hello,
i am thinking of installing a block heater in my 1999 audi a4 1.8t. can't seem to find any info on this. maybe i should install a coolant circulation pump/heater. i live in alberta, i should probably install something. can't seem to find anything in my haynes manual. i was talking to a guy yesterday with an a4, he said he doesn't use a block heater. any ideas would be helpful. thanks, rob

 

An oil pan "patch style" heater is usually suffice and does not use the cooling system meaning no modifications required. I use them and they work well.

 

Yes install a simple oil pan patch and do not mess with engine drilling. Get 150 watts. It works.

 

Oil pan heater is the way to go. They sell at the dealer for $99.

 

The 250W 4" x 6" patch heater is a little mroe expensive but offers more heat if interested.

 

thanks a lot guys, it's cold up here in canada, cheers, rob

 

There are reports of 250W patch to warp the oil pan so I decided to go with 150W.
These reports could be of somebody who left the car plugged all the time during the year and it is hard to believe.

 

thanks a lot brother, rob

 

All I can say is that I have installed and used 250W 4x6 patch heaters exclusively for years with no problems. I have never seen a warped oil pan on an Audi or VW from a normally functional patch heater.

The only issues to worry about with the patch heaters are to clean the mating surface when installing and silicone seal the edges to prevent corrosion from settling in between the heater and the pan, as well as periodically check the heater for serious road impacts that can physically damage the heater.

 

thanks for the info. where do i get one of these heaters?