: in Russia, it is possible and necessary to use preheaters. What exactly? It’s up to everyone to decide based on preferences, type of car and budget.
In winter, the driver faces many problems. First of all, they are associated with poor starting of the car engine. In order to solve this problem, experts advise installing special preheaters. These devices are able not only to guarantee the engine start in any weather, but also significantly reduce the emission of exhaust gases into the atmosphere. Thus, the driver has the opportunity to take care of the environment. Some models of starting heaters save the owner quite a lot of fuel due to their action. Direct friction between engine parts is greatly reduced. At the same time, the wear of important elements occurs much more slowly, which positively affects the performance of all nodes. The most inexpensive type of engine preheater is electric, built into the cylinder block, or placed next to it. In fact, this is a modified electric boiler. Only its main task is not to bring the liquid to a boil, but to heat it to such a state that the engine can start quickly in the cold season.
Everything is clear with this view: the power of the devices is only 400-750 W. Their purpose is to maintain a certain temperature regime directly in the cylinder block. In addition to the heating element and the wire leading to the 220-volt outlet, there are no additional sensors, pipes and other devices here. The pipe leading to the radiator is simply cut and a heater is inserted from both ends. Is a “boiler” with a wire not enough for you? Then it will not be superfluous to buy an ordinary timer, if accuracy up to every second is so fundamentally important to you. The most famous Russian heaters of this type are Homeless (from 1,200 rubles), Start-mini (from 950 rubles). The mentioned devices are mainly intended for cars of domestic brands, such as VAZ, GAZ, UAZ, but are there any obstacles for domestic craftsmen?
In fairness, it should be noted that our motorists still consider a car primarily a luxury on which too much money has already been spent. People are somehow not ready to “spoil” their iron horses with expensive heaters, and therefore the popularity of models is growing, the cost of which does not exceed 2,000 rubles. The same cohort includes models with the names "Lestar", "Start M1", "Start M2", "Siberia-M", "Alliance".
What determines the power of the preheater?
First of all, the power of the preheater is associated with the limiting frequency of the device. Usually this parameter lies within 50 Hz, however, its deviations are possible. Additionally, the piston diameter is taken into account. Its size ultimately affects the rate of circulation of the flow. The higher the operating power of the device, the faster the temperature rises. Usually in the engine antifreeze is able to warm up to 60 degrees. The average heating time is 3 minutes. In this case, much also depends on the location of the preheater. As mentioned earlier, it must be securely fastened and not blown.Scheme of the starting heater "Webasto"
The Webasto model has a standard installation diagram. The pre-heater of the engine in the central part has a tubular electric heater. To connect it to the impeller, a special sleeve is installed. The thermostat in this case is located at the top of the structure. Fuel is supplied from the side of the cylinders. Thus, the circulation flow of the device is quite high. The main chamber of the device is made of stainless steel, so the temperature keeps high. There is a pump under the control box. As a result, the power of the preheater can be adjusted.Device model "Webasto 220V"
The engine preheater Webasto 220V differs from other devices by a volumetric heat exchanger. It is located immediately above the tubular electric heater. In this case, the piston has a small diameter. However, the impeller takes up a lot of space. The fuel supply to the system is controlled by a special sensor. In order to change the limiting temperature of the liquid, there is a control unit. In this regard, many models are equipped with a self-diagnosis system. Additionally, the engine preheater Webasto 220V is available with fans. In this case, they cope with overheating of the main camera of the device. Installing a heater with your own hands does not require much time and some special knowledge. Almost every motorist who knows where the main working components of the car are located will be able to cope with the task. The installation process itself will take no more than 3 hours. But if there is no certainty that the installation will be performed normally, it is better, after all, to visit a technical station. In the case of self-installation, you should follow the detailed instructions. As a rule, it comes with the device.
What power heater should I buy?
0.5kW- heating element power, which can be used in the parking lot to maintain a constant engine temperature. This power is not enough to warm up the engine in severe frost. 1kW- heating element power, which is recommended to be selected for 8kl engines VAZ 2110, VAZ 2114 1.5kW- heating element power, which is recommended to be selected for 16kl engines VAZ 2110, LADA Priora, Kalina How long does it take for an engine to warm up to start a car in cold weather? The time is selected experimentally and depends on many factors (engine type, electric heater power, air temperature, etc.). Approximately: in order to start the VAZ 2110 16kl engine without problems in frost -30C using a 1.5 kW electric heater, you need to count on a heating time of 30-60 minutes. Of course, you can turn on the engine heater for a longer time, then the engine will be already hot, but there will be no boiling.
