Let's play "what is this"

I found this thing on the drivers side of the 235 in my 55 Chevy. Does anybody know what the hell it is? It has a 110 plug on one end of the wire and then screws into the block through the red, round thing. I unscrewed the little bolt that goes in through the red thing and it's about 2" long, strangest thing I've ever seen. The red thing doesn't come off. It's located just below the intake/exhaust manifold on the drivers side. Instead of just cutting it off I wanted to ask around to see what it was. Any clues about what it is? thanks for the help guys.

 

Block heater

 

Engine block heater..typically used in cold weather areas to prevent freezing.

 

It is a block water jacket heater. Your car has lived far north of Texas at some point in its life!

 

Yep block heater

 

Block heater....oh, too late for the right answer.

Electric car conversion kit?

 

Where's that car from? I wonder if that's a block heater.

 

This is funny. A Texas guy would have no idea what these things are for.

 

It's a block heater to keep your water from freezing in the winter.

ME

 

A block water heater for those cold winter nights. Ah memories when I lived in Minisota.

 

It is an electronic 110 voltage, element heat transfer conductor with H2O capabilities.

 

Block heater. Used rarely in areas below the mason/dixon line!!!!!!!

 

Vibrator?

Rich

 

Yup, you've heard the answer. They are to keep from blowing freeze plugs in the block or worse yet freezing it up and cracking something in the really cold/freezing climate areas.

 

Also makes it easier to start the car when the temps get below freezing.

 

Looks like a northern car worked it way south. Usually the other way around...

 

And now it's a rust-free Texas car?

 

Since the real answer was already taken ...

An early model hybrid.

I wonder how many people you could fool by telling that to ...

 

best reply so far!

 

So you can make hot tea without running the engine.

 

I don't know guys, I kinda thought it was a block heater

 

Did you notice the file names of the 4 pictures you attached to your message? "55 heater 001.jpg", etc.

My Flathead has them too, being a Saskatchewan truck, but without the cords. The plugs just stick right out of the cylinder heads on both sides.

 

You fuckers are all full of shit !! It's the first ELECTRIC CAR and it's RARE AS HELL !!! Now go cash in on it !!! >>>>.

 

Glad you set them straight before I had to.

There sure are a lot of them in this neck of the tundra.

 

I,m surprised at the many answers saying it was to stop the coolant from freezing. I doubt that is the case. The purpose of course is to warm the coolant which allows for easier starting in cold climates. Don't believe me? Try leaving straight water in the block up here but plug it in in January. It will freeze regardless......

 

That is, as many have stated, a block heater. Up here in the Great White North, we mix the water in our cooling systems 50/50 with anti-freeze, as do the northern states.The heater is not intended to keep water from freezing but to heat a properly mixed coolant to facilitate easier starting in freezing temperatures.

 

Exactly correct, but I wish I lived somewhere that I'd never heard of such a thing either....

 

Early model theft proofing !

 

no its to keep the block warm so you have something to cuddle against and keep warm when the old lady says no!

 

It turns Water Into Electric Current ..plug it into your house for free electricity...
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