engine heaters

[BarryG]

I will finally make it up for ice fishing this year and need to know if I need some sort of heater to keep my engine warm when I won't be using the van? I see all the cars and trucks going around with the plug hanging out and I don't want to get into a pinch when I'm up there! Thanks!

[Norsky]

Most vehicles don't have a problem unless your battery is old. If it's 4-5 yrs or older I'd suggest a new one.

[Animal]

An engine heater is a plus especially if you have an old engine with a carb. Newer vehicles start in almost any temp if you have a good battery. I live in northern MN and take a couple winter trips to Canada and I haven't plugged a vehicle in for the past 15 years. My 2003 Ford truck doesn't have one. I don't think one is necessary for late modle vehicles as long as you have a good battery and the vehicle is tuned.

[Lost]

My buddy just got a new truck and it came with both an engine and battery heater. One of the problems that I've seen in the past with cars is if they use too heavy of an oil they'll have problems starting the car. Also, if the battery is old or has any internal damage it will have problems in the cold. If you're running diesel instead of gasoline you may want a heater also. I've got a magnetic oil pan heater that I may or may not use. Gotta see how my vehicle operates.

[BarryG]

I'll be driving a 2004 mini-van, that battery should be new enough...I hope!
Thanks!

[Big-Al]

Easier starting is not the only reason for using an engine heater. My vehicles will start just fine even on a really chilly (-40's) Minnesota morning. Just think of the wear and tear you avoid by having an oil temp above zero versus -40. It takes way longer for the protection the oil is supposed to give to get to bearings and cylinder walls if it is -40 compared to above zero. I would guess that using an engine heater versus not saves 10's of thousands of miles in terms of wear and tear on an engine.

[Valv]

If you want there are small heaters that have a magnetic plate, you stick them under oil pan and plug them in at night.
They don't work as well as regular block heater (they don't have much power), but they keep oil from getting too cold and thick. Price around $ 15.00/$20.00 at any hardware store.

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Val Vignati

www.kvesurplus.com
[email protected]

[Nutty Fisherman]

I have heard that some cars have aluminum oil pans that a magnet will not stick to.Make sure you don't have one of them.