The climatic conditions of most of the territory of our country are characterized by a very wide range of temperatures: from hot summer to freezing cold in winter. In the summer, the operation of the car is quite simple, although it has its own specific features. And in the cold season, the car engine takes a long time after starting, so that its temperature reaches operating values. And to facilitate a cold start and save time when you warm up the car, there is an electric engine heater, which in a fairly short period of time is able to bring its temperature to acceptable values.
Features of starting the engine in the cold season
An internal combustion engine, due to its design features, is capable of developing its maximum power and torque in a rather narrow temperature range. That is why a cold start, especially in the winter season, is so harmful to engines. Previously, before the advent of preheaters, the only way was to start and warm up at idle or high speeds. Now, with the advent of various means and methods of heating, this method can be neglected. Moreover, modern engines distribute heat from the combustion chambers very efficiently and warm up quickly, so you can start moving almost immediately after starting. But this can be done in a normal winter, and if at night the temperature reaches 40-45 degrees below zero? Here, additional heating of the engine in winter is simply necessary.
What is an engine heater
In general, engine preheating is carried out by artificially raising the temperature of the coolant so that it heats the engine parts (cylinder block and head, as well as the heater radiator). This allows you to significantly reduce the negative impact of increased friction force at start-up and local (uneven) heating of its parts.
Types of engine heaters
Actually, there are only two types of heaters - autonomous and electric. Autonomous heating, as the name implies, does not depend on external conditions and is part of the automotive power plant: fuel from the tank is used for its operation. The most famous example is the Webasto autonomous engine heater. Special boilers, by burning fuel, heat the coolant that circulates through the system - and all this without starting the engine.
An electric auto-heater is also built into the engine cooling system and, with the help of a special heating element, like a boiler, heats the coolant.
Electric heater as an alternative to stand-alone devices
Installing a 220v engine heater is much easier (since it has, in fact, only one element and wires for connection) and much cheaper, while it does not use gasoline as a heat source, using electricity.
Varieties of electric heaters
Block
The simplest type of heaters that are installed in the cylinder block instead of a side plug. They are an electrical heating element in a housing and a connector. Such models do not have a large power consumption (500-700W), however, due to the fact that they are located directly in the engine, they warm it up almost in the center. More sophisticated engine heating systems can be equipped with interior fan heaters, a start timer with a remote control. The only problem with installation may be the engine breather (crankcase ventilation hose), since it is often installed so that it overlaps the plug in the block.
branch pipes
Such devices are installed in the context of the main pipes of the cooling system. The heater itself is equipped with a special adapter housing, which is installed directly on the hoses. The disadvantage is that most of these devices are designed for standard hose diameters. For such devices, the power may be higher (up to 2-3 kW), the functionality and equipment are approximately the same as in the previous group.
Remote
This is a special group of devices that are also built into the cooling system, but are more complex in design and installation. Such models are more like Webasto heaters, only they run on electricity, not gasoline. Such models most effectively warm up the coolant and the cylinder block. The external heater can also be provided with forced circulation of the coolant, which better contributes to uniform heating of the cylinder block and minimizes the harmful effects of a cold start. The cost of such units differs by more than an order of magnitude (from 1.5 thousand rubles for ordinary Chinese models to 23 thousand rubles for a really good American HotStart). The power of the heating element also varies greatly and depends on the displacement.
Advantages of 220v engine heating:
- low cost installation kit and the installation itself (from 1 thousand rubles).
- Wide model range, compatible with almost all motors, simple design and high efficiency.
Disadvantages of an electric heater:
- A 220v household socket should be located in the immediate vicinity.
- Open hood during heating operation. On modern models, this is not so relevant, since they are equipped with a special connector that cuts into the front bumper.
- Reliability of some models, which over time begin to pass coolant through the junction with the engine.
How to install engine preheater
Do-it-yourself engine heating installation is a relatively simple task. It does not require special tools and special knowledge. All you need is a general understanding of the principles of operation of automobile engines and an idea of the location of components and assemblies under the hood.
To understand how to install the engine heater, just look at the installation instructions that came with the kit. The general installation sequence is as follows.
- Since the heater is installed in the cooling system, it is necessary to drain part of the antifreeze (at least 2 liters to lower its level and prevent leakage during depressurization)
- In the case of installing a block heater, the plug is removed from the cylinder block and install the heating element. For a remote or pipe version, the hoses leading to the heater radiator are removed. It is better to use the hoses included in the installation kit so as not to cut the factory ones. When installing new nozzles, all connections are fixed with clamps, and it is advisable to coat the fittings with sealant to prevent leaks.
