Calix Motor Heater Installation Guide (Articles)

Translated on 09-09-2026, 2:00.

Installation instructions for a Calix engine heater

Ansicht auf Heizelement

This post is from Rudi and Bertil, and I would like to thank them sincerely! The installation was done on a VW with a 1Z engine, and installation kits are also available for newer models (see below).
A Calix engine heater is an electric engine pre-heater designed to provide more comfort during the colder seasons.
By preheating the engine via a power outlet, the wear and tear associated with cold engine starts is eliminated, and warm air is immediately available from the vehicle's heating system.

Useful special tool:

Stable metal rod "B", 8-10mm diameter, approximately 70cm long, rounded or flat at the front
Small, angled Torx screwdriver suitable for the quick-release screw
Strong cord (approximately 1m)
Preparation:
Make sure the engine is warm (both radiator hoses should be warm) so that the thermostat valve is open. Otherwise, you may need to drain the coolant.
the power steering pump needs to be removed).

Execution:
Jack up the vehicle onto a pit or lift.
Remove engine noise insulation.
verschandeln the lower coolant hose and its surroundings with a damp cloth.
Squeeze the clamp on the lower radiator hose with pliers and...
Push it away from the strut towards the radiator.
Warning: Hot water may be coming!
Place the collection container underneath.
Detach the hose from the fitting and drain the coolant (approximately 6.5 liters). If...
less (2-3 liters) -> quietly curse! (see below: expansion of the power steering pump)
Close the collection container and set it aside.
Slide the coolant hose back onto the nozzle.
Illuminating the frost plugs (so you can see what you're doing).
Use a metal rod "A" to make a small hole in the center of the frost plug.
(Make it) large enough for the screw to engage, but still with enough grip.
Screw into the hole. It's located somewhere between the exhaust and...
"Adjusting the drive shafts is easier with Torx screws due to their good..."
The easiest way to achieve a perfect finish.
Attach the string to the screw (so that the plug doesn't come off).
"Never again" disappears into the engine block; the other end remains at the car.
(to secure).

Using the metal rod "B" (position it between the screw and the edge of the stopper), then...
"I used to have a lot of pimples, but they've completely disappeared. I was able to get rid of them with..."
(The cord can be retracted).
Roll the filter so that you can grip the edge with pliers.
Pull out the stopper (it surprisingly comes out easily, even with the stopper lying horizontally).
Dry the drainage hole.
Apply silicone to the rear edge of the shower enclosure.
Carefully insert the immersion heater, align it, and tighten the nut evenly.
Tighten until the collar rests against the engine block.
Reattach the clamp to the correct position.
Slowly add coolant (otherwise, the expansion tank may overflow).
Connect the cables (don't forget the plastic clip) and, if desired.
(I find the spot in the water tank the best - thanks to Bertil for the tip.)

Power steering pump upgrade:
If, unexpectedly, only a portion of the cooling water leaves the cooling circuit,
Does that mean the thermostat valve didn't open (or has already closed again)?
(is full) and the block is still full ;o(.
Zum Ausbau des Ventils muß zunächst die Servopume abgebaut werden. Dazu the
Loosen (but do not remove) the three tensioning or securing screws of the pump, and then...
Keilriemen abnehmen. Dann den Pumpenträger abschrauben. Two of the...
The mounting screws are easily visible from below (they are located on the edge of the oil pan).
The third one is located to the left of the upper pump screw.
Before removing the bracket, make sure to detach the small clamp from the servo cable.
Don't forget to unscrew it (I forgot, so be careful!).
Otherwise, you might have to remove the entire disguise again.
Okay, now remove the pump along with its bracket and secure it with some tape towards the bumper.
hang.
Place a bucket underneath and loosen the two screws on the thermostat housing cover.
Deckel abnehmen und mit Wasserschwall rechnen. If no...
Water is leaking from a rubber seal (it's just loosely positioned behind the valve).
Carefully unwind the hose (water is coming now!) and catch the valve.

Since the parts usually don't fit together tightly enough on their own during assembly, that...
To prevent the valve from falling out again, the following can be done:
Pull the bracket from the valve body flange and remove the plastic sleeve.
Insert the valve and gasket.
Slide your fingers through the flange opening and use them to hold the valve in place.

Now, tighten the housing cover.

The assembly process is essentially carried out in the reverse order.

