Electric preheater engine is a mechanism that allows you to warm up a car engine without starting.

This need arises in cold weather. The operation of the heater simplifies the subsequent start-up. Sometimes this device is used to heat the passenger compartment.

The principle of operation of the electric pre-heater

Unlike autonomous heaters, electric heaters work directly from a 220 V network (from sockets in parking lots, in parking lots).

The heating element heats up the coolant. Temperature distribution occurs when the heated liquid rises upward.

The device switches off automatically when the set temperature is reached, i.e. it can be left switched on in the parking lot overnight without the danger of overheating.

Main characteristics

Popular models

The choice of the brand of the heater is determined by its functionality, efficiency, availability of a suitable model depending on the brand of the machine. As well as the price and positive customer reviews.

DEFA (Norway). The advantages of the model are ease of installation, optimal ratio of performance, power consumption and price.

"Severs": ease of installation, variety of models for different engines, proven quality, low price.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric pre-heaters

• The ability to save fuel (compared to autonomous heaterspowered by the fuel tank).
• Fire safety.
• Easy to operate.
• Compactness, lightness. Unlike standalone heaters, which weigh up to ten kilograms or more, the most bulky models of electric heaters are about one kilogram. Small dimensions make installation easy.

Note!

There are two main disadvantages compared to autonomous heaters: the need for a free outlet and the cost of electricity.

Installation of an electric pre-heater

When fluid system cooling, the heating element is placed on the cylinder block.

1. Remove the plug from the cooling system.

2. Put the hoses on the heater connections.

3. Drain the liquid.

4. Place the heater, fix it.

Attention!

The heating element must be located at the very bottom of the cooling system. The electric pump heater can be installed anywhere.

5. Connect the sleeves.

6. Fill in liquid.

7. Install the power socket on the machine body.

8. Connect the cables to the heater, control unit, connector and other units, if any.

9. Verify that the system is tight and that the wiring is adequately insulated.

10. Connect to the network, check the system performance.

The cost

The price of a DEFA heater depends on the power (1.4-5 kilowatts), technical features model and ranges from 3.5 to 10 thousand rubles.

Severs - from 3.5 to 7.5 thousand, also depends on performance and model.

The engine preheater is installed on different kinds technology ranging from civil passenger cars and ending with heavy trucks, special vehicles, etc. Equipping the device preheating engine and interior allows to facilitate, increase the resource power plant and significantly improve the comfort of use in winter period.

On machines that do not have a pre-installed heater, it is possible to separately purchase and install a similar solution. At the same time, engine heating can be installed on almost any car model. The main thing is to choose the right device from those options that are on sale, as well as perform high-quality installation.

Next, we will consider what kind of engine pre-heaters are, we will study the principle of operation of pre-heating. We will also try to answer the question, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this or that type of heaters for the engine and interior of the car from the general group of similar devices.

Let's start with the fact that there are several types of ICE heaters, which differ in principle of operation, purpose, performance, dimensions and a number of other parameters and characteristics. As a rule, heaters are often divided into:

• liquid autonomous;
• electrical;

Now let's look at these solutions in more detail. So, the most common option is an autonomous liquid engine preheater. Many drivers are well aware of such devices by brands, Teplostar, etc.

Please note that autonomous pre-heaters are divided into liquid and air. Liquid heating is intended for heating the engine before starting, as well as for heating the passenger compartment. The air heater allows you to heat only the interior, that is, the problem of cold starting the internal combustion engine in this case is not solved.

Moreover, both types of heaters are autonomous. The devices take fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel) from the main tank or a separate tank (comes with an autonomous heater). This fuel is then burned in a small combustion chamber.

These solutions are economical, since the fuel consumption is low, a minimum of electricity is also consumed, the heaters are distinguished by a reduced noise level during operation. One should also note the versatility, since the heater can be put on a gasoline, diesel, gas or engine, engine with, etc.

As a rule, autonomous preheaters are installed in engine compartment, after which they also connect to. The air heater does not need such a connection. The device is installed in the cabin, since its task is not to heat the coolant, but to supply heated air into the air ducts.

How does the autonomous engine preheater work?

Let's start with the fact that the water heater is a ready-made installation kit. The main elements are:

• boiler with a combustion chamber;
• liquid radiator;
• fuel supply lines;
• pump for pumping fuel;
• liquid pump;
• thermal relay;
• heater electronic unit;
• governing bodies;

So, after the start signal arrives at the device, electric current begins to be supplied to the executive motor. Such a motor drives a special fuel pump, which is included in the design of the heater. The fan starts working in parallel. The pump pumps fuel, after which the fuel is evaporated in the evaporator. Air also enters the heater.

The result is a fuel-air mixture that enters the combustion chamber and is ignited by the spark on the spark plug. The thermal energy that is generated after combustion is transferred to the coolant in the cooling system through a special heat exchanger.

The coolant itself circulates in this case. Circulation becomes possible due to the operation of the booster pump, which is part of the heater design. Thus, the liquid heated and circulating through the cooling jacket is able to transfer heat to a cold engine.

After the heating of the coolant reaches 30 degrees Celsius, the fan of the standard heater (stove) in the cabin is automatically turned on. As a result, heated air is supplied to the vehicle interior. Then, when the antifreeze or antifreeze warms up to 70 degrees, the intensity of the fuel supply to the heater is reduced to save fuel. If the coolant cools down to 55 degrees again, the whole process described above will be repeated.

If we talk about air heaters, in this device the burner heats only air, while not heating the coolant. In automatic mode, the device is "oriented" according to the air temperature in the passenger compartment or cabin. In other words, the heater maintains one or another air temperature set by the user, and also works for as long as the driver has programmed.

Both liquid and air heaters are equipped with various controls, which allows you to control the device not only from the vehicle interior, but also remotely. Among the main functions, one should highlight the possibility automatic activation preheater by timer, starting the heater remotely from the remote control or using mobile phone.

How electric engine heating works

The electric heater is a coil that is screwed into the engine block. An electric spiral is installed instead of a plug in the block. The principle of operation is quite simple. A current passes through the spiral, the spiral heats up, which as a result allows antifreeze or antifreeze to be heated. Coolant circulation and heat distribution occurs naturally (due to convection).

Note that such heating is less effective and also takes a long time. It is also important to understand that although an electric engine preheater is a more affordable and simpler alternative, it loses to air and water heaters to a large extent.

The fact is that the electric heating of the engine is not autonomous. The device is powered from an external outlet, which in many cases becomes a significant disadvantage. Another disadvantage is that such a solution consumes a lot of electric current.

To ensure that the coolant heats up to a certain temperature and further maintains this temperature, the owner himself sets temperature Range... Simply put, a timer is included in the kit, which allows you to set the desired temperature. After the coolant is warmed up to the desired value, the spiral is turned off.

Then, when the temperature of the liquid drops to a certain threshold, the device will turn on in automatic mode again. We also note that the electric heater allows you to warm up not only the engine, but also the interior. After heating the coolant, the standard stove fan is turned on, after which warm air comes out of the ducts. It is also possible to implement parallel pre-heating power unit.

Heating the engine with a heat accumulator

This type of engine heaters is less common than other counterparts. Similar solutions on the market are presented by the systems Gulfstream, Autotherm, etc.

The principle of operation of these heat accumulators boils down to the fact that after heating the coolant as a result of engine operation, antifreeze or antifreeze accumulates in a special container, where it remains hot for up to 48 hours. The next time a cold engine is started, warm liquid enters the cooling system, which allows the engine and interior to warm up quickly.

Engine preheater: pros

As you know, engine wear is most intense at the time of its start. At the same time, low temperatures affect the viscosity engine oil (grease thickens), lubricating and protective properties deteriorate.

As a result, after a cold start, friction increases, and in the first seconds the loaded parts experience oil starvation. Elements, and are often the fastest to wear out. At the same time, the possibility of avoiding a cold start and a quick warm-up of the internal combustion engine to operating temperatures suggests that the engine is operated in a sparing mode.

As you can see, the presence of an autonomous or electric heater allows you to increase the service life of the engine, reduce fuel costs and improve the environmental friendliness of power units. It is also possible to achieve an increase in comfort during vehicle operation in winter.

Read also

What is Webasto. The principle of operation of autonomous pre-heaters. Pros and cons of a liquid heater and an air heater (hair dryer).

Prestart heaters are a proven solution for car owners who live in regions with cold winters and leave their cars in an open-air parking lot or in garages (hangars) without heating.

