My Jetta doesen"t have a block heater, but it looks like there is a boss to bolt on something in a recess at the back of the oil sump. It has 3 tapped holes around a round flat spot inset into the sump. Am I dreaming or is this what it is intended for. Haven't found it online yet. anyone have any info Cheers Dan
Ok so I found out what the boss is for , in some cars there is an oil level sender. That is where it goes. too bad it is an excellent spot for an oil pan heater. Cheers Dan
On my buddies golf they just used a silicone heating mat. If you get the oil pan good and clean you can use RTV to attach right to the bottom of the oil pan.
That being said, we've never had problems getting ours going in the winter. It's not like it gets super cold in BC during the winter. Synthetic oil is a wonderful thing...
Coolant heater > oil pan heater. I love my 1000W coolant heater. Instant heat.
On my buddies golf they just used a silicone heating mat. If you get the oil pan good and clean you can use RTV to attach right to the bottom of the oil pan.
That being said, we've never had problems getting ours going in the winter. It's not like it gets super cold in BC during the winter. Synthetic oil is a wonderful thing...
Not in vernon maybe, but clearwater in january, thats a different story. -30!
Not in vernon maybe, but clearwater in january, thats a different story. -30!
We can get -30 here too! But never for all that long. I also noticed the OP is located in Coquitlam, which is more mild than here.
I am now looking at one of the silicone rubber heating pads from McMaster carr. they come in a variety of sizes and power ratings. My pan is dry and clean of oil , (not used to that in a diesel). I'm thinking of somewhere between 200-500 watts. I don't think i need anywhere near 1000W. Coquitlam is not that cold but I feel that a warmed engine wears less than one started from dead cold all the time, gets better fuel mileage too. Cheers Dan
I installed a radant type heater to the back side of the block last year on the wifes car 2000 jetta i belive it was 500 watt it is very good about 2 sec glow plug lite in garage at -20. I wanted to do a write up about it but am still trying to get pics posted. hopefuly soon.
Mark.
I am now looking at one of the silicone rubber heating pads from McMaster carr. they come in a variety of sizes and power ratings. My pan is dry and clean of oil , (not used to that in a diesel). I'm thinking of somewhere between 200-500 watts. I don't think i need anywhere near 1000W. Coquitlam is not that cold but I feel that a warmed engine wears less than one started from dead cold all the time, gets better fuel mileage too. Cheers Dan
There are two considerations: how much heat do you need (in Coquitlam, ANYTHING should be adequate)? and what roads do you travel? If you do a lot of deep snow or back road bashing, and your engine is exposed, the oil pan heaters can get beat up. If you are just running around the lower mainland on all of that dead smoothe asphalt, you will be fine.
Of course, starting is strongly affected by pump/injector/engine condition and use of appropriate (synth) oil.