Block heater for 2021 Nissan Sentra

Paperdoc

Platinum Member
Aug 17, 2006
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Anyone have a 2020 or 2021 Nissan Sentra with a Block Heater (aka Engine Heater). Someone in colder northern states or parts of Canada. I cannot find an auto parts dealer that carries one, nor any description of what this actually looks like and where it is mounted in the block. Will check with local dealer for info. Dealer wants a really high price to install what MAY be a very fancy version of such a device. I'd really like to know details of design and how / where it is mounted so I can get one and install myself.

In the past, I've dealt with 3 designs: a widely-used design slips into a frost plug hole with an expanding rubber gasket ring; one on my 2014 Mazda 3 screws into a port in the block side with a standard ¾" NPT pipe thread, and one in my old 1999 Toyota Corolla is a simple metal cylinder about 2" long x ¼" diam. that simply slides into a blind-drilled hole bored into the engine block and uses a thermal grease for good contact.
 

maluckey1

Senior member
Mar 15, 2018
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I didn't see anything for Nissan OEM block heater. There are aftermarket units that might work. I use a pad that glues to the side of the oil pan. It's been about 15 years since I did it, and I can't say that it was a bad idea. It works pretty well considering the low wattage. Might not be enough for a northern car.

I didn't use this one. It's just an example of the type

Amazon.com: Customer reviews: ABN Silicone Heater Pad Car Battery Heater Pad Engine Block Heater Pad Oil Pan Heater Pad, 4x5 Inch – 120V 250 Watt
 

Paperdoc

Platinum Member
Aug 17, 2006
2,438
344
126
Thanks for the info. The dealer tells me they carry units for that car, and I got a price for the heater alone (with a spare jug of coolant) and for dealer-installed. They seem high (heater price, that is), but I might not have a choice. They say it screws into a port in the side of the block so the heating element is in the flow of coolant, like most such units. Still looking for other details in case some generic block heater that fits can be identified. I've done this install job before, but some are really hard to do! Basically, car engine makers do not consider these essential, so they give no consideration to access and serviceability.