The review presents best models pre-heaters, the use of which will allow to avoid huge starting loads of the engine in cold weather and significantly extend its resource. For the convenience of the reader, the information has been structured according to typical categories of installations. The position in the rating of each model was formed on the basis of the estimated characteristics of the heaters and feedback from owners with real operating experience.

The best liquid preheaters

The indisputable advantage of liquid fuel heaters is complete independence from other energy sources and the time the machine is in the cold. Prestarting heaters of this type burn the fuel that is in the car's tank. For the stove to work properly, there must be a working battery.

3 Binar-5S

The best domestic liquid heater
Country Russia
Average price: 24150 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The domestic company "Teplostar" has developed a whole line of autonomous heaters for gasoline and diesel cars... The Binar 5S Diesel model has ample opportunities. The device can work not only in preheating mode, but also as a reheating device. It is equipped with a GPS modem, which enhances the control of the heater. The model is designed for diesel engines volume up to 4 liters.

Car owners who decided to supply Binar-5S for engine heating, in their reviews note such advantages of domestic development as compact size, variability of installation and control. The device differs affordable price, high quality workmanship, there is a self-diagnostic function.

2 Webasto Thermo Top Evo 5 petrol

The most popular autonomous heater
Country: Germany
Average price: 50,720 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The heaters of this German concern have become so popular among motorists that the concept of a pre-heater is often replaced with one word Webasto. Many models are designed for specific vehicles. The device can be started by a timer, from a remote control or via a mobile phone. One of the most popular modifications is the Webasto Thermo Top Evo 5 heater, which is perfect for cars, jeeps and minibuses with an engine capacity of no more than 4 liters.

Car owners note the high performance of the device, long and trouble-free operation, and unpretentiousness. The heater is completely autonomous, runs on gasoline and consumes 0.64 liters at peak load (in maintenance mode, it is almost half as much). In addition, there are many service centers in Russia where you can service and repair the popular Webasto.

The types of preparation of the car for a trip presented in the table winter time have both advantages and disadvantages. This allows each owner to choose the option most suitable for the prevailing operating conditions.

1 EBERSPACHER HYDRONIC B4 WS

Excellent combination of price and quality
Country: Germany
Average price: 36,200 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The best liquid autonomous heaters are rightfully considered the Eberspacher models. They combine high quality and cost. One of the most common heaters is the Eberspächer Hydronic B4WS 12V. It is installed by many car manufacturers on passenger cars with engines larger than 2 liters. The power of the heater ranges from 1.5 to 4.3 kW. The range includes modifications for gasoline engines, as well as devices for heating diesel engines.

Consumers note the reliability and durability of the device. It is easy to operate and convenient to use. Due to the widespread distribution of heaters, many car services are engaged in their repair and restoration. Of the minuses, car owners note the high price of the device.

Best Electric Heaters

Electric heaters operating from a 220 V network are distinguished by their ease of installation and low price. The only drawback of the device is the need for a household electrical outlet near the car. The devices are suitable for cars that spend frosty nights in garages or boxes.

3 Longfei 3 kW

The most affordable price
Country: China
Average price: 2350 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The Chinese Longfei pre-heater is designed to raise the temperature of the coolant in a car using a household power supply. One of the most demanded devices was Longfei 3 kW. Heating of the liquid is provided with the help of a heating element, and the pumping of antifreeze along the circuit of the cooling system is carried out thanks to a centrifugal pump. The device requires a 220 V power supply. The heater can be installed on any passenger car and trucks... The model is equipped with a thermostat, which allows you to maintain the set temperature regime coolant.

Buyers speak flatteringly about products from the Middle Kingdom. The only drawback is the short cord. But the device can be independently installed under the hood, it has small dimensions and weight.

2 Satellite NEXT 1.5 kW with pump

Optimal ratio of quality and price
Country Russia
Average price: 2550 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Excellent low cost solution for engine heating passenger car or minibus. You can install "Sputnik NEXT" yourself - simple circuit integration into the engine cooling system has this. Thanks to the forced circulation, even in severe frosts, the temperature of the antifreeze rises above zero.

Owners find this model to be a worthy alternative to more expensive pre-launch engine heaters. Judging by the reviews, the equipment performs its function quite effectively. The presence of simple automation will not overheat the antifreeze above the permissible limits (95 ° C), but will temporarily turn off the heater. The device is simple and unpretentious in operation, and in maintenance it requires minimal time expenditures. Thanks to the circulation, partial heating of the passenger compartment is also achieved (dash and windshield area).

