Alternatives to a Block Heater?

[ksa8907]

The problem with the hair dryer is that it is very indirect heat. You're counting on the hot air to heat the block but air is very easily heated and cooled, not much heat capacity.

[XYZ]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

You can use an external heater, but a hair dryer is about 50 to 100 times too small.
If you could direct the output of a small furnace under the hood that would do it.
Or get a block heater.

Indeed. You are just wasting heat energy in blowing cold air around and trying to heat something else. Electricity doesn't come free. It's a waste of money.

To add to the "small furnace" concept: You could build a fire underneath the car and BBQ the engine.

Bring hot dogs and hamburgers. Have a winter picnic. Hope that the fuel lines don't ignite, because you might burn your weenie.

(Disclaimer: this is only an attempt at humor. "Remember, kids, "don't try this at home"!)

[Cobb]

I used a hair dryer to successful start a old diesel vw. I stuck the end of the hair dryer into the air intake and let it sit for 45 minutes. The tube, part of the intake and head were warm.

I think you are better with the heating pad to oil pan vs just an air to air heat exchanger.

[teoman]

Look what I found on AliExpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3284...846125579.html

Would this kind of block heater be of any use or is ti junk?

[Fingie]

Originally Posted by teoman

Look what I found on AliExpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3284...846125579.html

Would this kind of block heater be of any use or is ti junk?

why does it have a Transformers logo?

electric and obscure chinese stuff- would not put anywhere flammable

[Fingie]

in finland, we heat the engines of tractors and log harvesters with gas.



just hook up the quick connectors and start heatin'

[teoman]

Unfortunately I do not live in Finland at the moment.

I am currently in istanbul which is very very urban, i doubt i would be able to hookup propane to the car in a closed garage.


How about a respectable version of the above device?

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by Fingie

in finland, we heat the engines of tractors and log harvesters with gas.

Attachment 23660

just hook up the quick connectors and start heatin'

This is similar to electric race car heaters.

https://pitstopusa.com/i-23928869-cr...-hose-kit.html