Engine block heaters.

[reelfishin]

Since we have diesels we have block heaters. We run ours all year round even in the summer. Our engines turn right over and with out any smoke at all. I understand there are two sizes of heaters. We were told by the mechanic that there were two I think one is 1500 watt and 750 watt. We use the lower one or 750 watt. I think that is the two sizes. Correct me if I am wrong.
We feel that they save a lot of wear and tear on the engines when we start them. The lower wattage does a great job and helps keep the electric bill down.
How do you do you engines?

[seapower]

There's alot of engines out there that don't require engine heater's. They are WAY better than using "starting fluid". Heater's help keep the condensation down that in turn causes rust and corrosion. Ah the good old day's when I commercial fished my engines didn't have much chance to cool down ,much less get condensation. If your engines are hard starter's in the cold weather a block heater is a worth while investment, so are oil pre-lube system's. Although few with smaller engines have them. Frank,SeaPower

[JD5652]

I use my block heaters year round as well. One thing to remember is to shut them off after the engines are started. If you use the coolant submersion type and get any air bubbles around the heater, it will burn out immediately....the air bubbles do not transfer heat very well.

As Frank said, a great side benefit is that the engine compartment stays nice and warm and DRY...helps eliminate condensation and corrosion in the engine compartment.

I initially installed the 1500W heaters and they were too much. Kept tripping the breaker at the dock. Now I run the 750W Kim Hotstarts. Work GREAT!

[Mackey]

I use the Wolverine Block Heaters that attach to the bottom of the oil pan. It warms the oil and does a good job of keeping the engine dry and keeping the moisture/corrosion down in the engine room space.
The 500 watt is great and if the engine is smaller the 250 watt one will do the job.

[team bill me]

I havent been using any heaters yet but am interseted in what type your using or should i just ask yanmar
I have a lha-stp 4 cyl diesel.
My boat presintly is in the water in annapolis, new coolant and winterized the sea water side.
Bill

[Capt.Troy Crane]

I havent been using any heaters yet but am interseted in what type your using or should i just ask yanmar
I have a lha-stp 4 cyl diesel.
My boat presintly is in the water in annapolis, new coolant and winterized the sea water side.
Bill

Bill,
most of them go in place of one of your freeze plugs in the side of the block unless they come with a designated place from the factory.

I use the 750 watt Kim Hotstarts in my Cummins engines and they work great. As the other guys said before, they keep everything warm and dry and free of moisture.
Check with your local dealer or mechanic, they are pretty simple to install in most cases but they should be able to get you straight.

Good luck,
Troy

[JD5652]

I havent been using any heaters yet but am interseted in what type your using or should i just ask yanmar
I have a lha-stp 4 cyl diesel.
My boat presintly is in the water in annapolis, new coolant and winterized the sea water side.
Bill

Bill-

Try this link......

http://www.kimhotstart.com/47/

[CR Bound]

Block heaters and oil pre-lube systems are a must on DD's. I learned this from DD mechanic. He said it should reduce half your starting wear on your engines by installing these things.

[Banshee]

i second the wolverine pads. They heat up my 450 Cummins, low amp draw , install can be a pain.
JW

[reelfishin]

One thing to remember when getting your block heaters is to make sure you get thermostats with them. That will control the temp on the heaters. You will find most of the time the thermostat will go bad before the heater will. That is a nice easy fix compared to replacing the heater itself.
I agree make sure you shut off the heaters before starting the engine. They really do not like a air bubble. Just like a hot water heater that is turned on without water in it. The heating element will be destroyed with air around them.