1 Severs + with pump 2 kW

Easy to install. Mechanical timer
Country Russia
Rating (2019): 4.8

Domestic manufacturer CJSC "Leader" produces pre-heaters under the Severs brand. The new generation device is the 2 kW model Severs + equipped with a pump. This design provides fast and uniform heating of the coolant, both in cars and in trucks... The manufacturer has equipped the device with a thermostat, overheating protection, which makes its operation comfortable and safe.

Motorists cope with the installation of the heater without any problems, the kit includes detailed instructions... It is very convenient to set up the switching on of the device using a daily mechanical timer.

Best fuel heaters

One of the main problems diesel car in winter, fuel waxing becomes. The lower the temperature, the more the diesel oil thickens, clogging the pores of the filter. Effective way preservation of fluidity is the installation of a fuel heater.

3 ATK PT-570

Most economical
Country Russia
Average price: 4702 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

A reliable heater will prevent diesel fuel waxing in severe frosts and will allow you to continue driving, regardless of weather conditions. Powered by the vehicle's cooling system and requires little or no maintenance... Box in fuel line can be implemented experienced driver independently - the procedure is not at all complicated and will require a minimum of time.

The owners in their reviews highlight the simplicity of the equipment, the absence of the need to connect to the vehicle's on-board network. With this heater, it becomes possible to use summer "diesel fuel" at temperatures down to -40 ° C. In addition, the heated fuel enters the tank and moves further through the system in a heated state without forming paraffin crystals, which increases the service life of the lines. In addition, significant savings (up to 10%) of fuel are achieved, and drivers value the PT-570 fuel heater most of all for this.

2 EPTF-150 Y (YaMZ)

Best Fuel Filter Heater
Country Russia
Average price: 1305 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Based on experience domestic motorists NPP "Platan" has produced a series of fuel filter heaters. This device prevents the formation of paraffin in the filter element of diesel cars. Thanks to the heating of the fuel in the filter, it is possible not only to facilitate engine start-up, but also to slightly expand the limit of diesel fuel use towards lower temperatures. One of the most effective models is EPTF-150 Ya (YaMZ). The device is mounted inside the fuel filter, which ensures fast diesel warming up.

Motorists respond positively to the efficiency of the heater. Even a frozen filter, a semiconductor heater can warm up in 5-10 minutes. The device continues to provide filterability of diesel fuel while the car is in motion.

1 NOMAKON PP-101 12V

The best instantaneous fuel heater
Country: Belarus
Average price: 4700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Simple and effective devices for heating diesel fuel were created by Belarusian developers from the Nomacon company. One of the most popular devices was Nomakon PP-101. It crashes into the fuel line, and heating comes from the on-board network. The heater can be controlled automatically or manually. Before starting the engine, it is enough to briefly turn on the heating for 5-10 minutes to ensure the filterability of the diesel fuel. When the car is moving, the device is powered from the generator.

Consumers note the unpretentiousness and durability of the device. It is easy to install it under the hood yourself, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

The best interior heaters

This category contains best devicesthat will allow the owner to forget what it means to get behind the wheel of a frozen car. The heaters will provide not only comfortable operation in the winter months, but also save the owner's most precious resource - time.

3 Calix Slim Line 1400 w

High quality equipment
Country: Sweden
Average price: 7537 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The device does not have a mode of operation and is automatically regulated according to the temperature indicators of the interior air. The heater does an excellent job and is the optimal solution for most passenger cars and small crossovers. The device has a special stand and can be placed anywhere in the cabin (as a rule, it is placed in the area of \u200b\u200bthe central armrest or in the driver's seat).

The heater is easy to operate and has overheating and short circuit protection. In their reviews, the owners note the rather compact dimensions of the device and its high efficiency. It is also positively noted automatic control the operation of the heater - there is no fear that with prolonged use the air in the cabin will be unacceptably overheated.

2 DEFA Termini 2100 (DEFA connector) 430060

The most powerful electric heater
Country: Norway
Average price: 9302 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

An excellent solution for heating the interior of a large passenger car, jeep and even a truck cab. The electric heater is connected to a conventional 220 Volt network and has two heating modes. The built-in fan circulates air in the passenger compartment and heats up quickly. It is possible to use it together with the engine preheater systems of this company and remotely control it via the SmartStart console.

