Warming engine oil, pre-start!

[ronco]

I read alot of posts about plugging in and proper warming of the Cummins. Has anyone thought of also warming the engine oil, pre-start? If you go to Jegs.com and enter the following number in there search box, 710-23995, take a look and tell me what you think. I have a very moderate climate compared to some of the "Eskimos" here, LOL. BTW, the web site above lists three different sizes and wattage levels for the oil pan heaters. Also, instead of changing oil on a truck that is hot from use, why not just heat the oil in the pan to drain well and help remove any deposits? The power cords appear to be short and would need lengthening, but that is a small hurdle for most of us. Everyone take a look and give your opinion.



TIA



Ronco

 

[illflem]

Oil pan heaters are quite common in the northern states, Alaska and Canada. On lots of gassers that's all that's used. They won't help a lot with starting on a diesel but will get oil pressure up sooner. Just using a pan heater in moderately cold climates could be a good lower wattage ($) alternative to the block heater.

 

[Midnite]

I've got a similar heater on the oil pan of my '92, and I like it a lot. I'm not sure how powerful mine is since it was on the truck when I bought it. I haven't bothered to do any testing with the oil pan heater removed, but when it's -20F I am certain it helps.



This isn't really related to your question but I thought I'd throw it out anyhow--most multiple heater installations I've seen don't have adequate wire gauge to carry all the amps pulled by everything. For example, the 1982 Mercury Capri 5. 0L I used to have had a tank style coolant heater, an oil pan heater, and a battery warmer. Unfortunately, the previous owner had plugged all that into a tiny little extension cord which eventually melted. On my truck I have both heaters plugged into a junction box which is wired to a short length of heavy gauge extension cord.



If you get one of the Moroso heaters you described, I wouldn't bother with the 500 watt model--the 360w will be entirely adequate.



Regarding the use of the pad heater to pre-heat the oil prior to an oil change, I suppose it would work okay. I've never tried it myself--I always just run an errand or something and then change the oil when I get back home. I wouldn't think it would get the oil very hot though, and certainly nothing like normal driving would.



Mike

 

[radixr]

The main reason for draining your oil when it is hot, is because that is when most of the unfiltered contaminates from your oil pan are in suspension and will come out with the hot oil. Heating up your oil externally will not get rid of these contaminates since they have settled out to the bottom of the pan.

 

[georgej]

Ronco,



I've got one of these on my rig. Two years and still works good and the cord is long enough to snake up to the front so you can plug 'em both in at the same time!



http://www.engineheaters.com/

 

[ronco]

GoergeJ,



Does it really heat the whole engine if left on overnight? Like my post said, I have mild weather compared to some of you. My winter might actually last a month here and get down into the low 20's on a "cold night". LOL Thanks for the link.



Ronco

 

[hammersley]

what about the drain plug????

On our rig - has anubody actually seen how big it is - afterall heating 4-5 quarts on a gasser is different than our situation - but sounds intriguing. When I was young, when it got really cold in hunting camp, the guys would use charcoal the night before they knew they were going to leave..... best not have any gas leaks... .

 

[WDaniels]

Ronco,

that heating pad in Jegs is way to big size wise for our oil pans. I have two 150 watt 4x6 pads on my pan. One on the left and one on the right side of the sump that is held on with silicone sealant. They are more than enough to heat my oil even when it's -50. That one in jegs has to much wattage also. The more wattage the more heat, to much heat and they will burn up. Seeing as how you live in a mild climate you wouldn't need more than one 200 watter if that much. Get with a NAPA and they should be able to look up in their computer on what we use up here. The cords on the ones we get up here are around 5' long. If not pm me for a part number. Hope this helps.

one of the "Eskimos" Do you know where your reindeer are?

 

[ronco]

WDaniels,



I agree that too much heater is got good. I prefer to heat the oil slowly for several hours, instead of turning it into "coke deposits" in a short period. And yes, I know where my reindeer are. I took them out of the yard last week along with Santa and Frosty and put them in storage 'till next Christmas! LOL



Ronco

 

[mgoncalves]

FWIW-On some Case construction equipment, there is a port in the side of the oil pan. I was told by a Case mechanic friend of mine that it is used for an oil heater in conjunction with the coolant heater. After pouring 10 degree oil into my engine on the last change, I can see a big advantage to having warm oil on startup.