Who has a frost heater on ALH?

[Votblindub]

How is it? Have you had it long? How long do you leave it running? Did you install it or did you take it to a shop? Any other feedback, like it's quirks?

 

[Mykl8]

Installed before last winter, I installed. engine temp @ "ok you can drive it hard now" when I start it @ -20C

Engine temp does drop in the first 10 min if you are in city traffic as the cooler rad coolant migrates its way into the engine.

 

[ffemtp]

I had one on my '01 TDI. Installed it myself. Worked very well. For the most part, I would plug it in about an hour before I needed to leave. Mine was a 1500 watt model, so it heated up pretty quickly. Really only wanted to use it when the temp went below 0 Fahrenheit. Likely used it more than I needed to, but what can I say?

Had it for a couple of years, no issues.

You will like the heater....

 

[Votblindub]

I'm planning to leave it plugged in overnight to keep it warm, then just unplug in the morning and head out.

 

[ffemtp]

What wattage are you installing? Mine was a 1500 watt model, and was more than enough. If you routinely plan to leave it over night then you may not need the same model. I think there are 750 and 1000 watt models as well.... Although, I do not know how cold it gets in your area. In either case, you will enjoy having it, and I am sure it will serve you well.

 

[Votblindub]

What wattage are you installing? Mine was a 1500 watt model, and was more than enough. If you routinely plan to leave it over night then you may not need the same model. I think there are 750 and 1000 watt models as well.... Although, I do not know how cold it gets in your area. In either case, you will enjoy having it, and I am sure it will serve you well.

I think a lower wattage, like a 750 will work great as an overnight maintainer. I live in the Albany/Saratoga/Troy area in NY state.

 

[Mykl8]

Mine was a 1000w I think, I leave it on at all times when the temp nears 0*C

 

[Votblindub]

Does it at all circulate coolant by itself or does it just maintain the coolant in the engine itself around the hot element?

 

[Mykl8]

After being on for a few hours the valve cover/block gets warm, it recirculates the coolant through the block via convection.

 

[ffemtp]

Votblindub - A 750 should be fine....

Mkl8 - being a bit farther North, the 1K is a good choice.


They are good heaters. Anyone putting one in will enjoy having it.

 

[Votblindub]

I would really like one to keep the cold start wear down and to have instant heat during winter. I just have to figure out a good way to tuck away the wires for a quick disconnect without having to open and close the hood each time. Maybe in the lower bumper grille under the headlight. I'll still need to block the radiator with some plexiglass or an election sign from down the street

 

[Corsair]

Hello there. Had mine for several years now. Makes a BIG difference for quick heat and head start on warmup on cold mornings.

Never installed on on a beetle yet, but Jetta & Golf is pretty easy DIY.

I recommend don't let it run all night... just a waste of electricity. Go to the local hardware store and get one of the 15A timers (mechanical or digital), use that with an extension cord, set it to come on 2-3 hours before you want to start the car.

Yes, it does circulate coolant. The designed mounting location of the heater isn't coincidence- it mounts low in the system, using the principle that heat rises.

Strongly recommend get the "frost heater" brand, not a knockoff.

Wish you all the best.

 

[Votblindub]

Thanks so much for the helpful replies, guys
Corsair, I'll definitely get the frostheater. It seems like a very good choice. It's not the cheapest, but it seems like it's the best. I'll definitely get the timer going and leave it on for ~3 hrs before the car will be started up. Thank you for that tip.

 

[2000BlueJ]

Timer works great, during the colder days of winter mine will be set for 3 1/2 hours before I leave for work.

Like already said, the Frostheater is awesome. Best investment I've made for my car along side the Panzer skid plate.

 

[Mr. Pink]

I have one on my 02, but i havent had the need to use it yet(nor am i planning on it til it gets colder) but i believe its the 1000w one as well.

 

[LNXGUY]

Thanks so much for the helpful replies, guys
Corsair, I'll definitely get the frostheater. It seems like a very good choice. It's not the cheapest, but it seems like it's the best. I'll definitely get the timer going and leave it on for ~3 hrs before the car will be started up. Thank you for that tip.

You can also purchase a Temro Zerostart and save yourself some $$$ on the fancy hoses that come in the Frostheater kit. They really aren't needed.

 

[Votblindub]

You can also purchase a Temro Zerostart and save yourself some $$$ on the fancy hoses that come in the Frostheater kit. They really aren't needed.

I've been looking at those as well. I mainly find ones that are just like a small immersion heater and go into the block. I'd like to find one that actually circulates the coolant like a small pump. For winter/now I'm thinking of getting some pipe insulation and putting it around the lines that go to and from the radiator, blocking the front of the radiator and using a heater in order to retain as much heat as possible and maintain it through the night or to get it warmed up 3 hrs before starting the car. I dont know if a plug type will work.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/tank-type-engine-heaters/p2000837.jcwx?filterid=u0j1 possibly something like this.

 

[Mykl8]

That's pretty much a frost heater. With the frost heater you get a mounting bracket and the proper hoses for your application.