The owners, who decided to install DEFA Termini heaters in their cars, are more than satisfied - the cold steering wheel and the glass frozen from the inside are a thing of the past. Thanks to the built-in sensors, the interior air will be warmed up to a comfortable level, and with a further rise in temperature, an automatic shutdown occurs (55 ° C inside the device). Judging by the reviews, this device cannot be compared with ceramic heaters powered by the on-board network (their power is clearly not enough to fully warm up the car interior).

1 Teplostar PLANAR-44D-24-GP-S

The best interior heating
Country Russia
Average price: 23,900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The device is an autonomous system that runs on diesel fuel and is a more affordable analogue of Webasto heaters. It can be installed on any type of transport - it perfectly warms up the interior from a passenger car to a minibus, and also cope with heating the body space in small cargo vans.

In the reviews of the owners, the compactness of the equipment is noted. Installation is quite simple and can be done on your own. When installed on vehicles with a gasoline engine, you need your own small fuel tank... The presence of a remote control is also positively noted, with which you can adjust the temperature of the cabin. At maximum power (4 kW), the PLANAR-44D will consume slightly less than 0.5 liters of fuel per hour. With conventional heating or a small size, the car consumption will be only 0.12 liters of diesel fuel per hour.

On the eve of winter, many car owners began to think about how to better prepare their vehicle... Basically, all such preparations come down to a banal replacement of rubber, oil, battery (or recharging it) and other "cosmetic" activities. However, few people decide to approach this issue more thoroughly, but in vain ... After all, if, for example, due to severe frost, the engine of the car does not start, then new rubber and battery will not help you leave the parking lot or poorly insulated garage.

Considering this fact, it will not be superfluous to turn your attention to such a device as a pre-heater for the engine, since in any weather and under any circumstances it is it that can provide a quick, and most importantly, trouble-free engine start. Of course, it is best to purchase such a device ready-made, as they say "from the manufacturer", but if you wish and have skilled hands, you can make it yourself, even if it sounds a little unrealistic. In any business, the main thing is to delve into the details of the work and deal with all possible nuances, and then - a matter of technology, there would be instructions. This is exactly what we will talk about today, but first, a little theory ...

1. Distance traveled: blowtorches - modern electric pre-heater

As you know: “everything new is a long forgotten old”, although personally I would slightly change this statement and instead of the word “forgotten” I would use the concept “improved”. But this is how it is, many modern devices have a very interesting history of their development. What our ancestors didn’t think of: an iron iron on coals, the first car resembling a cart with a motor, etc. In this regard, the above-mentioned preheater and if you turn to history, you can find many interesting facts related to this device. For example, do you know that "great-grandfather" modern designs is the most common blowtorch, the alternative of which (at that time) was perhaps the no less famous kerosene (the so-called "kerosene stove"). Our grandfathers and great-grandfathers so skillfully used them in many spheres of their life.

Of course, the functions and capabilities that these devices possessed cannot be compared with the powerful functional characteristics and numerous advantages of modern equipment, but they nevertheless coped with their task and since this was more or less enough, it means that they need to be given their deserved place in history. ... A modern engine preheater, in our time, is used to facilitate starting the engine in low temperatures, and in some cases, also to warm the air in the car.

Regardless of the type and model, all heaters perform approximately the same functions, responsible for heating and maintaining the temperature of the vehicle's coolant (antifreeze or antifreeze) in the desired range. In addition, the described device can significantly reduce fuel consumption, because it takes much less time to warm up the engine. But the most important advantage of using it is better protection of the resources of the motor unit, which, accordingly, increases its service life.

If we analyze the types and possible types of heaters in more detail, then it is worth noting that absolutely all devices are classified using a certain, single scheme. Based on this, the following main models are distinguished:

- gas heaters;

Devices using liquid fuel for operation;

Heaters powered exclusively from an external source.

As for the latter type, it is to him that the electric engine preheater considered today belongs.

2. The principle of operation of the electric pre-heater

Electric heaters are classified as non-autonomous devices, that is, for their operation, they need to be powered from the mains (220 V). Now we will take a closer look at the principle of their work, but first, a few interesting facts.