- The body of the device is fixed with a bracket included in the kit.
- All necessary connections are made, the rest of the assembly is carried out in the reverse order.
- Antifreeze is poured back to the desired level. When filling, it is desirable to avoid the appearance of air pockets (pour antifreeze into the expansion tank carefully, in a thin stream!).
Installing engine heating is a task that is quite feasible for almost everyone. And which type to choose depends on the specific operating conditions and design features of the car.
With the onset of cold weather (usually “sudden” for any of us), each car owner thinks about whether his car will start or not. And even if the battery coped with the difficult task and the “cold start” was successfully carried out, with this method of operation there are a number of negative consequences:
- engine parts wear out faster;
- the load on the battery increases: as a result, the service life is significantly reduced;
- the engine has been idling for quite a long time (well, this is not the most “useful” mode of operation for it).
Pre-heating of the engine will not only prolong the "life" of the engine without repair, but also greatly increase the comfort of using the car in winter.
The principle of operation and types of engine preheaters
All systems, regardless of design, installed in cars to facilitate starting the engine in the cold season, do not heat the engine itself, but increase the temperature of the coolant surrounding it (abbreviated as PZD). Therefore, antifreeze, which saves the engine from overheating during movement, heated up with the help of a pre-start device, heats the engine elements, which contributes to its easy start (even at very low temperatures).
According to the principle of operation, all engine preheaters (both gasoline and diesel) are divided into two main groups:
- autonomous;
- electrical.
The first use the fuel of the car as a source of energy. To operate the latter, a 220-volt electrical connection is required.
Autonomous preheaters
This type of engine preheaters is the most functional, since it does not depend on connection to external energy sources (that is why they are called autonomous). However, their cost is higher than electric ones. Installing such an engine heating with your own hands, without having the necessary technical skills and sufficient experience, is quite difficult. In addition, self-installation of such high-tech devices leads to loss of warranty for the car.
On a note! If the heater is installed in an authorized center, then all warranty obligations remain.
And, despite the rather high cost, such devices are very popular. By analogy with autonomous heating systems for buildings, such devices are sometimes called boilers. Until recently, the most famous manufacturers of these products were the German "Webasto" and "Eberspacher (Hydronic)". But now Russian firms are worthy competition to them: Binar and Teplostar; as well as the Chinese "Belief".
Autonomous heating consists of:
- fuel pump;
- glow plug or glow plug (tungsten or cobalt);
- evaporation burner;
- combustion chambers;
- heat exchanger;
- blower motor;
- coolant inlet and outlet pipes;
- control unit.
The boiler is installed in the engine compartment and built into the fuel and cooling systems of the car. The diagram below helps to understand how an autonomous heater works.
When the device is turned on (by a button, a signal from a timer, a remote control unit or a GSM module), the air-fuel mixture enters the combustion chamber and is ignited by a glow plug (or glow plug). When the mixture is burned, the heat exchanger heats up, which leads to heating of the coolant. The pump pumps antifreeze through the engine and the radiator of the standard interior heating system. When the liquid temperature reaches about 60ᵒС, the automation unit turns on the passenger compartment fan.
The Webasto Thermo Top Evo Start heater (5 kW power), designed for installation on cars with an engine capacity of up to 5 liters, with a programmable weekly timer and installation parts, costs about 25,000 rubles. The remote control unit (range of action is about 1 km) and the GSM unit (for the possibility of control from a mobile phone) are purchased separately. Installation at a certified dealer will cost no more than 8000÷10000 rubles.
Passive electric heaters
In Canada and all Scandinavian countries, practically all parking spaces are equipped with sockets where such heaters can be connected.
In our country, while such a service is offered only by a few paid parking lots. And, if you live in a private house or store your car in a garage, then, undoubtedly, this device will greatly facilitate your life in cold weather.
The easiest technically and most cost-effective way to preheat a diesel or gasoline engine before starting in winter is to install an electric heater in place of one of the engine block plugs. Technologically, it is a conventional boiler of a certain size and power. The circulation of the liquid is carried out by gravity (the heated one rises, and the cold one goes down). The choice of product depends on the specific engine model. Devices are widely represented on the market for almost all brands of cars from a wide variety of manufacturers.