 

[TomJD]

I have one, but never have used it. The temps are just not cold enough here.

However, you bring up an interesting concept of having it circulate the coolant all night. Yes, it is probably a waste of electricity, but heat cycles wear on a car. I suppose never letting the engine cool down all the way would eliminate heat cycles all together potentially extending engine life. I'd never try it, but its interesting to think about.

 

[Mykl8]

I live in a apartment building and the stall rental $30/mo comes with power so why not use it! when my Jetta is in my stall its plugged in

here is a pic of the coolant temp right after start up with a 1000w frostheater

 

[darkscout]

I would really like one to keep the cold start wear down and to have instant heat during winter. I just have to figure out a good way to tuck away the wires for a quick disconnect without having to open and close the hood each time. Maybe in the lower bumper grille under the headlight. I'll still need to block the radiator with some plexiglass or an election sign from down the street

Mine are always routed through the grille.

And if you want to really make it magic, get a shore line auto-eject.

 

[schwechel]

I've had one for about 5 years or so. They are fantastic. I found plugging it in all night wasn't as good as using a timer. Mine seemed to be a little inconsistent in the morning if it was on all night. If I had it set by the timer it worked much better. Just my experience.

 

[LNXGUY]

That's pretty much a frost heater. With the frost heater you get a mounting bracket and the proper hoses for your application.

'Frostheaters' are Temro Zerostarts.. If you buy a Temro off the shelf you get the brackets required to attach to the battery tray. Only thing you don't get are the hoses...

I leave mine plugged in on a timer for 3hrs before I leave, car is toasty warm when I leave in the morning.

 

[50harleyrider]

I have one on my B5 and my A4-they're great! I buy cheap timers at Harbor Freight and find in my climate,a couple of hours does fine. Maybe 3 when it hits the teens

 

[Votblindub]

I live in a apartment building and the stall rental $30/mo comes with power so why not use it! when my Jetta is in my stall its plugged in

here is a pic of the coolant temp right after start up with a 1000w frostheater

OOOH! That's great! It's basically in "warm" already, so turning on the heat inside will work just fine if mine is there as well! Also, tell me about that gauge

Mine are always routed through the grille.

And if you want to really make it magic, get a shore line auto-eject.

Can you show me how yours is set up? I'm trying to find something that's quick and easy to do, since it'll be a daily thing.

'Frostheaters' are Temro Zerostarts.. If you buy a Temro off the shelf you get the brackets required to attach to the battery tray. Only thing you don't get are the hoses...

I leave mine plugged in on a timer for 3hrs before I leave, car is toasty warm when I leave in the morning.

You think if I get some hoses for coolant and some hose clamps it will suffice and be maintenance free? I think as far as brackets go, I can make something to hang on well. How is yours hooked up?

 

[Mykl8]

OOOH! That's great! It's basically in "warm" already, so turning on the heat inside will work just fine if mine is there as well! Also, tell me about that gauge

The temp does drop off pretty quick after you start but it is warm and warms up quick. I should take a temp gun and see what the block sits at...

I LOOOOOOOVVVVEEEE my boost gauge! got it from Zada Tech, here is their post with all the info needed http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=349638

My setup in the cluster was the first and not very easy lol a pod setup would be good but I love how sleek mine looks!

There is a bunch of pics of my install on pg. 13

 

[Lug_Nut]

I specifically requested a 750 watt (6 1/4 amp at 120V). It allows me to use a longer cord, or a smaller gauge wire, than the 1kW ( 8 1/3 A @ 120) and 1.5 kW (12 1/2 amp @ 120V).
It also means the timer is cheaper as it doesn't need the current capacity the faster heat ones would use. The timer is on for three hours before my customary 6AM departure and that's long enough to get the chill off.

 

[sprstu]

I too love my frostheater. I set a timer for about 3 hours ahead of time and at start-up I will show 0 glowplug cycle. I dont get much needle movement off "cold" but the start-up alone is worth it for me. Minneapolis MN where in January we might get above 0F

 

[LNXGUY]

You think if I get some hoses for coolant and some hose clamps it will suffice and be maintenance free? I think as far as brackets go, I can make something to hang on well. How is yours hooked up?

Absolutely, I did the same last week on my '05 BEW wagon.. No fancy hoses required..

I cut the stock hose and used it for the lower connection to the Zerostart and then got some 5/16 heater hose for the other connection. A few clamps and that was it.. Connected the unit to the battery tray with the stock brackets in the kit.. 30min job.

 

[Curious Chris]

When I lived in Saint Cloud MN and worked in Mpls MN, I have mine a a timer to start the Frost Heater 3 hours before I left for work. I know it is working as there is a big oval on the hood of melted snow.

Yes it engine starts like a hot day in summer and the temp gage is at 190F, drive off as it does drop but you have cabin heat right away. Of course when it -25 degrees F any heat feels good.

Terry is also a great guy: when I put in my FMIC the coolant heater did not fit in a standard way. Drove out to Terry (about 45 minutes west of Mpls, and he custom fit my Frost Heater in a very clever way.