3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Yes, the 5SFE does have a freeze plug meant to be used for an engine block heater. It is the center one, just right of the oil filter. $30 at the Toyota dealer. Instructions are included in the box. Thanks for the help.
Here's a picture!
__________________
1997 Camry LE 2.2L, 5SFE
160,000
Last edited by bcsbadboys; 01-23-2008 at 06:04 PM.
it depends...what kind of block heater? is it threaded?
Haven't bought it yet, but I assumed it would be a threaded one that replaces a frost plug...That's why I'm not sure how or where they are installed on the 5SFE.
__________________
1997 Camry LE 2.2L, 5SFE
160,000
Last edited by bcsbadboys; 01-16-2008 at 07:10 PM.
The freeze plugs done not appear that accessible or have obstructed access, suggest installing in the easiest location you can find. There are also heaters that install in the radiator coolant hose plus oil pan heaters.
The freeze plug is locate near the firewall. You have to loose the engine mount and jack the engine up from the bottom. This is a lot of work. A thermal planket is a good way too.
If you try some of the method above, let us know how well it work.
I just want to know if it's possible on the 5SFE and where it should be installed. Thanks much!
What are you trying to do? Easier starting, engine wear, warm engine faster? Since the freeze plug location makes a block heater impractical I would switch to synthetic oil. You'll get all of the above. I'd try a 0w or 5w -30 or 40.
__________________
1995 Camry Wagon LE. 2.2 4cyl, 5S-FE, Auto, 187K
What are you trying to do? Easier starting, engine wear, warm engine faster? Since the freeze plug location makes a block heater impractical I would switch to synthetic oil. You'll get all of the above. I'd try a 0w or 5w -30 or 40.
All of the above, mainly reduce wear on these -0 F mornings in Minnesota. I'd use synthetic but I have a minor oil leak and don't need any more seeping out.
Maybe a magnetic oil pan heater is the way to go?...Use a timer to have it start about 3 hours before I leave...
__________________
1997 Camry LE 2.2L, 5SFE
160,000
The freeze plug is locate near the firewall. You have to loose the engine mount and jack the engine up from the bottom. This is a lot of work. A thermal planket is a good way too.
If you try some of the method above, let us know how well it work.
Monkey123
Is it impossible to install from under the vehicle?
__________________
1997 Camry LE 2.2L, 5SFE
160,000
Maybe a magnetic oil pan heater is the way to go?...Use a timer to have it start about 3 hours before I leave...
You may find the oil pan heaters overheat the oil at the heater and provide little heat to the oil in the rest of the pan. There is a tremendous amount of heat carried away by the pan. The dipstick heaters are even worse. l have also tried those inline hose heaters and they don't work either. The frost plug heaters are definately the best, when you can use them. I'd try the synthetic, you may find there is no increase in drip rate.
__________________
1995 Camry Wagon LE. 2.2 4cyl, 5S-FE, Auto, 187K
You may find the oil pan heaters overheat the oil at the heater and provide little heat to the oil in the rest of the pan. There is a tremendous amount of heat carried away by the pan. The dipstick heaters are even worse. l have also tried those inline hose heaters and they don't work either. The frost plug heaters are definately the best, when you can use them. I'd try the synthetic, you may find there is no increase in drip rate.
I may consider synthetic. Is it also your opinion that adding a block heater is too difficult for a DIY'er on this engine?
__________________
1997 Camry LE 2.2L, 5SFE
160,000
No one is saying it can’t be done, it may just be a lot of work. Use a shop light to view the freeze plus on both sides of the engine, exhaust and intake manifold. Then decide if you want to attempt to install the heater.
Haven't bought it yet, but I assumed it would be a threaded one that replaces a frost plug...That's why I'm not sure how or where they are installed on the 5SFE.
bcsbadboys, I looked at my engine and can see three frost plugs behind the CAT. The only one that may be possible to knock out and replace with a block heater, without removing the CAT, is the one just right of the oil filter. I would advise removing the filter and oil cooler. If you are able to knock the frost plug out (the hardest part) I think there is enough access to install the heater. I have installed a couple of block heaters and they require good access to be able to knock out the frost plug. Sometimes the frost plug gets pushed inside the block and it requires a lot of prying and pulling to get it out. If you decide to try this be prepared to remove the CAT to get enough access to finish the job.
__________________
1995 Camry Wagon LE. 2.2 4cyl, 5S-FE, Auto, 187K
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Engine heater, freeze plug location (Update)
Linear Mode
