Block Heater - slightly different angle

[impalator]

Hello everybody,

I have a "blockheater with a twist" kinda question. When I bought the van I had CVI attach a rubberflap-type matting to the bottom of the oilpan (they used silicone or something) and it had a powercord coming out on one end... It essentially just warmed the oil-pan up a bit... I cannot say how good or how bad it did its job...(assuming it's not as effective as a heater in the cooling system inside the block)... but I certainly managed to get the 2.5 diesel started in the Cariboo at -26 in the Winter if it was plugged in overnight...

Well, the rubber flap thing fell off recently... the glue / silicone just didn't stand the vibration, oil, dirt, wind, temperatures... I could have re-attached it as it was still there, hanging on by the power-cord which was zap-strapped... but I didn't bother...

Instead, in a recent Princess Auto Flyer I saw magnetic "stick-on" oilpan heaters.... Hmmmm.... no glue, no mess... and simply take it off when not needed... and subsequently put it back on when needed... and it being 'metal' (as in being magnetic) the heat-transfer would probably be better than on rubber/plastic?

Not sure... but has anybody tried this, has got any feedback or opinion on this?

I am not going to install a regular block heater just because of these 6 days a year where I need a bit of help getting 'er going.... So any info would be welcome...

Cheers,
Chris

[mararmeisto]

Only really works well if you clean the bottom of your oil pan before sticking the heater too it. Good transfer with magnetic adhesion, yes, but only if all the metal is touching all the metal.

By far, the best, is the inline water heater because heating the water in the jacket is the most thorough. Heating the oil doesn't really heat the block.

Or you could do like in Siberia and light a fire under your vehicle.

[FredVenne]

This is why I love this forum... always find/learn something new...

Never heard of it and I am going to look into it!

Thanks and sorry if I cannot help...

Fred

[konadog]

An in-line block heater is a great thing to have... I plug mine in anytime it's sub zero. Not because the bus won't start without it, but it sure does start and warm up smoooooth after being plugged in for an hour or two. I can only assume that all the coughing and chugging without plugging in is causing unneeded wear and tear. Well worth thinking serious consideration IMO.

[DelicaDJ]

An added bonus is you have an almost instant warm-up inside the van once you start the engine & the heater kicks in. Plus, I think it may help defrost the windows quicker!