Engine block heater in fall, spring & Summer

[TXwaterdog]

Originally Posted by ConnClark

Last year when my battery was dying and all but one of my glow plugs went out I used a blanket over the hood and grill with some success while at work. (Covering up the grill is the most important)

Thanks! I'll try the blanket over the hood out and see how it works. My car actually has "active grill shutters" or Kysor shutters. It's supposed to close automatically to allow faster warm-ups and keep the engine bay closed while sitting.

[womprat]

A solar panel that could go on a trunk lid or roof of car could output 80-120watts and weight less than 10kg, would this keep the oil pan warm enough to be useful and offset a little FE penalty from the weight?

I was looking at a solar trickle charger for the battery anyway...