Engine oil pre-heater
Discussion
It's getting nippy for TVR's again! 
For info last winter I fixed a simple little Wolverine electric oil heater pad under my T350's dry-sump oil tank, and used it every time I've taken the car out for last 2yrs with no probs and easy to use, just plug it in on a timer.
After an hour, hot oil at 80C is ready to be pumped around the engine on start up, so pressure is up quicker as well as helping warm engine faster, which both reduce engine wear. If you fit it to the sump (rather than the dry-sump tank on the S6 engine) the heat also percolates upwards and warms the entire engine a little.
Still only costs about £50 plus adding small weather proof caravan-type 10-amp connector, they now ship direct from Canada/US. If you're putting it on a ridged sump, you'd also need to clean and fill a small area with Steelstick or similar first to transfer the heat.
More info here;
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
For info last winter I fixed a simple little Wolverine electric oil heater pad under my T350's dry-sump oil tank, and used it every time I've taken the car out for last 2yrs with no probs and easy to use, just plug it in on a timer.
After an hour, hot oil at 80C is ready to be pumped around the engine on start up, so pressure is up quicker as well as helping warm engine faster, which both reduce engine wear. If you fit it to the sump (rather than the dry-sump tank on the S6 engine) the heat also percolates upwards and warms the entire engine a little.
Still only costs about £50 plus adding small weather proof caravan-type 10-amp connector, they now ship direct from Canada/US. If you're putting it on a ridged sump, you'd also need to clean and fill a small area with Steelstick or similar first to transfer the heat.
More info here;
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
Edited by tail slide on Tuesday 19th October 23:21
Allandwf said:
Isn't that the reason for multigrade? ie, thin in the cold, then thicker as it heats up?
Yes. would be as thick as treacle in -15C without!Engines cope without it, but if you're keeping it and want it to have least possible wear to bearings etc in another 50k miles, it's a big step forward for little cash and a bit of work.
Tiredoldgeezer said:
Has anyone tried to power this heater from the actual car battery? Or am I just being dense ;-) in the sense that it would discharge the battery too quickly?
Not entirely dense but... it's designed for 240V not 12v, and would discharge battery rather quickly like leaving a heated rear window on.
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