Winter engine heater

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Dec 1, 2009 | 05:58 PM

kidoo

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Québec

Winter engine heater

Hi, I looking for to improve the performance of my engine heater.
I have the normal block heater on my truck, 2006 6 liter engine, and I find it takes too long to warm it up, like 2 hours when it is very cold, minus 20 to minus 30 like.
I had a 7.3 before and I had an extra in line antifreeze heater, it worked pretty well but on this engine I do not know if it could affect the cooling system. At the internationnal dealer, they say they install a heater in the oil pan for extra, faster heat. They probably drill something in there?

Anyone have use any extra heating system that works faster and would not affect the cooling system?

Thanks

Dec 1, 2009 | 06:25 PM

nitrogen

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 2,196

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From: Carstairs Alberta

well if you can't wait 2 hours for the block heater to do the job, and presetting a timer won't work for you you have 2 real options. 1 leave it plugged in all the time and suck it up when it comes time to pay the electric bill. 2 look at proheat, or webasto diesel fired block heater systems. in canadian funds your looking at around 1500, maybe a bit less in USA

Dec 1, 2009 | 07:14 PM

powerstroke72

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: SW Virginia

Check these out:

Pad heaters for the oil pan along with others including an outlet plug-in with thermostatic control. Battery warmers, etc.

Oil pan heater pads designed for car heaters, diesel engine heaters, replaces block heater, hydraulic oil heater, marine engine heater, volkswagen beetle, farm tractor heater,

Go to the bottom of the page and hit the "home" button to see their other products too.

Dec 1, 2009 | 07:20 PM

gearloose1

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Joined: Jul 2005

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There is a fundamental limit to a house circuit (15amp) plug that says you can't get more than 110V X 15 amp = about 1,500 watt net of line losses, etc.

Most block heaters are 900 to 1,000 watt.

So no matter what you do, unless you are into 220V, or special high amp plugs, you are not going to get more out of a electric plug.

Dec 1, 2009 | 07:29 PM

barnbridge

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Joined: Aug 2004

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From: Schwenksville,Pa

Look no further. Here is what you want. I wired it to the same plug as the block heater and now my coolant AND oil are warm at startup. I put them on a 3-4 hour timer. Together they draw about 14 amps so a regular 15 amp timer works fine. I use model 16, fits perfectly.

Wolverine Engine Oil Heaters - Products

Dec 1, 2009 | 11:05 PM

Beachbumcook

Got Diesel?

Joined: Jan 2004

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Personally, I would use a good, name brand synthetic 5W-40 oil is not doing so already. It makes for easier starts being a 5W weight oil and it protects like a 40 weight oil when at operating temperatures.

Adding an anti-gel fuel additive which also contains a cetane booster also makes for easier starts (I personally use Powerservice in the white bottle).

When I plug in, I use a 12 guage extension cord plugged into an outdoor rated timer that is rated for 1,000 or more watts. I set it to come on at least 3 - 4 hours before I am to leave in the AM. Any more than that and it is a waste of electricity... but it will not hurt your motor to leave on longer... just a waste of electricity you don't need to pay for.

1) I would use 5W-40 oil as my first option.

2) Add anti-gel as the second option.

3) Have good (less than 4 year old batteries) - for max CCA's.

Good luck,

Dec 2, 2009 | 09:59 AM

03f2506.0

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Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 189

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From: Bridgewater, NJ

Barnbridge is right on. I have the same oil pan heater & it works great. When I'am in Maine & the temps get to -20 I have the oil pan & block heater pluged in for 3-4 hours & it starts great. This is with Motorcraft 15W/40 oil & it starts every time. Just take it easy until the motor heats up.