Block heater: OEM or aftermaket?

[ray66v]

One other cheap fix you could try is to lay a 100-watt (or so) incandescent bulb under the hood, then cover the hood -- the whole engine compartment-- with an old blanket. Somewhat inconvenient, but that also works.

On the airplane, I made a 100 watt light bulb holder, with a spring clamp on the bottom, to go up the exhaust pipe. And, laid a 40 watt bulb on each side, on top of the engine. We covered it with heavy blankets, and the engine was toasty in an unheated hangar, all winter.

As far as the wear goes, it's unavoidable. These tractor engines go 3000+ hours, with routine maintenance. It's safe to say, we won't be around to see them wear out.

PS-- And Ray, my original battery is STILL in there & working well! :cool2:

Are we are going to have to start a go fund me page to get you a new battery?

 

[irvingj]

No... our finances have taken a real downturn in the last 9 months, but still hangin' in there! I really think adding that second ground strap (after the first one broke) has been instrumental in keeping the battery healthy -- both during charging and starting.

Sorry for thread hijack, Ray, but... another PS: finally finished both wings, which are now down at the hangar next to 57A... now just to get my A&P/IA in there to put 'er back together! :thumbsup: