I'm looking for something simple. Not worried about heaving heat right away, just want to make it easier on the truck in extreme cold temps.

I was thinking about the magnetic pad type heater for the oil pan and a pad under the battery.

Don't really wanna spend all the time installing the circulating type or the freeze plug type.

What are you thoughts? I'm going to go pick something up tomorrow as the temps will be back to 0F or lower in a few days.

As I said, not worried about getting the cab warm faster, just want something to help the engine more than my own comfort.

Thanks.

 

I'm considering setting up the truck for next winter on a battery maintainer and a oil pan pad by wolverine.

 

Anyone know where to find the pad / magnetic type pan heaters? Besides online? All Auto parts stores seem to be special order. I want to have one for this weekend.

 

You are better off without any type of heater at all. A battery maintainer is ok if you want, but if you put a heater on the oil pan all you are going to do is have condensation forming between the warmer and colder parts of the motor. Modern engines if maintained properly don't need any type of starting aid (except for diesels and they are factory equipped). You have the same truck that is used in much colder climates than you are at with no problems at all. Bottom line...modern engines are designed to be operated in most any climate and block heaters of any type are a waste of money in gas engines manufactured within the past 20 years.

 

Thanks for the reply. Wouldn't condensation form when the engine naturally heats and cools anyway? If a heating pad on the pan would not actually benefit in anyway, I won't waste my money. Obviously, vehicles have a slightly harder time starting in the extreme cold, leading me to believe some type of heating device wouldn't be a bad thing.

In extreme cold starts (it was just -31F here last week) two things are different. One, it doesn't turn over as fast. Which is probably do to the cold battery. And two, it makes a "zip" sound right after it starts. Some says it's the power steering.

That said, the truck definitely doesn't start the same in the cold, and I was just looking for a way to help it out.

 

The condensation will 'burn off' when the entire engine comes up to operating temp. The slower starting is just the cold oil and cranking resistance..not a problem. The '"zip" sound is the power steering relief valve...the high fluid pressure (cold fluid) is higher than needed for the system..again normal. IMHO, and I have been around for quite a while a heater in these modern gas engines is a waste of $$. If someone wants to buy them, there will be people that will take your money for them. Relax and save your money..you are not hurting your truck at all. That being said, you do what makes you feel good..it's your truck.

 

Thank you for your honest opinion. I do appreciate your time.

 

Not a problem.....I try to help if I have experience with the subject area being questioned. Have a great evening !

 

Many of us in Canada experience regularly, what you are seeing this winter. (-30 temperatures) Most vehicles here come factory equipped with block heaters, so the manufacturers obviously think that it's a good idea. They are likely an available option on new vehicles purchased in the US as well, maybe part of a "cold weather package."

A lot of people, especially those who live in the South, have trouble imagining -40 degrees. I wish that I would never have to see those temperatures again. When an engine, fuel and air are all that cold, the fuel has trouble atomizing to start proper ignition. On top of that, your battery can be a little weaker and your oil is thicker. All of those things make an engine more difficult to start. Using full synthetic oil makes a cold engine start easier, and so does an engine heater of some type. Modern fuel injection systems have greatly improved cold weather starting. The old carbureted engines were lots of fun in really cold weather.

If you are thinking of installing a heater, the recirculating type are easy because they get installed in one of the heater hoses. The block type are a little more work because it can sometimes be difficult to knock out a freeze plug when the engine is installed in the vehicle.

A "battery blanket" (heater) helps, but the best bang for your buck will be an engine heater of some type. (block or recirculating) For a temporary solution, a magnetic heater on the oil pan will help. As far as the condensation issue goes, make sure that you run and fully warm up your engine every couple of days. If your engine coolant is in good condition, it should be good to -40 degrees or more. You likely won't experience those cold temperatures for more than a week at a time.

NAPA Auto Parts sells several circulating type for well under $100 that will work great for the minimal use you will be require. They also have lots of the in block type. http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Res...eyword|Keyword

 

I've been looking at 2010s and 2011s and they are all equipped with block heaters at the local dealers. It seems Ford finds it beneficial. As to answer your question, I have no idea where to go about getting one. I just went with a remote start instead.

 

The circulating tank heaters are the best, and they are not hard to install. You do need to drain the radiator or you will have a mess on the floor.

 

You need an Espar Hydronic 4 Gasoline.

Cool-it.ca sells it for around $800.

http://www.cool-it.ca/Text/116121164...8163062-4942/#

 

i put the freeze plug block heater in mine. it isnt as much work as you would think and definitly worth it. my truck sits outside and i was burning alot of gas warming it up on the cold icy snowing mornings. i plug it in when i get home from work and leave it plugged in even if its going to sit all weekend. (increase in electric bill offset by gas savings). it takes a fraction of the time to heat up and clear the windows. most mornings i just jump in and go, no time waiting to heat up. i dont get full heat instantly but its noticably warmer. and the power steering doesnt whine on the real cold single digit mornings, the engine never strugles to turn over and never cranks over slow.