Engine Heater

[Finns]

'98 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 engine. When in Ely in the past the old truck didn't seem to like the cool temps. Wouldn't start last winter in the minus 34 degree weather. We will be staying at motels instead of on street parking (like last time) so should have electrical plugin available. Any recommendations for what style of heater to use to make starting more likely?

[deadeye]

A block heater is the best bet for sure. It really does a very good job. My blazer it actually blows warmish air within 2-5 minutes of starting vs 10-15. The heater should outlast the truck. The only time I have ever had a problem with it was when I didnt secure the cord and it got ripped out by the fan (my own fault).

I have a hose heater in my talon and it has worked great for how easy it was to install. That thing is a very cold blooded beast and it really helps a lot. I am still kinda nervous about that hose being chopped up so I check the clamps once and a while. However, it has been on there for a year now without leaks. When I put that one in I got a new hose and installed the heater before I even had it in the car. Total time was like 5 minutes actually under the hood.

Both will work, both of my vehicles actually melt snow off of the hood when they are plugged in. So you know the battery, oil ect is also just a bit warmer than the ambiant temp. Just depends on how long you want to keep the vehicle and how much work your willing to do.

[Frank Boling 41]

Better be sure and check to see if the motel you stay at in Ely has plug-ins,and are in working order, I know from staying in Ely motels that some places have them and some do not...Was up there winter before last in the older car I had then and did not have a block heater, and the temp got down to -35 or so and car would not start,just like yours.

[jeffreyd]

they make a dipstick that replaces the oem stick that has a heater in it. if you are looking to keep the engine warm it works pretty good. overall a coolant heater is the best like the block heater that is discussed earlier.

[theoilman]

A solution for cold cranking that doesn't need electricity:

Change you engine oil to AMSOIL. With cold flow at -54F (20 to 30 degrees lower than most other oils) you will get much easier cranking. (I had a customer in Alaska recently with a Duramax that never plugged his truck in and it cranked every day there.)

For a 1989 5.9 gasoline I recommend AMSOIL 10W-30, prod. code ATM

[Finns]

Thanks for the replies. I've installed a hose heater years ago in a jeep so somewhat comfortable going that route. Still have a few weeks to decide before heading up north. (thanks for the tip about the plugins)

[SkunkedAgain]

Years ago when my old truck wasn't starting too well in the temps below -10 or -15 degrees, I'd just take the battery inside with me at night. It took all of a minute to disconnect the leads and keep the battery in my warm house.

A core heater is keeping your oil warmed up, but won't help your battery turn over.

[solbes]

I have a factory block heater on my 4.7 Dodge. Works pretty well and starts easier, but it still takes a little while for the air to heat up.

I had a dealer install an oil pan heater in my old Green Goblin Honda Civic. That thing was awesome. It cranked super easy and started blowing warm air almost immediately. 1/3 the engine size of course, almost 1/4 the size of your Ram

[crothmeier]

i agree with oilman, after using and studying the benefits of synthetic. i compare it to maple syrup warmed up compared to cold. the synthetic is like the warm syrup at -30 degrees and the regular oil is like the chilled syrup. its unreal the difference in cold temps.

my pickup wouldnt turn over last winter with 5w-30 napa oil. i switched it out to amsoil and didnt have a problem after!

[shizzy]

Years ago when my old truck wasn't starting too well in the temps below -10 or -15 degrees, I'd just take the battery inside with me at night. It took all of a minute to disconnect the leads and keep the battery in my warm house.

A core heater is keeping your oil warmed up, but won't help your battery turn over.

that has always been my method to the madness. I figure If I can get the engine cranking fast enough, she will fire.

I also agree with the Synthetic oil. that seems to help.

[SkunkedAgain]

All of these things help.