Oil Pan Heating Pad

[aalb1]

In the spirit of a block heater has anyone tried an Oil Pan Heating Pad? I assume since Most ECU look at the coolant temp opposed to the oil temp. It may not be as effective in saving fuel on cold starts but I still assume it will help. Just looking for some feedback.

http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Sp...pan_heater.htm

[kamesama980]

I think the idea is as viable, convection and conduction will carry heat to the rest of the engine. conduction will leave the oil cold as can be with a block heater and on a cold cold day I've had thick oil make a huge difference in the engine's ability to run.

[Geonerd]

Well, it's only 150 watts. Most block heaters run 500+, so don't expect miracles.

IMO, the low power rating is probably a good thing. I don't see how warmed oil can conduct heat into the engine effectively. Apart from the edges of the oil pan, only the oil pump pickup pipe touches the oil. Applying the full 500W to the oil would just burn it up, without doing much to warm the block.

Is there a flat area on the front of the block where you could stick another?

-Greg

[zero_gravity]

if you want a really good engine heater take a look at the ones that you plumb into the heater core lines under the hood that circulate the coolant while heating it.