Engine oil heater?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
Engine oil heater?
Has anyone ever used, or considered using, an oil heater, instead of the standard block heater that just heats the water?
I've been debating the whole cold weather/oil thing in my head. It seems to me that the critical period for the engine during cold temps is at start. If it's very cold, you need a lighter oil at that time to ensure lubrication and have oil that will operate the injectors.
After the engine has run for a bit and warmed up, the lighter oil is no longer necessary. So I began to wonder if the solution isn't to warm up the oil before starting, and just use the standard 15W-40, rather than using a lighter oil that might have other disadvantages.
Any thoughts?
I've been debating the whole cold weather/oil thing in my head. It seems to me that the critical period for the engine during cold temps is at start. If it's very cold, you need a lighter oil at that time to ensure lubrication and have oil that will operate the injectors.
After the engine has run for a bit and warmed up, the lighter oil is no longer necessary. So I began to wonder if the solution isn't to warm up the oil before starting, and just use the standard 15W-40, rather than using a lighter oil that might have other disadvantages.
Any thoughts?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 585
Likes: 1
From: Ct.
I use both the block heater and a oil pan. Works very well. Some use Syn 5w40. Here is a link to oil pan heater http://www.wolverineheater.com John
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Schwenksville,Pa
I also use the Wolverine oilpan heater, the model is listed in my signature. I spliced it into the block heater cord and wired both to the Marinco outlet which is mounted into the bumper, no loose cord to worry about. I think having warm oil at startup probably helps longterm engine wear.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Here is what I do but I park inside my garage. I have an oil filled low sillowette room heater about 8 inches high, 40 inches long. In the dead of winter I place it in my garage, so that when I park the truck, the heater is centered under the the motor. The heater is set at low, 700 watts, and comes on a 32 degrees, it has no flame or exposed elements, and no fan. If I am going to use the truck in the early am, I plug the heater in just befor bedtime. In the morning eventhough my garage is well below freezing, the entire underside of my truck is well above freezing, it starts and runs perfectly.
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