12vdc oil dip stick heater ??

jlong · Nov 4, 2003

Looking for information on a plug in type dip stick oil heater. Have not needed anything yet, but in case of a deep freeze sometime, I am wondering if it would be a good idea to have one on hand just in case.

I believe that I read about them somewhere, but could not come up with anything from several searches. Would like to find something that I could plug into 12 vdc power port(cigarette lighter type connector.)

Thanks in advance for all your useful information.

NIXON · Nov 4, 2003

Just a shot in the dark . But at 12V it's going to take a lot of amperage to warm your oil . (V X A =Watts ) that'll pull down a battery in no time . also something a small as a dip stick heater will probably" cook" the oil that's close to it without really sending heat through out the rest of the oil .
I believe a block heater would serve you better in the long run . But then that's just an opinion . John

Bob_Skurka · Nov 4, 2003

I use 120volt block heaters on my diesel truck fleet and asked my dealer about a block heater for my new tractor, he recommended a 120volt dipstick heater and told me the auto parts stores have them cheaper than he could sell me one.

thcri · Nov 4, 2003

I had a dip stick heater for my old Ford Escort many years ago. It was only available in 120 volts if I remember right. As one other poster said, a 12vdc would drain a battery pretty fast and I really don't think it would give off much heat. But I remember my dip stick heater and was very concerned about overheating the oil and wearing it down prematurely. I can remember going out there and you could hear it just a hissing away. One time when I went out when it had been on overnight I put my hand on the intake manifold and it was prettywarm to the touch. That is when I quit using it. It was 10 below that morning. It was suppose to have an automatic shut off and it either didn't shut off or that was just how hot it got. I threw mine away. I would spend the money in a block heater long before I would put any money in a dip stick heater.

just my opinion, if you bought the oil heater and watched how you used it, it would be fine I am sure.

murph

jlong · Nov 5, 2003

Thanks for all your input. Here is my situation. My tractor is kept in a pole barn with no a/c. I use it to provide snow removal for a development during the winter.

In case of a deep freeze, I was considering using a portable power source, the kind you use to jump your car, with a 200w dc to a/c power converter.

I have tested the converter with the kind of lamp used to keep poultry warm and it works, but don't know how effective it would be warming the tractor in real cold temps.

I also could use a propane heater if necessary.

What type of power demand does a block heater have. I've never used one. Do you think a portable power supply could be used with a block heater?

Running a/c is not out of the question, but since I do all my work out of my garage, I've avoided making the 400 foot a/c run to the pole barn.

If the electric dip stick had a thermostat, it sounds like something that could work if the power demand was not too much for the portable power supply

Appreciate any thoughts.

PineRidge · Nov 5, 2003

I might recommend a 110v. magnetic block heater. You can very easily stick it on the bottom of the drain pan and because heat rises that would be the best spot to add heat anyway. I believe Harbor Freight carries an inexpensive unit. And no. I do not own stock in Harbor freight.

spencer200 · Nov 5, 2003

For the occasion that you might want to start your tractor when it is cold I dont think it will be a problem they have always started here in our yard no matter what the temprature is, down down to 0 degrees after that you might want a block heater. How often does it get that cold in West Virginia?

jlong · Nov 5, 2003

It hasn't gotten that cold here in several years, but with access to our home and business depending on it, I would like some kind of plan.

It's my luck that when not prepared-- is when the downhill driveway turns to ice and one of the kids needs to get to the doctor!! I'd rather plan now.

Bob_Skurka · Nov 5, 2003

You might want to look at an infrared radient propane heater. They heat objects not the air. Mr. Heater and Coleman are two brands that come to mind, they throw out about 15,000 to 35,000btus, depending on the size, they run off of a regular 20 pound propane tank and they start throwing heat almost instantly. But you might have to wait awhile before they warm up the engine.

thcri · Nov 5, 2003

Bob,

Being in the HVAC business and knowing what infra-red heaters can do to plastic I would sure be careful. Example, we just looked at a car wash that is about two months old, the light fixtures are about ten feet away and the lens are all melted out of the lights already. Infra-Reds are nice but you really have to watch out for items in line of their fire. the other thing is you need a blower for a good infra-red which means he needs electricity again which he is trying to avoid.

murph