Posted by Alan Bowes on September 28, 1997 at 20:49:51:
In Reply to: Engine Pre-Heater posted by Gerry Zell on September 28, 1997 at 12:28:27:
: I just found a 1950's "RED HOT" tank type engine heater. This unit attaches to engine and has the coolant run through it. There is an 850Watt electrical heater inside the tank which heats up the coolant.
: I assume you just turn it on some time before you oplan to start the engine. Its new in the box with instruction sheets and all needed hardware.
: Does anyone have any experience with this type of Pre Heater?
: Gerry Zell
Hi, Gerry,
I lived in Minnesota for six years, two of which were in Bemidji ("Brrrrmidji"). -40 degrees F. was not uncommon. I used a tank-type heater on my Ford truck, and it worked admirably. However, if you're not experiencing temperatures below -20 F, I really don't think I'd bother with it. Just use synthetic oil and gear lube, which flows easily when it's very cold, and make sure you have a good battery. I got by just fine in St. Paul for 4 years without an engine heater...never a problem. It would occasionally hit -30 in St. Paul...not as cold as Bemidji, but still pretty chilly.
The other thing to consider is that an electrical appliance that is 40+ years old is likely to have some hardened insulation or other problems...not always visible...depending on how it's been stored. Honestly, if you want to use an engine heater, I'd suggest buying a brand-new one. The ones that I like are the "surge" type heaters that go in-line with your heater hose. They work great and they're very easy to install...and remove. They heat up a small quantity of water in a tank until it boils, then you can hear it surge through the system. This repeats every minute or two. The only thing you have to remember is to leave the heater temperature control on HOT, so the water can circulate. The tank-type heaters that go in a lower radiator hose are another option. However, these depend on some leakage through the engine's thermostat to allow water circulation in a convection cycle (and it isn't always enough), plus the car's radiator is a very effective water cooler, which tends to make these units slightly less efficient than the heater-hose types. An oil pan heater is nice, if you get a good one that will never have to be replaced. I'd steer clear of dipstick-type heaters. I knew a lot of people who had problems with them in Minnesota. Their problem is a lack of much surface area and a very small, lightweight heating element (it has to fit through a dipstick). They would often coke the oil around the heating element, then overheat and burn up.
The only other thing I'd suggest is that if you use the old engine heater, you should use a properly grounded three-prong electrical cord. I don't like the idea of an electrical short to the car's chassis. It could be very disconcerting...not to mention potentially fatal...to be standing on moist ground when you open the car door.
Alan
(Salt Lake City, Utah)