Has anyone tried these oil pan heater kits. I see them at local autoparts stores. Since living in AK, I sometimes visit Fairbanks where it averages -40 below at times in the winter.
Are they durable? I just want to eliminate some of that awful metallic tapping noise at initial startup. Any opinions??






[This message has been edited by Jupiterak (edited 08-20-2000).]

 

That style of heater has been around here a long time and I know several people that use them. They seem to help, but I think there are better systems available. A friend of mine went ahead and covered his with something that insulated -- I think he wrapped the entire oil pan and got much better results. I have seen some of the dipstick heaters and those seem to help some also. I've heard of a heater/pump that taps into the coolong system and heats up the antifreeze and pumps it through. This sounds like a good idea as it heats the block. I have not seen one of these yet and am interested to hear if someone has one installed.

Steve

 

I live in Fairbanks and yes those oil pan heaters work. I use the 75 watt but they also stock 150 in the parts stores. Keeps the oil warm and ready to go. Also have a 75 watt on the transmission. The block heater plug is the only way to go. My truck never fails to start. If you get one use the red high temp silicon and put it on thick, plug in for about 3 minutes to help it cure.

[This message has been edited by stephen muscio (edited 08-21-2000).]

 

The oil pan heater looks like it would help. Since it's only heating the oil and pan I don't think it would be nearly as effective as a block heater.
I have a Ford block heater on my '95. The previous owner went to Canada quite frequently, and they dealt with -30 and -40 temps at times. Here in Va Beach I don't have much need for it... The good thing about a block heater is that it will allow water to circulate through the thermostat because of the bleeder valve. The block, coolant, and radiator all get warmed up some. Besides having your truck already warmed up for operation, the coolant is warm so you can get the heat blowing right away!

 

I would be very careful about a heater assembly. The best ones have a slow-heat approache that have a large element that heats the _OUTSIDE_ of the pan. This is to help prevent oil cook-off and sludge deposit formation.

A better answer might be to switch to a high quality synthetic and get better cold weather/starting/cling protection. Then add the heater for the _REALLY_ cold days. (in excess of -80F)

Both Amsoil and Mobil make an oil that flows freely in the -50+F range, this should help a lot.

Randy