Magnetic Tank Heaters

[agjones]

To keep my PT 425 preheated and ready to use, I use pipe heating tape+stove tape and find that the combination of direct contact and ease of placement on the hydraulic tank reduce the need for watts and BTUs dramatically. I use one segment in the tub on the tank, lines and engine base and one wrapped through the nest of lines up front. Now, it doesn't get -20 here, or if it did the PT is the least of my concerns...but his has server well on plenty of equipment (gas and diesel) through many winters.

 

[MossRoad]

We're supposed to get sub 0 again tonight. No snow predicted though. I'm thinking of building a pre-heater like we had at the airport for pre-heating the air-cooled airplane engines. Basically, its a propane hot box with an electric blower. You stick the nozzle into the engine cowling and plug up the openings with quilts. 10-15 minutes on that and they'd fire right up. So, I'm going to look for some metal tubing (so it won't melt) and use a blow dryer for a heat source. I have some old mover's quilts, so if I get some time I'll see how that works. If I get the time. Been working 14 hours of O.T. for three months. That's like missing two shifts at home every week. Falling behind on the honey-do list.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's a picture of a home made one....
The caption says $20 for the heater, $16 for the parts. Gets the oil temp to 100 with a blanket over the engine and the cowlings stuffed with towels. Takes an hour to raise the temp he said.

 

[cqaigy2]

That looks nice and warm. You should just take your poor little PT indoors with you.

I had one of those heaters in my well house for several years. I got it for a dollar at a recycle store . The fan froze up this year and the top of the heater got a little warm, like scorched paint warm, but a good whack started the fan back up. I really need to put in the infra red emitters and get rid of the fan.

 

[MossRoad]

That looks nice and warm. You should just take your poor little PT indoors with you.

I had one of those heaters in my well house for several years. I got it for a dollar at a recycle store . The fan froze up this year and the top of the heater got a little warm, like scorched paint warm, but a good whack started the fan back up. I really need to put in the infra red emitters and get rid of the fan.

I used to take my motorcycle into my bedroom for the winter when I lived at home... in my parents house.... with no spouse.... wonder why I was single.... :confused3: