Zerostart FAQ

If your car is newer than 1995, the circulation heater will not work. We do have other options to pre-warm your vehicle, like Freeze Plug Heaters, Engine Block Heaters and an array of aftermarket products like Pad Heaters or the Heat Magnet.

It depends on mounting and features. The basic differences between the models of circulation heaters are:

1. Size: We can accommodate everything from large industrial applications and big bore engines to small utility vehicles and generator applications.
2. Climate: By adding a thermostat, the circulation heater can be used to control the maximum coolant temperature and limit power consumption.
3. Usability: PTI circulation heaters are very easy to install and operate. In some cases replacement parts can be used to extend the life of the product.

Check out our Circulation Heaters page for more information.

View our Circulation Heater sizing guide for an estimate.

Circulation Heaters are used for industrial, agricultural and off-road applications. Check out the Circulation Heaters page or the  Zerostart / Temro Catalog for details.

Most of these heaters heat and circulate the coolant by Thermal Siphoning. Thermal siphoning refers to the process of heated coolant rising, thereby drawing cooler coolant in to replace the warm coolant.

The only Circulation Heater that has a pump is the Forced Flow Circulation Heater.

Yes, the heater is working however circulation has not been established. These heaters work using Thermal Syphoning. It is important to clear bleed all air from the lines. To test for this you will need to drain a small amount of coolant from the line.

Here are the steps:

1. Have a small bucket or pan ready to catch the coolant.
2. When the vehicle is cool, loosen the top (outlet) hose from the fitting and put your thumb over the end of the hose to block the fluid.
3. Lower this hose to below the Circulation Heater.
4. Allow some coolant to drain into the pan until there is no obvious, entrapped air affecting smooth flow.
5. Bring the line back up to the fitting and reattach.

The overheat temperature is 185°F.

The overheat temperature is 190°F.

Check to make sure that the hose is attached to the outlet on the circulation heater properly. If it is not attached properly or is completed unattached, then it will not heat your engine. To fix this, simply bring the hose back up to the outlet fitting and reattach it. If the hose is loose, tighten the metal fitting that goes around the hose and outlet.

No, a 2 inch hose is the largest our LRRH products accommodate. Check out our circulation heaters to find a better product for your problem.

Yes.

No, This heater is dependent on the upward rise to circulate the warmed fluid. We do have other circulation heaters that may work better for your application.

There are various locations that could be used for install depending on your make/model, layout of your engine, hoses, compartment, etc. Regardless of the design and layout there are a few rules that must be followed for a correct install and successful operation.

1. Heater must be mounted at the lowest point of the cooling system to ensure adequate pressure and thermosyphon flow.
2. The heater outlet hose should be connected at the highest accessible point in the engine block on the pressure side of the cooling system pump.
3. The heater outlet hose should be as short as possible but have a minimum rise of 12 inches to ensure proper circulation.
4. Do not route the outlet hose in a manner that has sharp bends or loops or travels over the engine block. This restricts coolant flow or causes airlocks and fluid will not circulate properly.

We will need to know the make and model of the engine. In some cases we may need the year. Refer to the Zerostart Catalog for more information or use our online parts lookup.

GM has a thermostat in the cord. All GM block heaters have a cord with an in-line thermostat in the cord. The heater will come on at 0° F or -18° C.

No, using a cord without a thermostat will cause the check engine light on the dash to light up.

The engine manufacturer has determined that the best location is the left side of the engine. However, if you can determine that the block heater can be

1) Installed securely

2) At the same or lower elevation

3) And the element does not make contact with the wall of the engine, then the heater can be installed on the right.

There is no difference. Both describe a heater that is used to warm the engine coolant in the block.

• A freeze plug uses the V-Loc system to lock the heater into position in the block by tightening the clamps against the wall of the engine.
• An immersion heater threads into the engine block.

The location is determined from the point of view of sitting in the driver’s seat. For example if the location is listed as right front, “rf” this means the passenger side of the engine toward the radiator in a conventional engine orientation with of the radiator to the front of the vehicle. If the engine is transverse, the position is again on the passenger side of the vehicle on the front corner of the engine.

The most likely cause is that there isn’t sufficient coolant covering the heater. One of the possible issues is that the vehicle is started while the heater is still plugged in the power. This can cause an air pocket to form around the element, preventing the transfer of heat and causing the element to burn out.

