Why You Should Never Warm Up Your Car

[nemo]

Originally Posted by markweatherill

Engine oil dilution? Solution: the 3000 mile oil change!

Using modern oils in modern cars a 3k oil change is a waste of money.

[Frank Lee]

All I see here is a few people complaining about how other people warm up their vehicles.

This is why I said that.

[Erasmo]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

But the heat from gasoline is free (if you warm up while driving, instead of idling), while a large fraction of the electricity you use for block heating is wasted, if your goal is simply a clear windshield.

But that isn't the goal, it is a nice added benefit but starting the car with the engine and oil already near operating temperature is the main goal.

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

But the heat from gasoline is free (if you warm up while driving, instead of idling), while a large fraction of the electricity you use for block heating is wasted, if your goal is simply a clear windshield.

No, heat from gasoline isn't free if longer warm up time means more fuel is used (running longer in open loop, greater windage losses etc). That's without factoring in engine wear.

[gumby79]

This is why I'm looking at theas..

From:Eberspacher Hydronic II M12 12v (12kW) Heater Kit - HEATSO
But $1000 is spendy.
Many manufacturers are putting theas or part of this in vehicles. Fuel-driven heater, general description - V70 2007 - Volvo Cars Accessories
The advantages of a hydronic system is it can be plumbed to heat the oils. Self contained, isolated from engine coolant circuit. Heating can be achieved with a tube and fin trans cooler, P/S cooler for M/T and transfer case , ( dime a dozen at recking yards )aluminum foil taped to the bottom of the pan.add some foam more tape. Can be done without interfering with maintenance acces.
Found this wile looking for parts to build one from a propane Instant water heater , a set of check valves, aVw electric circulation pump. Add a remote from a set of Bling Bling leds from Autozone . And wala 15-30min from -40 to 160°f . No plug no problem. I was thinking add tubes in the oil pan and routing the exhaust from the heater, to warm the frosty oil . Till i build the oil pan I was thinkingof gust haveing the ehxsost blow out agenst the oilpan. Thoughts ? your pumping3ga of- 40 oil through your 4ga of 65°water it will take a while to warm all of the oil this is why I'll be idiling my cummins this winter wile pkuged in all the time. Last winter the stock 750w block heater wouldn't even melt the snow off the truck.
I idle till the grid heater cycle time comes down to just a pulse. In the cold, evan with plug and clear glass. Turn on the defrost turn down the temp. To put more load on the engine and warm the air around the radiator. My block off winter front is behind the A/C. So all the heat developed is concentrated on 120*2in aera of the radiator. I've put some thought into cause and effect.
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What temperature can we warm mobile synthetic oil to without causing off gasing/boiling/ cokeing? VS conventional oil?
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[oil pan 4]

I made a 5,500 watt coolant heater for about $50.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...9-a-32503.html
You just have to run the engine to circulate coolant (cuts defrost times more than in half) or plum in an electric coolant pump that circulates coolant without running the engine.

Don't try to heat the oil with exhaust. Heat coolant instead.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ger-29085.html

[gumby79]

I've read your build, inspirational. The 5kw only helps when the frozen motor was running(can add a 12v pump @aproxamitly 125usd) and a has a 220v plug aka only works at home or .000005% of other places . That was fine when I lived in Washington/Portland. Now in Montana, having a failed cold start in the woods can be fatal. You are the one who inspired me to dive into setting up non plug-in pre heater as many community are off-grid. The 5kw block heater would require very expensive solor /battery upgrades , I live in town now but plans are in the works for moving to the country. Plan ahead...
Ordered this :


Eberspacher Hydronic D5WSC Water Heater 24v | eBay and a 12-24v dc-dc converter $500usd, with instalation kit. Aready have a battery isolator, I will be adding a 2nd battery to preserve the starting battery, and give self jump capabilities.
Started a new thread 5KW diesel fired block heater
Gumby Stay Flexible.

[vivo]

nice post.