Did you know? The first inventor of the electric motor heater is considered to be Andrew Freeman (Andrew Freeman), who in 1949 received a patent for a coolant heater capable of screwing in place of one of the cylinder block bolts. In the modern world, electric heaters are widespread in the northern countries of different states (Russia, USA, Scandinavia, cities in Canada), since it is here that they are in urgent need. Moreover, automakers in these regions include them as standard equipment on their cars, and the sockets required to connect devices can be found in many multi-storey car parks and car parks.

Electric heaters existing today are a complete system that consists of several important parts. These include:

- electronic control unit with a built-in timer; battery recharging unit;

A 500-5000 W heating element located in a sealed heat exchanger (installed in the technological opening of the cooling jacket, or connected to it using branch pipes);

Fan heater for heating the passenger compartment.

In some models, in addition to the listed elements, there is also a built-in pump, whose main task is to quickly and evenly warm up the engine.

A standard electric heater is presented in the form of a spiral device, which is inserted into the engine cylinder block and operates from an external 220 V power supply. A small electric spiral acts as the main actuator. During its installation in the cylinder block, the anti-ice plug is removed from it, and the named part is installed in its place. When a current flows through the coil under the action of a high voltage, it begins to heat the coolant (). The circulation of the liquid in the system takes place due to natural convection, although it is less productive than artificial movement with the help of a pump (also more time is spent). The most famous representatives of this type of pre-heater are models Defa WarmUp.

If you store your vehicle in a garage or in a parking lot equipped with electrical outlets, then the use of such a device will be very useful, otherwise it is impractical to use it (when parking under the windows of a house, you simply have nowhere to connect the heater, which means there is no sense from it will be). Also, the disadvantage of using is a strong "gluttony", and electricity today is not cheap. It would seem that the manufacturers provided for this drawback and equipped the heater with a special timer that allows you to set the required liquid temperature (when crossing the set edge, the spiral turns off or on), but in practice this could not completely solve the problem.

Standard options for an electric engine heater include:

- battery charge;

Heating up the working fluid;

Heating the interior by supplying thermal air through the stove.

In general, the working principle of the electric engine preheater is the same as in the stand-alone system - also, through the heating of the coolant, heat is transferred to the power unit. The main difference lies in the heating method itself (using an electric power source), which makes it possible to use an additional function - charging the battery, and in winter, when low temperatures contribute to rapid discharge, this is very useful.

3. Do-it-yourself engine pre-heater

If the engine preheater is not included in the standard equipment of the car, but you would really like to have such a device, nothing is impossible. The easiest option is to go to an auto parts store and choose a suitable model (there shouldn't be a lot of problems with the installation, especially since the appropriate instructions should be attached to the device). However, there is another way, which provides self-production desired device. It will take more time, but having done everything yourself, you can be sure of the quality of the finished product, plus you will save a little money.

And so, in order to create an electric pre-heater, you will need simple materials that are available “on the farm” by almost any car owner, these are:

- an incandescent spiral (called a heating element), even suitable from some old teapot;

Metal tank;

Fittings (sold, probably, in every plumbing store);

Junction box (can be found at an electrical store).

Now, armed with basic electrical knowledge, we are assembling a device that should provide high-quality pre-heating of the power unit, fuel economy and preservation of engine functionality for a longer service life. Proceeding directly to the actions, one must understand that the task at hand is not simple, which means that the entire process (both manufacturing and installation) is likely to be accompanied by some difficulties and specific nuances.

Compared to factory (factory) products, a hand-made instrument will not fit clearly and ideally in the engine compartment, so all measurements must be taken to the nearest centimeter. However, you should not regard this opportunity as an insurmountable obstacle, especially if there is a lift or a viewing hole in the garage. If they are not there (which is rare, but it happens), then, most likely, you will not be able to independently place all the necessary wires and electrical equipment, since the space under the car will be limited and it is difficult to climb under it. Also, I want to warn about the risk of making a homemade heater, because one wrong move and you can get serious problems with the engine.

4. Installation of an electric pre-heater of the engine

Suppose you have a ready-made (purchased) set of an electric pre-heater and you decide to install it yourself. In this case, at the initial stage, you need to assess the space available under the hood and decide where exactly the device will be mounted. This can be the place under, the metal parts of the wheel arch liners, or the place next to the expansion tank of the cooling system. The latter option is more relevant in the case of installation on an SUV, which often moves in swampy areas. Also, do not forget to check the prepared harness with wires, because its length may not be enough to connect all the nodes together.