For example, an electric engine preheater from DEFA for the VAZ-ovskaya "ten" with a power of 550 W with additional spacer bars (for better fixation on the inside of the cylinder block) and a sealing o-ring costs 1700÷1800 rubles. And for the Subaru Forester, a similar device (with a threaded mount) with a power of 600 W from the same manufacturer will cost 2600÷2800 rubles.
Depending on the type of plugs, manufacturers produce such devices for both threaded installation and pressing. The model is chosen depending on the type of engine itself.
Possessing even minimal technical skills, installing such a device for heating an engine from 220 V with your own hands (with a cable and a socket for connection) is quite simple:
- partially drain the coolant (usually 2 ÷ 2.5 liters is enough);
- dismantle the plug on the cylinder block (closest to the central part of the engine to ensure better warm-up);
- insert a heating element instead;
- connect the electrical cable;
- the socket for connecting the mains is either brought out through the radiator grill (for those who are not very worried about the appearance of the car), or we mount it in a convenient place on the front bumper (or under it).
To make it convenient to use such a device, you can additionally set an on / off timer.
Electric heaters with forced coolant circulation
Electric heaters with a pump (to ensure the circulation of heated fluid through the engine and the interior heater radiator) allow you to evenly warm up the entire engine. Although these devices are more expensive than passive electrical systems, they are much more efficient. The thermostat built into the housing automatically turns off the heating when the liquid temperature reaches 80 °C.
The installation of such a device is quite simple:
- drain the coolant;
- fix the body of the device;
- we carry out a tie-in into the standard cooling system (between the outlet from the cylinder block and the inlet pipe of the passenger compartment radiator);
- fill with coolant.
A Russian engine heater from 220 V "Sputnik NEXT" (with a power of 1.5 to 3 kW, which is chosen depending on the climatic conditions of operation and engine size) with a pump and automatic power off costs from 2200 to 3200 rubles.
By supplementing such a relay device with a temperature sensor to turn on the stove fan, we can count on not only an easy start of the engine, but also a car interior warmed up to a comfortable temperature.
Flexible thermoplates
The devices considered above, built into the cooling system, do not provide oil heating in engines. This is their significant shortcoming. In severe frosts, even a well-warmed engine cranks thickened oil is quite problematic. Flexible heating plates for engine preheating allow you to easily make a home-made device that quickly (in just 20 ÷ 30 minutes) raises the oil temperature. Technologically, they are a heating element pressed between two layers of silicone. On one side of the plate, an adhesive (3M) is applied, on the other, a porous material with good thermal insulation. The power of one heating element is from 60 to 400 watts. Such devices are produced for connection to the on-board network of a car with a voltage of 12 or 24 V, or to a 220 V household electrical network. The cost of these products from Hotstart or Keenovo, depending on size and power, is 2000 ÷ 8000 rubles apiece.
With the help of such devices, it is easy to heat the engine oil pan or automatic transmission. One plate with a size of 127 x 152 mm and a power of 100 W is enough for a car with an engine capacity of up to 3 liters.
Installation of such products is quite simple:
- clean the installation site from dirt and paint;
- then remove the protective film and do not forget to glue the plate;
- apply a layer of sealant along the edges;
- we fix the electrical wires and drag them to the connection point.
By installing such plates (with a built-in temperature sensor) on a car tank and a fuel filter, it is possible to create a device for heating the diesel engine fuel system.
The main advantages of such devices are:
- Low power consumption.
- The possibility of using for heating a variety of components and mechanisms of the car.
- Ease of installation (standard vehicle systems remain unaffected).
- Autonomy (when using plates powered by 12 V).
In custody
Which heater is better to install on a car depends on your personal preferences, financial capabilities and parking space. By installing a heating system from a proven and well-established manufacturer, you will not only save time, but you will also be sure that your car will start even in severe frosts.
In what? 90 percent of motorists start the engine, not suspecting that as a result, its wear increases, starting becomes more difficult, battery fails etc. The problem is exacerbated in winter, in cold climates. However, there is a good way out of the situation - to use engine preheating, which for a real Russian winter is a solid plus in every respect.
Electric engine heating
If earlier the heating of the internal combustion engine, due to the operation of the engine at idle, was considered the only effective option, although not without drawbacks, today it is clearly inferior to the new method. And first of all, this concerns the side, negative consequences of natural heating.
