My 2002 4x4 with 4.0 has to live outside, this morning wouldn't start at -14 degrees. Battery is only 2-3 years old. Does anyone have any advice on heaters, block vs radiator hose heaters? Pertaining to the block style, is there a preferred freeze plug to use on my 4.0?
In years past I had good luck with radiator hose heaters but wanted to hear your experiences.
Thanks!

 

Depends on the engine as to which is better
Lower rad hose heater is easier to install and will work on the 4.0l since it has upper rad hose thermostat.

Block heaters are better overall but harder to install, best location is rear side of block but easiest to get at core plug(freeze plug) is fine to use, usually passenger side front.

Block heater tends to get whole engine warmer
Rad hose just front area.
But once engine is cranked warmer coolant is circulated pretty fast

Why the hard start when cold?
That is because gasoline can not be ignited with a spark, yes movie guys do take liberties with that one, lol.

Only gasoline Fumes/Vapor can be ignited by a spark

The colder the gasoline gets the less vapor there is
This is why Choke Plates or choke routines(computer) were/are used.
A cylinder needs about 30% gasoline vapor for a spark to ignite it
The Choke simply adds more gasoline to get vapor level up
If gasoline has 15% vapor at 32degF then it needs 2 times the regular amount of fuel to start.
Heating the engine is more about heating the gasoline at the engine end.
Once started the heat from firing instantly raises gasoline that comes into the cylinder to higher vapor content.
So it is just the Cold Start that needs the warmer fuel
Quick Start(ether) has a much higher vapor content at colder temps which is why it is a good Cold Start fluid to use.

And block or rad hose heater also makes cab heat come up faster, lol, so thats a good reason as well