How to keep engine block warm in cold climates without a block heater

Im going up to North Dakota to do some winter camping. I'll have a generator with me. Could I put a small ceramic space heater under the oil pan to keep it warm at night. Any other ideas?

 

There are magnetic heaters that stick to oil pans. That might be more efficient.

 

Why do you want to keep it warm? It will start just fine without a block heater.

 

when are you going? its actually been mild so far. not to many days in the negatives.

 

My truck sits outside at 0F and starts up no problem.

 

Ya, mine is outside with 0F overnight and starts no problem. But I might consider having a small propane salamander just in case and tarps and the magnetic heater....

Because I've had a whole lot of things just go to sh!t all at once with no warning. ( Older Fords)

 

My truck has started down to around -15F. I do have a high CCA AGM battery, though, and it was noticeably slower. Zero degrees though, I doubt there would be any issue unless your battery is toast.

 

I’ve started engines that were not intended to start subzero in a pinch with just one of those solar/foil type blankets under the hood & a Brooder bulb. Just replaced the engine heater on my ‘13 for the first time.

 

Light a small fire under the oil pan in the morning....

 

-18 at my house in Maine few days ago the old 2011 4L fired right up even with it's 9 year old battery.

 

Or give it a big hug.
Really unless it's going to be colder than -25 or -30 F you should be fine.
Just make sure the battery is in good condition.
If you have a generator you could put a high watt light bulb under oil pan for couple hours in the odd chance it doesn't start.
Or buy one of those small booster units for less than $100.

 

north Dakota or Antarctica?

 

Y’all don’t get it’s not about starting the engine. It’s about keeping to oil from getting too cold which could starve the engine of oil for an extended time

 

My 2 cents:

I tested out one of those ceramic heaters in the cab of the truck. Set it on the center arm rest and ran an extension cord to a switched outlet. Checked the power draw - it was about 750w.

The first night, it got down to 15F. We got about half an inch of snow over night. I switched the heater on in the morning, and after an hour the windshield was clear. The truck started fine.

The next night was -8F. More snow. In the morning, after an hour, there was a watermelon-sized clear spot surrounded by a ring of ice. The snow was powder and brushed off easy. The truck started fine, and it was so fun driving with the ice ring.

I ditched the heater. Added heated seats to my wish list.

Somehow, I don’t think a 400w block heater is going to do much. Maybe it does -IDK. And I wouldn’t count on an open-air heater to do a whole lot more. If you’re facing significantly colder temps, maybe one of those portable diesel heaters is an option.

 

With an aluminum block the heater sits in a cavity & the temperature radiates through the entire block without having to be in water jacket. Mine’s started no problem in -40+.

 

If the engine is running oil is circulating. A cold engine does NOT "starve the engine of oil for an extended time".

 

A block heater is to put some heat in the motor so it will start easier. It's not for warming the cabin for your butt.

 

Thanks - good to know. I was planning to add 120v port, to power a block heater, battery tender, and cab heater. Cab heater idea didn’t work as planned.

Yeah… just sharing my experience with a ceramic heater with the OP. So, a block heater will keep you butt warmer than a ceramic heater? You crazy Canadians!

 

Lol, I’ve used a tiger torch & a piece of pipe with holes drilled in. No problem with ventilation as the floor boards were rotted out.

 

I'll be there next week up but roosevelt ntl park