Table of models of electric heaters
| Block | branch pipes | Remote | External |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Defa" or "Kalix" - power 0.4-0.75 kW, price from 4 thousand rubles | "Lestar" - power 0.5-0.8 kW, price from 1.7 thousand rubles | "Severs-M" - power 1-3 kW, price from 2 thousand rubles | Keenovo flexible heating plate 0.25 kW 220 V, price - 3650 rubles. |
| Domestic "Homeless" - power 0.5-0.6 kW, price from 1.5 thousand rubles | "Alliance" - power 0.7-0.8 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles | "Start-M" - power 1-3 kW, price from 1.9 thousand rubles | "Keenovo" - power 0.1 kW 12 V, price - 3610 rubles. |
| Domestic "Start-Mini" - power 0.5-0.6 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles | "Start M1 / M2" - power 0.7-0.8 kW, price from 1.4 thousand rubles | "Alliance" - power 1.5-3 kW, price from 1.6 thousand rubles | Hotstart AF15024 - power 0.15 kW 220 V, price - 9700 rubles. |
| DEFA, heaters of the 100th series 0.5-0.65 kW, price 3.4 thousand rubles | "Siberia M" - power 0.6 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles | "Xin Ji" (China) - power 1.8 kW, price from 1.5 thousand rubles | "Hotstart" - power 0.25 kW 220 V, price - 9700 rubles. |
The most democratic in terms of price are electric preheaters. They are easy to maintain, and do not fail even in the most severe frost. However, they have the only drawback - they need a 220 V socket. Although the external ones from the Keenovo company also have a heater powered by the 12 V on-board network, the cost is from 3.5 thousand rubles.
Effective heating of the motor is possible only with the help of special devices that act directly through the cooling system circuit. So experts say, citing a lot of facts as evidence.
Block
For our motorists, in terms of affordable prices, heaters that are built into the cylinder block are suitable. They are also quite simple in terms of design, as they are endowed only with a connector and a heating element. Other attachments, clamps and additional components are not provided in such a heater.
Preheater Defa
The heaters of devices built into the business center are not very powerful, 400-750 W is the maximum. They do not give a quick result, and they are powered by a stationary 220 V / 50 Hz outlet, so you can use the heater mounted in the engine block only in the garage or by throwing an extension cord near the house. On the other hand, due to the fact that the BC is heated, the engine warms up in the center and evenly.
Advantages of built-in block heaters:
- One of advantages of built-in heaters is ability to work for a long time. Due to their low power, it is not necessary to constantly monitor them - they will not spoil the antifreeze, so you can leave them operational all night or day. If it is nevertheless necessary, it is recommended to control the heating process, at least for household, economical purposes. use a regular mechanical timer. It is inexpensive and versatile in operation. Of the shortcomings - buggy in the cold.
- It should also be noted safety of use. As a rule, the kit includes a heat-insulating fabric that does not allow the insulation of nearby wires to melt and the energy to spread into the surrounding space, thus increasing the efficiency of the device.
- Easy to install, also by the way, one of the advantageous features of such heaters.
Longfei Block Heater
There are only two disadvantages:
Long heating time And the need for a fixed socket 220 volt. Since, for example, at an ambient temperature of about 0 ° C, a 600 W heater will heat up the liquid for one hour. If the temperature is -10 ° C, then the time will increase to two hours. And if you buy a budget one with a power of 0.5 kW, then even longer.
Today, among the numerous models of the budget segment of built-in heaters, electrical equipment from Defa and Kalix stand out. They cost, complete with a wire and a plug, no more than 4 thousand rubles.
The system can be easily supplemented with all sorts of useful equipment. For example, you can add a start timer, a remote control, a battery charger, a cabin fan heater, and more. However, this will already cost more than 25 thousand rubles, not counting the funds for installation.
There are also domestic block heaters, but their use is limited. For VAZ engines, a device with a price of 1.3 thousand rubles is suitable. You can buy Start-mini equipment for an even lower price, which is suitable not only for domestic cars, but also Japanese or Korean ones, such as Toyota or Hyundai.
We present for you popular models of built-in heaters.
