Engine heater

[hwp]

A magnetic heater that attaches to the oil pan is OK for gas engines. It will keep the oil warm but not the block, but that is OK because ignition comes from the spark plugs. OTH, a diesel engine uses compression for combustion and if the block is cold it is more difficult to get combustion, so a heater that warms the coolant and hence the block is required. BTW, in colder climates, a battery heater can be a godsend as it will enable the battery to deliver more punch on cold days.

 

[cchoate]

The magnetic heater I use has a surface temp of 300-400 degrees F. The heat should transfer from the pan to the block and keep the block semi-warm also. I was going to install a in-line block heater but it's just something else to leak, break, repair and maintain.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I was at the part store and saw and bought one of the magnetic heaters got home and guess what the pan on a 3130 is aluminum.

 

[Egon]

Now is the time when a good man reaches for his duct tape.
Perhaps high temp silicon will stick it on.

Egon

 

[art]

I'd say you don't have to have one in your area. If you want one go for the block installed one as the lower radiator ones I have no respect for. The upper part of the block is what you want heated to start a cold diesel not the radiator. Plus there is the problems of leaks on the radiator hose units.