BX magnetic engine heater

allthumbs23 · Dec 9, 2015

Anyone have any brand suggestions or success stories for a magnetic engine heater that I can stick on before starting on the really cold days? Also, where do you stick it on? Thanks

KYKub · Dec 9, 2015

Hi, allthumbs23. Is there a reason you want to go with the magnetic heater as opposed to a block heater? I believe you would find the block heater much more efficient and it's a pretty easy install.

If you do go with the magnetic heater, I believe most folks attach them to the oil pan under the machine.

RaydaKub · Dec 9, 2015

I was worried about doing it myself and having leaks afterwards. The unit was about $70 and it took the mechanic about 20 minutes to put it in. Peace of mind for me. But with temps almost to 50 so far, I haven't had to use it yet. What I'm worried about now is having to put back on the mower!

oldballs · Dec 9, 2015

When new at tractor ownership, I bought a magnetic heater, sold at the dealership....cost about $35 bucks. In my estimation it is worthless. Go with a block heater or something else.

PILOON · Dec 9, 2015

In desperation, as my regular block heater failed (just old age) I tried a magnetic that I got in yard sale.
Now my block was the same wattage as the magnetic and normally needed 1- 1.5 hrs of preheat.
The magnetic unit would not heat enough even after 24 hours.
I finally started using a torch on the oil pan as a hair drier into the intake.

Is that proof enough for you guys?

Quire honestly a block heater is as little as 15 min install but probably 1/2 hr for most guys.
A hose heater probably just as fast as well.

allthumbs23 · Dec 9, 2015

I asked the dealer where I picked it up and he said it was a few hundred bucks installed. And he said he didn't think I'd need one anyway. Maybe I don't. I figured a magnetic heater would be cheaper for the few times I might need it.

ccsial · Dec 9, 2015

oldballs said:
When new at tractor ownership, I bought a magnetic heater, sold at the dealership....cost about $35 bucks. In my estimation it is worthless. Go with a block heater or something else.

I agree completely

kuboman · Dec 9, 2015

Magnetic pan heaters work great with a block heater. They will warm the oil for easy flow in cold weather. They are not much good for warming the block though on their own though.

BigBoyToys · Dec 10, 2015

I'm not sure if the BX block has a threaded plug hole for the block heater like the B series, but if it does it's a simple job!
If it does all you need is a 17 mm Allen socket to remove the plug. I had the heater ready with Teflon tape and simply switched them, loosing maybe a 1/4 cup of fluid. Took all of 30 minutes to install.

Works well too. Started it up the other morning, 26 degrees and I plugged it in for 30 minutes. Started like it had been running all day!

Finished product...