inexpensive Oil Tank Heater

pequeajim · Dec 22, 2004

I tried to start my PT 425 on a cold morning and experienced the problems that some of you have had when the temperature gets down around 10 degrees.

Rather than spend $40 x 2, I looked around my garage to see if I could find something that might work at heating up the oil tank??

I found this oil filled radiator that we picked up at a yard sale for $5.00.

pequeajim · Dec 22, 2004

My wife said, "why don't you slide that thing under the oil tank?"

Boy, did I feel like a city boy! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

But you know what? It works great! Heats up the tank pretty quickly at the 300 watt setting and I could set it higher if I wanted to like if it was colder out.

Thanks honey!

pajoube · Dec 22, 2004

Great idea, thanks for sharing.
PJ

pequeajim · Dec 22, 2004

When she suggested putting the radiator under the tank, I didn't think it would fit. In reality, it slides under with about 1/4" clearance from the fins, so it is pretty efficient and heats the whole bottom of the tank. Of course, hot oil rises and the cold stuff cycles down to the bottom, over and over...

What a woman! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

MuncyBob · Dec 22, 2004

Never underestimate a woman's ability to point out the obvious to us men! LOL! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

MossRoad · Dec 22, 2004

Hey, good idea. I thought those things had tip over switches so they wouldn't run on their sides.

pequeajim · Dec 23, 2004

A new one may have that, but this one works fine on it's side. Maybe the oil filled ones do not have the tip over switch as there is nothing to catch fire?

Anyway, that would be something to check out if you buy an oil filled radiator for this purpose.

bmac · Dec 23, 2004

I thought those things had tip over switches so they wouldn't run on their sides. 

I was thinking the same thing. We had one of those a number of years ago (I think back in the mid 80's) and we were under the impression that it had a tip over switch also. At least in this case, the absent safety feature is a benefit.

Jim, now take the money your bride saved you and take her out to dinner. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

pequeajim · Dec 24, 2004

( Jim, now take the money your bride saved you and take her out to dinner. )

Did that tonight at the Shady Maple.. hmmmmmm /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

PhilNH5 · Jan 4, 2005

( Did that tonight at the Shady Maple.. hmmmmmm )

I used to live on the edge of Lancaster County. Have not been to nor thought of the Shady Maple in years. Your post brought back pleasnat memories. Wonderful place to eat but only in the off season.

Phil