Oil Pan Heater

[Archive]

Does anyone use a oil pan heater. The one in particular I was looking at using was the 250 watt from ProHeat.

I'm thinking this could be helpful for two reasons on the really cold days I could use both the block heater and the oil pan heater, and on the warmer days I could use just the oil pan heater and draw a little less electricity.

What are the pros and cons to using one of these? The price isn't too bad so the addition of one of these may be worth the money.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[Archive]

I went out and measured the temp of the bottom of my oilpan with my infrared thermometer when the outside temp was 0°and the truck had been parked outside with the block heater plugged in for 12 hours,it was 42°. At that temp you don't need 10-40 oil let alone a pan heater. With just the oilpan heater you will probably still need to cycle the grid heater until the outside temp is 50°. I like using the block heater because the grid heaters don't come on at all,for me down to -25°. I figure it saves on wear of the grid heater components and batteries so that you will have them when you need them.

------------------
95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[Archive]

illflem,

Thanks for the temp reading. I would have figured that the oil pan temp would have been lower. I wonder if there is any difference if the block heater is only plugged in for only a couple hours because I have mine on a timer. I agree though, if the temp of the oil is 42 with the block heater alone, no need for anything else. Thanks a lot, I also appreciate the factual info, ie temp reading, this made my decision much easier.

 

[Archive]

Cooker,I'm sure the amount of time the heater is plugged in will make a difference. The oil is only warmed by heat transfer though the block. Here's other temps I recorded the same 0°day,top of hood:10°,side of block:72°,intake manifold:82°,radiator&heater hoses:122° and center of steering wheel:20°.

 

[Archive]

Bill, Your having too much fun with the thermometer #ad