Now for the control panel. When installing the "commander" in the car, you must immediately determine the free space on the dashboard, where you can bring the control elements (you may even have to dismantle some of it). Boilers for heating liquids are installed only on a reliable base, moreover, there should also be enough space around them, because all wires must be placed in a free order and as far as possible from moving mechanisms.

Well then when preparatory stage passed, we will consider the entire installation procedure step by step:

1. The main part of the electric pre-heater is fixed to a pre-selected location;

2. Then it is worth checking the quality of the installation, if necessary, you can use special brackets;

3. Next, the fuel intake is installed (either included in the purchased kit, or purchased separately). Installation locations are the connection points of filters and fuel hoses, and the procedure is performed using a tee;

4. After that, the electrical system of the heater is connected: power is supplied to the device, and on / off control is displayed in the passenger compartment;

5. Now the device can be connected to the cooling system (note: after completing the procedure, you will have to add about 1 liter of liquid to the system);

6. We visually check all system connections; they must be strong and reliable;

7. Last step - checking the operation of the pre-heater: start the engine and observe the result.

The most difficult part of the whole process of self-installation is working with electricity, but even if you have to turn to an electrician for help, installing a heater with your own hands will still cost less than the services of a service center. One more, no less important point installation is the exhaust from the device system. Since the ejected air stream has a high temperature, it is worth avoiding the possibility of it getting on the wires and hoses located under the hood. The best solution to this problem is the direction of the exhaust to the crankcase, which will also lead to additional heating of the oil.

Now imagine the following: You have followed all the instructions in the instructions attached to the device, everything is connected properly, and the electric heater does not work, what should I do? Naturally, if you install the device yourself, the warranty for it is lost, which means that you will have to deal with the problems on your own, or you will turn to specialists, but not for free advice.

In any case, the most correct thing would be to check the performance of the pre-heater even before installing it on the vehicle, suddenly it is already inoperative, but ... if you knew where you would fall, you would spread a mattress. However, there are times when everything worked before the installation, and after it the activity stopped. There are several main reasons for this phenomenon: most likely, during installation, the connection of the device to the car's electrical network was confused or the heater itself was damaged; it is also possible that the system simply does not receive fuel and it is necessary to connect in another way.

If independent attempts to eliminate these causes have not been successful, you will have to seek help from specialists. There you can get more solid answers to all your questions and eliminate the problem as quickly as possible.

Some car owners connect the heater to, but for this you have to re-solder the contacts in its block, which requires special skills in electrical engineering. Therefore, if a similar thought occurs to you, think twice whether it is worth doing. In general, we have described only general points on installing an electric pre-heater, and you can find out all the subtleties and nuances of this process by reading the instructions or with a specific installation guide for a particular brand of device.

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, a number of negative consequences arise:

• engine parts wear out faster;
• the load on the battery increases: as a result, the service life is significantly reduced;
• the engine has been running at idle speed for quite a long time (and, this is not the most "useful" operating mode for it).

The preheating of the engine will not only prolong the “life” of the engine without repair, but will also significantly 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 surrounding coolant (they are called PZhD for short). Therefore, the antifreeze, which saves the engine from overheating while driving, warmed up with a pre-starting 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 former use vehicle fuel as a source of energy. To operate the second, you need to connect to a 220 volt power grid.

Autonomous pre-heaters

This type of engine pre-heaters is the most functional, since it does not depend on the connection to external energy sources (therefore, they are called autonomous). However, their cost is higher than electric ones. It is rather difficult to install such an engine heating with your own hands, without having the necessary technical skills and sufficient experience. In addition self-installation such high tech devices will void the vehicle warranty.

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 systems heating buildings, such devices are sometimes called boilers. Until recently, the most renowned manufacturers these products were German "Webasto" and "Eberspacher (Hydronic)". But now they are worthy competitors Russian firms: "Binar" and "Teplostar"; and also the Chinese "Belief".

Autonomous heating consists of:

• fuel pump;
• spark plug or glow plug (tungsten or cobalt);
• evaporative burner;
• combustion chambers;
• heat exchanger;
• blower motor;
• coolant inlet and outlet pipes;
• control unit.

The boiler is installed in engine compartment and are built into the fuel and cooling systems of the vehicle. The diagram below helps to understand how an autonomous heater works.

