Thermostart vs magnetic oil pan heater

PILOON · Dec 6, 2010

Since a magnetic heater is OUTSIDE the pan it stands to reason that there will be a fair amount of heat loss as compared to a jacket (frost plug) heater.
I have used both and the frost plug style IMHO is the better way to go.

Gary Sweat · Dec 6, 2010

PILOON said:
Since a magnetic heater is OUTSIDE the pan it stands to reason that there will be a fair amount of heat loss as compared to a jacket (frost plug) heater.
I have used both and the frost plug style IMHO is the better way to go.

I would think so too but as luck would have it my engine doesn't have any freeze plugs. I have a high output magnetic heater that I haven't tried yet so we will see how it works. It does caution about removing the paint under it as it will possibly blister the paint so I guess it gets pretty hot.

jonyyuma · Dec 6, 2010

That pan heater will be plenty hot enough to take off paint.The dip stick heater are pretty hot too for automotive uses...This whole concept of the pan full of fuel is new to me. I still remember the gasoline torches we had for our gov. gen stations to heat engines. They were standard equipment.I have seen cutting torches stuck in intakes on welding machines too. Wow..Jy.

Northland · Dec 6, 2010

The magnetic heater may have more heat loss but if it is placed under the oil pan then the heat is going up anyway

The 200 watt Kat's model Magnetic Heater - 0191958 | Tractor Supply Company I have gets very hot so I only put it on unpainted surfaces.

I use it for kinds of applications from warming frozen pipes to tools.

California · Dec 6, 2010

winston1 said:
The manual on mine states to turn the key to thermal start until light goes out

You must have one of them fancy modern tractors with everything automated!

There's no timer or light on the basic Thermostart system that many (most?) of us use.

Gary Sweat · Dec 6, 2010

Since the oil plate (pan) is off right now waiting for the gasket to arrive I thought I would check out the mag heater fit. Doesn't fit anywhere on the pan so

Oh well, maybe I can use it to keep my coffee cup warm:licking:

careyo63 · Dec 6, 2010

Gary, My Mazda guy said that the Elec. Heater works great for the B series Trucks.The bad his got gone long ago

. Should be more than plenty for your little 2cyl. and the TS. He said a man uses one on a Kabota. You could go right down the oil tube worst case. I don't think it would be to much trouble having to put it in and take it out.

Carey

Gary Sweat · Dec 6, 2010

careyo63 said:
Gary, My Mazda guy said that the Elec. Heater works great for the B series Trucks.The bad his got gone long ago. Should be more than plenty for your little 2cyl. and the TS. He said a man uses one on a Kabota. You could go right down the oil tube worst case. I don't think it would be to much trouble having to put it in and take it out.

Carey

Thanks, I just took out the only plug in the block to drain it for new antifreeze change. The hole is open about 2" back into the block before you can see the side of the cylinder. I'll see if I can get one from a Mazda dealer. Will probably have to make an adapter for the threads but shouldn't be too much work. I'm going to take the photo along with me so maybe the parts guy can figure out which one it is.

winston1 · Dec 6, 2010

California said:
You must have one of them fancy modern tractors with everything automated! There's no timer or light on the basic Thermostart system that many (most?) of us use.

OK California, page 22 out of the operation manual for my ym2002 I shall quote. This is all under cold weather starting. "1. Pull throttle completely rearward (full throttle). 2. Pull decompression lever completely. 3. Turn key to "TS" position and hold until the glow indicator goes off. 4. Quickly turn key to start position and crank until engine spins freely-then release decompression knob and engine should start." My light will go off in about 10 seconds, haven't actually put a watch to it. I always thought I had sort of a Cadillac with my wet brakes and power steering. Now that I have the automatic light I'm even more convinced!:laughing::laughing: