Block heaters and such

[JHertzman@xxxxxxx]

In AD7-350 Loyd Heimbruch, responding to Brian Shorey, wrote "I'm also not
sure if they need to be installed in the upper hose or lower hose, but I think
the lower hose makes more sense to facilitate circulation." All the
recommendations I have seen have been very explicit about using the lower
hose, as from there coolant can circulate by thermosiphon effect, while an
upper hose installation outboard of the thermostat would be a radiator upper-
tank heater rather than a block heater.

A dipstick heater, also mentioned, would be attacking the problem where it
doesn't exist, if modern oils flow as freely as they are reputed to.

After I posted my note (in 7-348) on the Kenlowe Hot Start which had been
recommended by Jaap Bouma, I received a note from Carson Damm to whom I had
sent a CC. He mentioned that he now has a battery blanket as well as a heater
in the lower rad hose, and that "There is also a product called an Alaska pad
that is a little (various sizes and wattages) electric rubberized blanket that
you glue to the desired surface. Sump, Transaxle, wherever heat is useful."
The Kenlowe still seems particularly attractive to me for the warm
heater/defroster advantage, but the battery blanket is particularly
noteworthy. Given the loss of efficiency in batteries at low temperatures and
the current state of synthetic oil low-temp viscosities I would guess that
there might be more gain, for starting, in keeping the battery at 70 f than in
keeping the engine coolant warm.

Cordially,

John H.

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