| Model | Description and features | |
|---|---|---|
| "Start Mini" | Voltage 220 V, power 600 W, installed instead of the technological plug of the block with a bore diameter of 35 mm. The seating depth is 11 mm, the body height is 50 mm. The heater is suitable for cars: Toyota with 4A-FE, 5A-FE, 7A-FE, 3S-FE, 4S-FE, 5S-FE, 1G-FE, 1GR engine; Hyundai Accent with G4EC -1.5L engine; Hyundai Elantra XD with G4EC -1.5L and G4ED -1.6L engine; Hyundai Tucson with G4GC -2.0L engine; Hyundai Trajet with G4GC -2.0L engine. | 1300 rubles |
| DEFA, heaters of the 100th series (from 101 to 199) | Power is 0.5 ... 0.65 kW, voltage 220 V, bore diameter 35 mm, weight 0.27 kg. | 3400 rubles |
| Calix-RE 163 550W | Power - 550 W, voltage - 220 V, suitable for use with Duramax DAIHATSU Rocky 2.8D, 2.8 TD/FIAT Argenta 2000iE, 120iE/ FIAT Croma 2.0 turbodiesel/FIAT Daily diesel/FIAT Ducato 1.9 D, TD/1987-1998/ 2.5 diesel, turbodiesel/1995/FIAT Regatta/Regata diesel/FIAT Ritmo 130 TC/diesel/FIAT Tempra 1.9 turbodiesel/FIAT Tipo 1.9 diesel, turbodiesel/FIAT Uno diesel, turbodiesel/FORD/NEW HOLLAND FORD 1900, HYUNDAI H-100 2.5 D/1993-1998/D4BA, IVECO Daily 2.8Tdi/2002/diesel/turbodiesel, MITSUBISHI Galant 2.3 turbodiesel/ MITSUBISHI L200 2.2 diesel 2WD/2.5 diesel 2WD/MITSUBISHI L300 2.5 diesel 2WD /2.5 diesel 4WD/MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo 9 2. 0 16V / 2006- /4G63, MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo VI, EVO VIII 2.0 16V / 4G63. MITSUBISHI Pajero 2.3 turbodiesel /2.5 turbodiesel, SEAT Malaga 1.7D. | 5000 rubles |
| Calix-RE 167 550W | Power - 550 W, voltage - 220 V, suitable for such cars: Matiz 0.8 / A08S, 1.0 / ¤B10S, Spark 1.0 / 2010- / B10D1, 1.2 / 2010- / B12D1, NISSAN Monteringssats, 300 ZX / VG30, Almera 2.0 D/1995-/DA20, Bluebird 1.6/1984-/CA16, 1.8/1984-/CA18 1.8 turbo/1984-/CA18, 2.0/1984-/CA20, Cherry 1.0/1982-/E10, 1.3/1982-/¤ E13, 1.5, 1.5 turbo / 1982- / ¤E15, 1.7 diesel / CD17, Patrol 2.8TD / RD28T, Prairie 1.5 / E15, 1.8 / CA18, 2.0 / CA20, Stanza 1.6 / ¤CA16, 1.8 / CA18, Sunny 1.3 / 1984- / E13, 1.4 12V / 1989-1991 / 1.5 / 1984- / ¤E15, 1.6 / -1988 / ¤E16, 1.6 12V / 1989-1991 / ¤GA16, 1.6 GTI 16V / ¤CA16, 1.7D / ¤ CD17 1.8 GTI 16V / CA18 GEN Monteringssats LT 31D / Perkins, VOLVO BM / VCE / VOLVO CE MonteringssatsEC 15C - / D1.1, EC18C - / 2010- / D1.1 - / 2010- / D1.6, ECR 28 - / ECR 38 - / ECR 58 - / ECR 88 - / ECR48C - / 2010- / ¤D2.2, ECR58 Plus - / ¤D3.1, ECR88 Plus - / D3 .1 | 4900 rubles |
| Calix-RE 153A 550W | Voltage - 220 V, power - 550 W, works with the following cars: FORD Probe 2.5i V6 24V / HONDA Accord 2.0i-16 / -1989 / B20A, HONDA Legend 2.5, 2.7 / HONDA Prelude 2.0i -16V / 1986-1991 /B20A, MAZDA 2 1.3 (DE) / 2008- / ZJ, 1.5 (DE) / 2008- / ZY, MAZDA 3 1.4 (BK) / 2004- / ZJ, 1.6 (BK) / 2004- / Z6, MAZDA 323 2.0 i V6 24V / MAZDA 626 2.5i V6 / MAZDA MX-3 1.8i 24V V6 / MAZDA MX-6 2.5i 24V V6 / MAZDA Xedos 6 2.0i 24V V6 / MAZDA Xedos 9 2.0i 24V V6 /K8-ZE, 2.5i 24V V6 /ROVER 825, 827-/-1995/ | 7200 rubles |
branch pipes
In addition to devices built into the business center, there are also systems for in-section installation of thick pipes. They differ in the presence of an adapter case. Installation does not carry any special complexity, the return is not bad. However there is a minus– electric heaters from this series are designed for standard nozzle diameters.