The LR number stamped on the side of the heater is the CSA File Number, Canadian Safety Administration; this is like the UL, Underwriters Laboratories in the United States. The CSA certification ensures the product will be safe and durable. We will need to know the model and manufacturer of the engine to determine the part number for the heater.

Antifreeze, liquid soap or silicone grease. Do not use petroleum based lubricants on the O-rings, this will significantly reduce the life of the O-ring.

We do not make a tester. There are several on the market, or you can use an Ohm meter.

Each heater is designed to fit a specific engine block. You will need to Contact Us in order to determine if it is correct for your tractor.

Absolutely.

When the GFI gets wet from moisture, rain, puddles, pressure washing, or snow the GFI will trip until it is dry.

• Disconnect the heater (cord) plug from the heater. Clean and dry it as well as possible.
• Clean and dry the cord plug.
• Reconnect the cord to the heater.
• Try it again to see if the GFI trips.

The GFI may also trip if there is too much of a load on the circuit, causing it to overload and trip.

To pre warm your vehicle, the block heater should be plugged in at least 3-4 hours. There is nothing detrimental about leaving it plugged in overnight or longer.

Please see page 120 of the Zerostart/Temro Catalog.

With a multi-meter to check the Continuity or Resistance Test.

This is due to the element burning out. Fluid is needed to dissipate the heat from the element. You will need to purchase a new heater.

• Battery Box Heater – Sized to work with batteries within their tray housing, heating them from underneath and maintaining 80 Degrees F.
• Battery Blankets – Wraps around the battery and warms to a temp range of 60 – 70 Degrees F. Available to fit single or multiple batteries.

Phillips & Temro warrants each Product against defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service conditions for a period of one (1) year, starting on the date of purchase.

As long as you have followed correct installation and instructions you should have no problem using your battery heater overnight.

Approximately 95% of automotive, light duty and heavy duty battery cases are made of Polypropylene.  Polypropylene has a higher melting temperature than ABS.   Battery blankets provided by Phillips and Temro are recommended for use with batteries using Polypropylene cases.  Batteries that use ABS case material are not recommended as the ABS case material can soften due to the lower melting temperature of ABS and the heat from the battery blanket.

There are several ways to determine the battery case material.

1. The recycle code will state either PP or ABS.  This is typically molded into the bottom of the battery case.
2. Occasionally the battery case material is stated on the battery labeling.
3. Consult with the battery manufacturer.

Yes, there should be no issue as long as you have enough room and keep a clear area in front of the heater for safe operation. See manual/instructions for more details.

No, horizontal installation is recommended. See product installation instructions for more details.

View our adhesive silicone pad heater datasheet here to see which products include a thermostat.

Yes. The adhesive silicone pad heaters will stick to all smooth metal surfaces provided they remove any paint, grease, dirt & oil so there is a strong adhesion to the metal.  It is also important that when installing the surface must be warmed to help it stick. *Pad heaters should not be used on any plastic or composite material.

As long as you have followed correct installation and instructions you should have no problem keeping your silicone pad heater plugged in for longer periods of time.

Most instances of a silicone pad heater failing is improper installation/location. The pad heaters should have a full 100% contact with the metal surface. Any air gaps, rough spots or uneven surface may cause a hot spot to form and lead to a failure in the pad. This is why we include a scraper so you are able to remove all air pockets and insure proper contact to the surface.

You can use a block heater and silicone pad heater at the same time. If you are planning to use both heaters consider using our 3 way connector to simplify the management of your cords.

The silicone pad heaters do not have a set temperature and will heat the fluids to varying degrees based on many factors, including; weather, ambient temperature, fluid capacity, wattage, and proper installation. Zerostart does sell certain silicone pad heaters that contain thermostats to regulate the temperature range output. View our silicone pad heater data sheet to see which units include a thermostat. You may also use this chart to view recommended fluid capacities for each pad heater.

Yes. You can use a timer with the silicone pad heaters and there is no maximum time requirement if installed and operated according to the manufacturers instructions.

No. Silicone pad heaters should not be used on plastic or composite materials. You should only use on a smooth clean metal surfaces.

No. There are specific silicone pad heaters designed for use only on diesel fuel filters. They are sized with the appropriate wattage and have an included Velcro pad to keep the unit attached to the filter. View the available silicone pad heaters within our product catalog.

There are only a few options that could cause the silicone pad heater to not have any power. Check that your cord is plugged into an active outlet. If you still do not have power your outlet may not be functioning properly, your circuit breaker may have tripped, or there may be a short or fault in the cord.