When the device is turned on (with 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 with a glow plug (or glow plug). When the mixture burns, the heat exchanger heats up, which leads to heating of the coolant. The pump pumps the antifreeze through the engine and radiator of the standard interior heating system. When the liquid temperature reaches about 60 ° C, the automation unit turns on the interior fan.

The heater "Webasto Thermo Top Evo Start" (5 kW), 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 about 1 km) and the GSM unit (for the possibility of control from a mobile phone) are purchased separately. Installation by a certified dealer will cost no more than 8000 ÷ 10000 rubles.

Passive electric heaters

In Canada and all Scandinavian countries, almost all parking spaces are equipped with sockets where such heaters can be connected.

In our country, only a few paid parking lots offer such a service. But, if you live in a private house or keep your car in the garage, then, undoubtedly, this device will greatly facilitate your life in cold weather.

Technically the easiest and most cost-effective way to preheat a diesel or gasoline engine before starting in winter - installing 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 goes up, and the cold one goes down). The choice of product depends on the specific engine model. Devices are widely represented on the market, practically for all car brands from various manufacturers.

For example, electric preheating of the engine from "DEFA" for the VAZ "ten" with a capacity of 550 W with additional spacers (for better fixation on the inner side of the cylinder block) and a sealing O-ring costs 1,700 ÷ 1,800 rubles. And for " 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 both for threaded installation and for pressing. The model is chosen depending on the type of the engine itself.

Having even minimal technical skills, it is quite simple to install such a device for heating an engine from 220 V with your own hands (with a cable and a socket for connection):

• partially drain the coolant (usually 2 ÷ 2.5 liters are enough);
• dismantle the plug on the cylinder block (closest to the central part of the engine to ensure better heating);
• insert a heating element instead;
• we connect the electric cable;

• the outlet for connecting the power supply is either brought out through the radiator grill (for those who are not very worried about the appearance of the car), or we fix it in a convenient place on 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 circulation of coolant

Electric heaters with a pump (to circulate the heated liquid through the engine and the radiator of the cabin heater) allow the entire engine to warm up evenly. Although such devices are more expensive than passive electrical systems, the efficiency of their work is much higher. A thermostat built into the housing automatically turns off heating when the liquid temperature reaches 80 ° C.

The installation of such a device is quite simple:

• we drain the coolant;
• we fix the device case;
• we carry out a tie-in into the standard cooling system (between the exit from the cylinder block and the inlet pipe of the cabin radiator);
• fill in coolant.

Russian engine heater from 220 V "Sputnik NEXT" (power from 1.5 to 3 kW, which is chosen depending on climatic conditions of operation and engine size) with a pump and automatic power off costs from 2200 to 3200 rubles.

Having supplemented such a relay device with a temperature sensor to turn on the stove fan, we can count on not only an easy engine start, but also the 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 disadvantage. In severe frosts, even with a well-heated engine, turning the thickened oil is quite problematic. Flexible heating plates for preheating the engine allow you to easily make homemade device, rather quickly (in just 20-30 minutes) increasing the oil temperature. Technologically, they are a heating element pressed between two layers of silicone. On one side of the plate, an adhesive composition (3M) is applied, on the other is a porous material with good thermal insulation. The power of one heating element is from 60 to 400 W. 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 household power supply of 220 V. The cost of these products from Hotstart or Keenovo, depending on the size and power, is 2000 ÷ 8000 rubles apiece.

With the help of such devices, you can easily carry out the heating of the engine sump or automatic box gear. One plate measuring 127 x 152 mm and 100 W is sufficient for a car with an engine up to 3 liters.

The installation of such products is quite simple:

• we clean the installation site from dirt and paint;
• then delete protective film and do not forget to glue the plate;
• apply a layer of sealant around the edges;
• we fix the electrical wires and drag them to the connection point.

By installing such plates (with a built-in thermal sensor) on the car tank and fuel filter, you can create a heating device fuel system diesel engine.

The main advantages of such devices are:

• Low power consumption.
• The ability to use for heating a wide variety of components and mechanisms of the car.
• Easy to install (original vehicle systems remain unaffected).
• Autonomy (when using plates with 12 V power supply).

In custody

Which heater is the best to install on the car depends on your personal preferences, financial capabilities and parking space. By installing a heating system from a trusted and well-proven manufacturer, you will not only save time, but also be sure that your car will start even in severe frosts.