Images for installation:

Recommended warm-up times for the engine preheater:

{-20°C - 3 hours}
{-10°C - 2 hours} Anschlußstecker

{-5°C - 1.5 hours}
{0°C - 1 hour}

CALIX
DEFA

Here is a Calix heater for newer models:

-Installation location-

-Installed-
Bausatz

Calix Motor Heater Installation Guide
dieselschrauber 16-06-2003, 10:42
Installation instructions for a Calix engine heater This post is from Rudi and Bertil, and I would like to thank them sincerely! The installation was done on a VW with a 1Z engine, and installation kits are also available for newer models (see below). A Calix engine heater is an electric engine pre-heater designed to provide more comfort during the colder seasons. By preheating the engine via a power outlet, the wear and tear associated with cold engine starts is eliminated, and warm air is immediately available from the vehicle's heating system. Useful special tool: Stable metal rod "A", 8-10mm diameter, approximately 70cm long, very sharply pointed Stable metal rod "B", 8-10mm diameter, approximately 70cm long, rounded or flat at the front Quick-release screw, approximately 6mm diameter, not too short, Torx Small, angled Torx screwdriver suitable for the quick-release screw Sealable 10-liter container for coolant Strong cord (approximately 1m) Possibly silicone sealant Preparation: Make sure the engine is warm (both radiator hoses should be warm) so that the thermostat valve is open. Otherwise, you may need to drain the coolant. the power steering pump needs to be removed). Execution: Jack up the vehicle onto a pit or lift. Remove engine noise insulation. verschandeln the lower coolant hose and its surroundings with a damp cloth. Squeeze the clamp on the lower radiator hose with pliers and... Push it away from the strut towards the radiator. Warning: Hot water may be coming! Place the collection container underneath. Detach the hose from the fitting and drain the coolant (approximately 6.5 liters). If... less (2-3 liters) -> quietly curse! (see below: expansion of the power steering pump) Close the collection container and set it aside. Slide the coolant hose back onto the nozzle. Illuminating the frost plugs (so you can see what you're doing). Use a metal rod "A" to make a small hole in the center of the frost plug. (Make it) large enough for the screw to engage, but still with enough grip. Screw into the hole. It's located somewhere between the exhaust and... "Adjusting the drive shafts is easier with Torx screws due to their good..." The easiest way to achieve a perfect finish. Attach the string to the screw (so that the plug doesn't come off). "Never again" disappears into the engine block; the other end remains at the car. (to secure). Using the metal rod "B" (position it between the screw and the edge of the stopper), then... "I used to have a lot of pimples, but they've completely disappeared. I was able to get rid of them with..." (The cord can be retracted). Roll the filter so that you can grip the edge with pliers. Pull out the stopper (it surprisingly comes out easily, even with the stopper lying horizontally). Dry the drainage hole. Apply silicone to the rear edge of the shower enclosure. Carefully insert the immersion heater, align it, and tighten the nut evenly. Tighten until the collar rests against the engine block. Reattach the clamp to the correct position. Slowly add coolant (otherwise, the expansion tank may overflow). Connect the cables (don't forget the plastic clip) and, if desired. (I find the spot in the water tank the best - thanks to Bertil for the tip.) Power steering pump upgrade: If, unexpectedly, only a portion of the cooling water leaves the cooling circuit, Does that mean the thermostat valve didn't open (or has already closed again)? (is full) and the block is still full ;o(. Zum Ausbau des Ventils muß zunächst die Servopume abgebaut werden. Dazu the Loosen (but do not remove) the three tensioning or securing screws of the pump, and then... Keilriemen abnehmen. Dann den Pumpenträger abschrauben. Two of the... The mounting screws are easily visible from below (they are located on the edge of the oil pan). The third one is located to the left of the upper pump screw. Before removing the bracket, make sure to detach the small clamp from the servo cable. Don't forget to unscrew it (I forgot, so be careful!). Otherwise, you might have to remove the entire disguise again. Okay, now remove the pump along with its bracket and secure it with some tape towards the bumper. hang. Place a bucket underneath and loosen the two screws on the thermostat housing cover. Deckel abnehmen und mit Wasserschwall rechnen. If no... Water is leaking from a rubber seal (it's just loosely positioned behind the valve). Carefully unwind the hose (water is coming now!) and catch the valve. Since the parts usually don't fit together tightly enough on their own during assembly, that... To prevent the valve from falling out again, the following can be done: Pull the bracket from the valve body flange and remove the plastic sleeve. Insert the valve and gasket. Slide your fingers through the flange opening and use them to hold the valve in place. Now, tighten the housing cover. The assembly process is essentially carried out in the reverse order. Images for installation: Recommended warm-up times for the engine preheater: {-20°C - 3 hours} {-10°C - 2 hours} {-5°C - 1.5 hours} {0°C - 1 hour} {10°C - 1 hour} Unfortunately, the "old" immersion heater does not fit in the AXR or ATD engine. Also, with various... The immersion heater, which is located on the back of the engine block, does not fit with other turbochargers that have a variable geometry turbine (VTG). Companies CALIX or also DEFA (which is distributed in Germany by WAECO) offer solutions for this. The pictures clearly show the heater, which is inserted into the water hose connected to the oil filter flange. Here is a Calix heater for newer models: -Kit- -Installation location- -Installed- Translated on 09-09-2026, 2:00.

Back to top