Author Topic: Block Heater question (Read 6844 times)

The Mad Hatter · « **on:** October 20, 2008, 08:34:19 am »

Well, first cold morning of the year here, and the VW was a little rough to start this morning. I'm pretty sure i have a glow plug (or two) out, but she started right up, ran rough for a few seconds, then was fine. I want to put a block heater on her just to make it a little easier. I have found a "universal" one that just sticks to the block with magnets and heats to 250C. My only question is where to locate the heater so it is effectful, and will there be any issues with oil being on the engine (i have a yet to be found oil leak). Thanks for the help!

zukgod1 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 20, 2008, 10:03:54 am »

I've never used one of the magnetic ones.

I'm sure it's better than nothing but I would rather see ya use a actual block heater that's in the coolant.

If you cant use one of those I guess try the magnet one..

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #2 on:** October 20, 2008, 10:13:21 am »

most diesel engines have the block heater plug in port in the back of the block, you just find the port and plug the cord into it. you might not have it down there in the south because its so warm maybe they didn't have them 'standard issue', then it will just be a freeze plug. if you look around the back of the block you may find the 3-prong connector port of the block heater.

although you probably dont need it unless you have engine problems you don't want to deal with and you just want to make it through winter (i hear that). i don't use one anymore and it gets -20 celsius up here. cheers

fdnyguy · « **Reply #3 on:** October 20, 2008, 03:45:15 pm »

Not sure how cold it gets by you, but I bought a magnetic block heater as well. I may have a glow plug or 3 to replace, but I put mine on the oil pan. Easy to get to makes it easy on and off.

And rarely have a problem starting mine up.

Hope this helps.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #4 on:** October 20, 2008, 04:10:30 pm »

I would put it on the oil pan.

My only thought is, can you ruin your oil by heating it to 250? I can't seem to recall what normal operating temps are

Dakotakid · « **Reply #5 on:** October 20, 2008, 04:29:16 pm »

In really cold conditions, I have used magnetic heaters on the base of the oil pan in conjunction with a true block heater. Those heaters are about 3 inches by 4 inches in rectangular shape. It really seems to help loosen up that oil and I think some of the heat "migrates" up the rods to a certain extent. I found that it does help to get the oil moving and to aid with "lighting" the fire in the engine.

I also used these on Mk I fuel tanks when I was caught with #2 (old magnetic tanks) in the cold. Never torched my cars or anything!!

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2008, 12:42:13 am »

I know the oil will cook before the block over heats or blows a HG. and it stttiiinkkks.
my block heater, in the center frost plug, heats the entire thing crom cam cover to oil pan to a cozy warm glow

The Mad Hatter · « **Reply #7 on:** October 21, 2008, 05:00:05 pm »

Well, thanks for the info guys! Lucky me, my car has NO block heater. Just freeze plugs. So, i guess i will invest in a magnetic one, and slap it on the oil pan in the mornings after i get up.

rallydiesel · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2008, 05:13:18 pm »

One on the oil pan will help a lot. I have one on my BRM and it makes a big difference once it starts to get really cold (-40C). You can also get ones that glue to the oil pan.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #9 on:** October 21, 2008, 05:52:00 pm »

Get one for your transmission too while you are at it

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #10 on:** October 22, 2008, 01:22:01 am »

do people commonly use tran. heaters?

zukgod1 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 22, 2008, 07:35:26 am »

I dont think so, sure couldnt hurt when its really cold out though.

The Mad Hatter · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2008, 04:25:23 pm »

Don't think it gets cold enough here for that (15C at the worst). You guys think a 250 degree heater will cook the oil in the pan?

jtanguay · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2008, 05:29:17 pm »

Quote from: "The Mad Hatter"

Don't think it gets cold enough here for that (15C at the worst). You guys think a 250 degree heater will cook the oil in the pan?

i don't personally think you would... a company actually sells heaters that go directly into the oil and work just fine. they thread into the oil drain plug. the heat will rise naturally, and dissipate out of the oil pan and upwards using convection to heat the rest of the engine.

shegel · « **Reply #14 on:** October 22, 2008, 10:09:46 pm »

i've used both and i have to say i was not impressed with the magnetic one. it didnt seem to help my car...though that could be because its tired or was tired