Coolant Circulation Heater
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Eastern Ontario, Canada
Coolant Circulation Heater
Any thoughts on whether a coolant pump/heater is any better than the block heater. I can get one in 750/1000/1500 watts from the local autoparts store.
They said since it heats and circulates the coolant it is better but I thought I'd get an opinion or two from you guys before I decide. Not sure I want to install this with warranty still on the truck.
2000 PSD 100 000 kms.
Thx.
They said since it heats and circulates the coolant it is better but I thought I'd get an opinion or two from you guys before I decide. Not sure I want to install this with warranty still on the truck.
2000 PSD 100 000 kms.
Thx.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
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Originally Posted by 2000psd
Yes it is, but I believe it only heats the coolant in the block as opposed to circulating heated coolant throughout the system.
What kind of setup are you looking at? Is it just electric, and splices in a hose somewhere? You're not looking at the big-mother diesel-fired circulating heaters like the Espar are you?
Duncan
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Please post again after installing it and using it. I've pondered an Espar but they're huge and a bear to install, and this might be a nice compromise. (Still takes electricity, but is easier to install and might be more effective.)
Duncan
Duncan
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Junior User
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From: Eastern Ontario, Canada
I'll let you know when I do. Still want to look into warranty issues and an oil pan heater. Largest I can find is 200 watts. Don't think that will do.
Got to -45C with the wind on Mon. Couldn't start the truck at all.
Got to -45C with the wind on Mon. Couldn't start the truck at all.
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Posting Guru
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Originally Posted by 2000psd
Got to -45C with the wind on Mon. Couldn't start the truck at all.
Duncan
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Joe Kucinski
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From: Joliet, IL
In theory, it should take less time for it to warm up after you plug it in and the entire engine should be at the same temperature, especially the heads. A regular old block heater uses convection (heat transfer through a moving fluid) and conduction (heat transfer through a solid). Since there is almost no coolant flow while the engine is shut down, the primary heat transfer method is probably through conduction. Also, as the heat is being transfered to the top of the block, a large portion is being lost to the enviornment due to the slow rate of heat transfer. Adding a pump will ensure that the heads will be warm when you go to start it. That's good. As cold as I assume it gets up yonder way I'd get the 1500 W pump/heater. I'd also make sure that it offers little resistance to flow if it is slpiced into an existing coolant line. You wouldn't want it to be a hinderence in the summer. Keep us posted.
Joe
Joe
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Fairmount, Ont.
Had one of those heaters years ago on an old Ford Torino out in Saskatchewan. Worked great. I would question whether there is actually a pump on it (as opposed to a non-return ball check valve arrangement like a drip coffee maker) if it is as small as you say. I remember mine could actually get my 351C block temp gauge to move if it wasn't too cold out. I say go for it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Personally, I use them in combination on my 460... I don't pay to plug in at work, so, I didn't mind the fact that it had 3500 W draw with all three heaters plugged in. 1500W circ pump, and a pair of 1000 W block heaters... at -25, it'd melt the snow off the hood and keep the truck just under operating temperature. LOL.
However, you should be able to start it unassisted at -31, mine will. What are you running for oil?
However, you should be able to start it unassisted at -31, mine will. What are you running for oil?
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Junior User
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From: Eastern Ontario, Canada
Thx for the thoughts, I think as long as it doesn't affect the warranty I'll put it in. 82f100swb when it wouldn't start I had 15-40 in it. I just had it changed at the dealership Free LOF, they only had 10-30 superduty. I had asked for 5-40 synthetic afetr reading pages of info here and wanted to pay the difference but they ( one of the mechanics )said they had never heard of it. BTW it was raining here the other day and it wouldn't start without the block heater at 0 C.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 807
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From: Prince George, BC
here in BC we get down to -23 sometimes and all i use is my block heater and i have lifted the hood before i started it and the degas bottle was even warm, so i wouldnt put an inline heater in. truck starts fine. just my .02
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,427
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From: Templeton, Massachussetts
on those small aftermarket heaters you must have it installed so that one hose is on top of the engine and the other is much lower for the hot water to transfer properly.
it uses only convection so the heat will rise and circulate the cooler water.
there is not a pump on a cheap one as far as i know.
i have been thinking of using one myself so it has heat faster in the morning.
since i have one on the shelf that was bought for the dozer!
it uses only convection so the heat will rise and circulate the cooler water.
there is not a pump on a cheap one as far as i know.
i have been thinking of using one myself so it has heat faster in the morning.
since i have one on the shelf that was bought for the dozer!
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