[CoastRider]

I have been thinking about building a solar block heater for my truck

Trying to start a brainstorming session here about creating such a beast, not the benifits of one.

I'm a bit skeptical about the big picture gains from using 750-1500 watts for two hours or however long it takes to heat up the engine on days I would drive, versus driving a cold engine for about 10 minutes. It may be cheaper but I don’t see the need to do the math. However I do value a warm engine especially on a cold day, This will only work when the sun is up but I think it will be effective



I’m thinking flat black alum tube heat collector in a 1 in thick paint sealed styro sheet, recessed plexi cover smooth beveled edges. Mounted on the passenger side of the hood. The panel itself will be 18in x12 in. I will have to drill two holes in the hood, which doesn’t bother me it has a few dents, scratches and creases, holes wont hurt.
I would like to avoid adding a circulation system, would the natural convection be effective? Will it even flow with the inlet and outlet at the same height? The inlet and outlet on the engine will be different heights maybe that’s enough?
Guess it doesn’t matter if I do need powered circulation I could drive it with a 12v solar panel.

Need some plumbing opinions should it be fixed loop flow, ie: always connected no block off or diverter valves. Or would such control of it be useful?
Should I try to Tee it with the heater core inlet outlet at the water pump, or run it in series after the heater core into the engine?


Dont know when I'll get started on the building of this, But I am sure I'll be able to accomplish something here pretty soon.