Dip Stick Block Heater

[Ford]

I just did a search of this forum for the above subject and found nothing. I would suppose the subject has been well covered already. Most all engine driven power equipment live outdoors winter and summer. Mine is in an attached garage, albiet unheated. Has anyone used these things to facilitate cold weather starting (like snowblowing) ??? Ford

[thedaddycat]

I've heard a few folks say they use an oil pan heater or just a plain old light(can't recall if it was just high wattage or an IR spotlight bulb) under the engine to "preheat" the engine before starting it up. I don't recall hearing anyone say they used a dipstick type heater.

[BLT]

Oil is a real poor conductor and a dipstick doesn't have enough wattage to help the heat radiate out. And if the heater is for an air engine, there isn't enough depth of oil, plus there aren't any made that I am aware of. A small wattage hair dryer would work better. My two pennies worth.

[Mack]

http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=44165&SearchTerms=engine,heater

[Ford]

Thanks Mack. I found one on e-bay at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7957601619&category=6763 15 bucks including shipping. I think the point is not to heat the whole engine, but warm up the oil at least to what it would be in the 40 degree ambiet temp range, when it's like 10 degrees in the barn. Ford

[Mack]

quote:

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Description This is a universal engine heater that heats your oil by inserting this heater in your dipstick tube. Helps your vehicle start easy'er on those frigid mornings. This is universal and fits virtually all engines. For Cars Trucks Tractors or anything else you have an engine in. This is model 15200 / OH2 75 watts , 120 volt. Fits any standard outlet. The heating part is 20" in length. Get'em while I got'em....yeah half the price of others selling on eBay. Buyer pays 5.00 shipping. PayPal or money order within 10 days. Thanks for bidding. Audi American Motors Corporation Allis Chalmers AMC Buick Cadillac Chrysler Chevy Chevrolet Dodge Farmall Farm All Geo Hyundai Isuzu International John Deere Jeep Kia Mitsubishi Oldsmobile Plymouth Pontiac Porsche VW Volkswagen GMC GM Nissan Datsun Toyota Dip Stick

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Since "The heating part is 20" in length",how much of it would actualy in the oil?

[andy gartner]

My two cents When I lived on the canadian border in Northern NY, we used block heaters every night in the -30 degree winter weather. So-Get yourself a small foreign car H2O radiator, and a professional engine block heater set-up. You'll be much happier...:) ...yes, I know your engine is air cooled...I haven't quite worked out all the details yet.;)

[Ford]

Thanks guys, I opted for a magnetic block heater from NAPA. We'll see how it works out. Ford

[MPH]

Not sure which tractor your using the heater on Ford but if its an older style with solid metal frame under your engine the magnetic style will be rather slow getting heat to the engine because of the gap between the frame and the engine. The glue on heatpads work excelent as they slide right under a cast iron Briggs. I use 75 Watt ones on mine and a cold engine will be warm to touch at 30 below in a couple hours and start like its summer time.

[PhanDad]

Here in PA where it doesn't get as cold many of the above posters, I've had much success heating the carb area on my B&S single cylinder engines. The gas easily vaporizes and the 'ole Briggs fires right up. At first I used a heat lamp mounted in a shild and this worked ok, but was slow. I then purchased a heater that mounts on a propane tank (about 10" round available at Home Depot/Lowes) to heat my work space in my unheated garage. I now use that to preheat the carb area. It does a great job and it's fast - but I watch it closely since there is live fire only a foot or so away from the carb.

[IronPony]

I would use Mobile 1 oil to keep a pourable sub zero oil in my tractor. Check out the demo's that Martin has posted about oil pouring at -40. That would be the only reason to heat the oil pan in cold weather. Otherwise heat the carb for easy starting. I think that with synthetic oil your motor will turn over better, in cold conditons, which will allow for an easyer start. Just my thoughts. Dan

[debalko]

Just a warning, I have heard of fires starting when the dipstic or other contact heater is not fully submerged. In a small motor this would likely be the case.

[MPH]

Have also hear of dipstick heatters boiling the oil right around the heatter. Not sure where I heard that as its been years ago.

[Al]

Hi, I have seen Pan heaters advertised, I believe some of the auto supply houses sell them. They are thin and flexible and come with an adhesive to glue them right to the pan or block. I would think these would have merit. I personally have never seen them, but have seen them advertised in automotive trade journals. My 2 cents worth, its free, value accordingly. Al Eden. May want one of them for me, in the future. Friday was in Gravely school and ended up with an ambulance ride to the emergency room. Heart spell, looks like in the not too distant future will need to get my motor stopped and jump started. Hope it solves the problem. As I was on the stretcher, I told the instructor, Lee, it's not your fault, it wasn't that boring. Al

[SimpleMan]

I've found that using synthetic 5W 30 oil a good solution. Engine cranks fine with that in it.

[ambler]

Al It sounds like you might need a repower! I hope your OK, Do they want to do bypasses? I run mobil 1 either 5-30, or 5-30 and 10-30. When it was 0degrees it started right up. If it does I go inside.

[Al]

Ambler, I have needed to be repowered for a long time. I have high hopes it will ultimately result in a medicine change and stopping my heart and restarting it. For now I have some more tests to go through. Just hope the starter works and is wired right. Al

[johnmonkey]

Sory to hear about the ambulance ride Al. I hope you get everything checked out and running smoothly. John H

[CarlH]

Although I don't have vast experience with starting these tractors in extremely cold weather, I would think besides using a lower viscosity synthetic motor oil you should also consider keeping the battery warm since battery output falls off substantially with low temperature.

[andy gartner]

Al Hope you're Ok.

[comet66]

They can do some amazing things inside the old ticker today Al. All kinds of new tools and technology. Heck about 6 years ago they were inside my heart at 7:00 in the morning with 4 different voltage and RF probes just a working away and by 5:00 PM I was home in my easy chair. That stuff is largely rutine nowadays. Take care of yourself.

[comet66]

Ford: Apoligies to you sir! Nobody meant to hijack your post. It just kinda happened.

[Agricola]

I have a couple of heaters that are suppose to be used behind a mirror to keep it from fogging. They are 12 V I think so with some kind of power supply, they might do it for you. If anyone is interested in trying them, drop me a note and I will send a couple out.

[BigSix]

Al: I hope your ticker gets overhauled as successfully as the rave reviews I've read here about your repower kits. Peter

[orangeone]

Keep a good eye on the charging sys,and use Mobil 1. Mine sets in a shed with no heat and starts and the coldest of temps.