Defa and Kalix produce not only block heaters, but also branch pipe heaters. They are also made in our country, sold at very low prices. But such options for heaters are intended only for VAZ, UAZ or Gaz models of cars.
There are also universal models equipped with a hardened case. However, they are hardly suitable for foreign cars.
Electric heaters have gained the greatest popularity in our country, as they are structurally easy to install and universalized. Their easy to cut into the contour using attachments. They are equipped with powerful heaters, the power of which reaches 2-3 kW.
Remote
Of particular note are electric heaters, called remote. They are more complex in design, they imply the presence of hoses, thermostats, clamps, etc. They are produced by domestic manufacturers such as Severs-M, Alliance and many others.
Longfei Heater Installation (Xin Ji)
A foreign manufacturer of such equipment is also popular in Russia. This is the US Hotstart TPS. The equipment costs at least 6.8 thousand rubles, but it can only be purchased on order.
Models with forced coolant circulation deserve special attention among electric heaters. The options for electric heaters were discussed above. with natural circulation.
So, the most famous among this series are systems from the same American Hotstart (price 23 thousand rubles). There are also cheap domestic options, costing no more than 2.4 thousand rubles. Chinese heaters are also known, such as Xin Ji, at a price of 1.5 thousand rubles. Their power does not exceed 1.8 kW.
Disadvantages of electric heaters:
- Requires a 220V household outlet.
- Mandatory opening of the hood to access the fork. These difficulties sin the old Russian models of heaters. Modern ones have bumper connectors.
- The reliability of some models is not impressive. Cases of domestic and Chinese heaters are especially weak, they let antifreeze through and are leaky. An experienced installer initially puts the cover on the sealant.
- Low quality of additional equipment (again, we are talking about sets of Russian or Chinese production). It is advisable to replace attachments with imported hoses, plastic adapters with duralumin, flimsy holders with strong and wide clamps.
Advantages of electric heaters:
- Installation of heaters is inexpensive, even in the capital's car services. The approximate price is 1.5 thousand rubles. You can easily put it on your own, but you can’t do without specific knowledge.
- The widest model range and unpretentiousness in operation.
heating plates
Also recently, the so-called heating plates, which are installed on the engine housing, cylinders, crankcase, and so on, have become increasingly popular. These heaters are used not only in cars, but also in other equipment - generator sets, microprocessor technology, engines of boats, diesel locomotives and electric locomotives, and many others.
The heating plates work on the basis of heat electric heaters (TEHs). Most of them can be connected both to a stationary network with a voltage of 220 V / 50 Hz, and to the vehicle's on-board electrical network (12 V DC). Power can be different, the interval is from 100 to 1500 watts. And the temperature developed by various plates is +90°С…+180°С. As for installation, the devices are attached with an adhesive film (the surface must first be cleaned and degreased).
Electric heating plates must not be used to heat batteries. Other devices are used for these purposes.
A feature of the heating plates is that they are designed for continuous operation. That is, with their help it is impossible to quickly warm up / heat up the engine or its individual elements. Although there are separate high-power models that work with a time relay.
The advantages of heating plates include:
- economy. Using electricity will cost you less than using liquid fuels.
- Reliability and durability. Most electric heating plates do not need repair and routine inspections, they do not need to be contacted by service centers. In this case, manufacturers, as a rule, establish significant warranty periods.
- Easy to install. Most heating plates are simply glued to the heated surface using the adhesive film that comes with the heater. Installation can be done independently, without seeking help from a service station.
- Abrasion resistance. The surface of the heating plate is covered with a special material that is resistant not only to abrasion, but also to significant mechanical damage.
- Safety of use. This applies to both the driver and the elements of the car itself. The heating plates are well protected from moisture and small particles getting inside them (the degree of dust and moisture protection is IP65 for most models).
As for the disadvantages of heating plates, they should include:
- High price. The payoff for the benefits described above is high cost.
- Battery wear. Due to the fact that the plates use electricity from the battery to operate, the driver must constantly monitor the condition and performance of the latter. Up to replacing it with a more capacious and / or new one.
However, as practice shows, electric heating plates are very convenient to use, and their purchase justifies itself, especially in regions with a cold climate. Therefore, we would recommend that you, if possible, buy heating plates and use them for installation as an alternative to conventional engine preheaters.
