Block heaters for TDI's?

jgoodtdi · Post by **jgoodtdi** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 5:08 pm

I have a 2000 Jetta tdi and live in a cold part of the country. VW does not make a block heater for this car, does anyone know if there is an after market that will work? One parts guy recommended I try a block heater that is spec'd for a mercedes. Any ideas on keeping it warm on cold winter nights other than building a garage?

odie · Post by **odie** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 12:10 pm

i think most block heaters are just aheated freeze plug. you could probably use one from an older VW and just find a convinient plug to pop out and stick the heater in.

odie · Post by **odie** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 12:11 pm

i've seen heated dip sticks too...but obviously not as effective.

MPalm · Post by **MPalm** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:34 am

http://www.frostheater.com/

A heater is a must for a TDI, they take forever to warm up!

MayorDJQ · Post by **MayorDJQ** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:31 pm

TDI engines do not have freeze plugs, so you can't use the old Rabbit type heater.

Dipstick heaters are useless. Don't waste your money on one.

You can pay $100+ for a Frostheater, or you could buy a kit from NAPA or a similar store for $50, a few feet of 5/8" heater hose, and a few hose clamps.

woza · Post by **woza** » Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:10 am

Go on the web and look at Tractor Parts Inc. They have heaters that can be installed into the bottom radiator hose

woza · Post by **woza** » Sun Feb 21, 2010 2:39 pm

You can find a Lower radiator hose heater on the Rovers North web site. In the parts search you just have to type in "lower hose heater". There are 2 types of hose heaters on this web site. You can contact their parts department with regard to the hose diameter.