Posted by Alan Bowes on September 29, 1997 at 01:56:09:
In Reply to: Re: Engine Pre-Heater posted by Trent on September 28, 1997 at 22:42:48:
: : 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
: Another option that I haven't seen suggested here, is the block heater often called a freeze plug heater. You simply pop a core plug out, make sure the hole is clean , install the heater and torque it down properly. Although this type of heater is a little more difficult to install, it has advantages over the ones installed in the hoses, first it is much less visible, it's in the block and thus heats it more directly, and doesn't rot hoses as I've often seen the others do. I've used this type of heater in very cold weather for many years and it works great.
Yes, that's a good idea. I'd forgotten about the freeze plug heaters. They are a good option, requiring a little more installation effort, but they should last quite a while. I personally still prefer the surge-type heaters, since they 'actively' circulate heated water and distribute the heat more evenly than other heaters. As to hose rot, I really haven't noticed any problem. Perhaps some cheaper hose-type heaters are poorly designed and the heater bodies get so hot that they break down the rubber. I'd stay away from 'bargain' heaters. The new generation of EPDM hoses should eliminate such problems anyway, since they can handle higher temperatures without breaking down. They should last 25 to 30 years (or more) in normal service, and most brands have an integral Nomex or kevlar sleeve that increases their bursting strength to about 8-10 times the normal strength. Naturally, they cost more, but if you're going to keep your vehicle for years and years, it's worth it.
As I said earlier, I'd also use synthetic oil and gear lube in extremely cold weather...whether you use a block heater or not. Oil pressure comes up fast, shifting is much easier, and the synthetic oil still provides better high-temperature film and shear strength than non-synthetic oils. Synthetic oil high-temperature performance has improved vastly in the last two years. I wouldn't use anything else now...regardless of climate.
Anyway, stay warm. It's supposed to be a long, cold winter.
Alan
(Salt Lake City, Utah)