Now we present to your attention several popular plates used by car owners.
| Models | Description and features | Price as of autumn 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Keenovo Flexible Heating Plate 100W 12V | Specific power - 0.52 W / cm². Maximum temperature +180°С. A feature of the plate is the presence of a high-temperature self-adhesive surface on one side of the plate, as well as the presence of a porous surface on the other side to reduce heat loss. The size is 127×152mm with a 5mm jaw. The plate is designed for autonomous pre-heating of an engine with a working volume of up to 3 liters, it has an adhesive layer that provides maximum adhesion between the plate and the surface at elevated temperatures. The plate has an additional layer of thermal insulation in the form of a porous sponge, which provides heating of the oil layer necessary for a warm start of the engine in about 15 minutes of operation. | 3610 rubles |
| The maximum heating temperature is +90°C. There is an additional rheostat for setting the temperature. Ideal for installation on the crankcase and engine block, hydraulic and transmission elements, as the dimensions are 127 × 152 mm. The coating of the plates is resistant to friction. Supplied with 100 cm cable as standard. | 3650 rubles | |
| Keenovo Flexible Heating Plate 250W 220V | Maximum temperature +150°С. Dimensions 127×152 mm. Ideal for installation on the crankcase and engine block, hydraulic and transmission elements, various types of pumps. The coating of the plates is resistant to friction. Supplied as standard with a 100 cm cable for power from a 220 V socket | 3650 rubles |
| Hotstart AF10024 | Power supply 220 V, power 100 W, dimensions 101 × 127 mm. | 7900 rubles |
| Hotstart AF15024 | Power supply 220 V, power 150 W, dimensions 101 × 127 mm. | 9700 rubles |
| Hotstart AF25024 | Power supply 220 V, power 250 W, dimensions 127 × 152 mm. | 9700 rubles |
Autonomous heaters
Otherwise, they are called fuel, as they operate on fuel. The principle of their operation is reduced to the following: the pump pumps gasoline or diesel fuel from the fuel tank into the combustion chamber. The mixture is ignited by a hot ceramic pin (the latter requires a small fraction of the current to heat up, unlike a metal one).
Eberspacher Hydronic D4W installed on a car
As a result of heating the heater, warm liquid circulates throughout the system, giving off heat to the internal combustion engine and the furnace radiator. As soon as the temperature reaches more than 70 gr. Celsius, the stove includes a semi-mode and a standby mode. That is, the device does not operate at full capacity, however, when the temperature drops below 20 gr. the cycle repeats, which explains the name - autonomous heater.
The autonomous heating system of an automobile engine has different modes of operation. For example, summer, when the air inside the car is blown occasionally by a fan. If such a system is involved, the presence of an air conditioner is not needed, because it is easy to lower the temperature in normal mode.
The inclusion of an autonomous heater is carried out in different ways, but the timer has been and remains the simplest. It is located inside the machine, it can be programmed and set for any duration of operation.
Turning on with a timer is very convenient. For example, if a motorist goes to work every day, then the timer can be set to the same turn-on time.
How Webasto Thermo Top Evo works
If a variable schedule is more suitable, then it is better to use the remote control to turn it on. It is capable of operating within a radius of up to 1 km. In other words, the heater can be turned on from the balcony of a multi-storey building.
Another control option is the GSM module. You can use it from a regular smartphone, controlling the operation of the module through commands. Theoretically, the GSM module can be connected from anywhere in the world, as long as the car is in the coverage area.
The most popular devices of this type in our country are Webasto and Eberspascher. Their models designed for both foreign and domestic cars with different types and sizes of engines.
Of the Russian manufacturers, Teplostar loudly announced itself, producing products that are almost twice cheaper than their foreign counterparts.
Table of autonomous heater models
Disadvantages of autonomous heaters:
- Difficulty of installation. This is not an electric heater that you can easily install with your own hands.
- High cost. Even the basic models are an order of magnitude higher, without additional components. In addition, the installation of such equipment is highly appreciated - at least 8-10 thousand rubles. And the more difficult it will be to find a place under the hood for installation, the installation will be more expensive.
- Battery dependency. You should always keep a recharged and reliable battery under the hood.
- Some models are dependent on fuel quality. It is recommended to pay attention to this, regularly carry out diagnostics and cleaning.
Advantages of autonomous heaters:
- Offline mode, no need to depend on external power sources.
- Super efficiency and the possibility of long continuous operation. On cold winter days, the interior of the car and the internal combustion engine can be heated up to operating temperature at a fuel consumption of less than 1 l / h in just 40-50 minutes.
- A wide range of ways to engage and program.
It will now be much easier to make a choice in favor of one or another heater. If financial resources allow, then it is better to install a standalone option. For other cases, you can choose a good and quite effective electric heater.
