Engine heater to prevent freezing

[Boatist]

Has anyone seen a engine heater with a tempature sensor that will turn heater on at<br />about 40 degrees to prevent engine from freezing. For years I have been useing a 100 watt <br />light and just pluging it in before going to bed if temp expected to go below about 40 degrees.<br />That has worked fine so far but would like something a little better and automatic.<br /><br />We get very few days below freezing and a 100 watt like works fine under the engine if the power stays<br />on and the light does not burn out. If I will not be useing motor for 30 days or more ususlly drain the block<br />and manifold but really better for both to keep water in them unless it freezes.<br /><br />Just wonder if anyone has seen something like that. When I lived in Montana hardware stores sold<br />heat tapes with a temp sensor to turn them on to prevent pipes form freezing.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Engine heater to prevent freezing

Hello<br /> yes there are a few companies that manufacture auto engine room heaters that are approved for use with gas inboards.all I have seen are AC powered which is bad if the power fails. best thing is to fill the system with a non toxic antifreeze and its done. I did have a customer last winter that called about his auto bilge switch not working. I got on the boat,33 wellcraft with twin 454 mercs, and found a regular ceramic 1500 watt heater between the engines. waiting on gas fumes I guess. that option is out.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine heater to prevent freezing

Cheaper... Easier... Much Safer.....<br />Know Where All the Drains Are.....<br />AND Use Them.....<br /><br />Then, It won't matter If the Power goes Out.....

 

[Lou C]

Re: Engine heater to prevent freezing

Yep it can be a pain, but I would def not want any AC source in the bilge. I'm looking for one of those sockets that we used to use to open radiator petcocks (back when the radiators and petcocks used to be metal!) to make it easier to get the plugs out.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Engine heater to prevent freezing

A dipstick oil warmer would probably work fine for you.Charlie

 

[andrewgroup]

Re: Engine heater to prevent freezing

The best post is the "know where the drains are and use them." Doing this after every boat outing has extended the life exhaust manifolds on my 1969 Mercruiser 225 V8, for nearly 35 years. I'm thinking of replacing them, but I haven't seen any steam in the exhaust yet...But spending 500.00 next spring seems like good preventative medicine. this prevents rust from forming on the surfaces where lake water is being held. (Cylinder Block, Manifolds, Elbows, water Pump.)<br /><br />A real geeky boater friend put a two piece lower water pump hose with a drain cap at the lowest point. to drain the water pump.<br /><br />I've written down the procedures to getting the boat on the trailer and the kids now know where the drain plugs are while I know where the cooler is. "System works great."

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Engine heater to prevent freezing

Hello<br /> draining the system works. I would rather see it refilled with nontoxic antifreeze but thats just an opinion. the absolute dumbest I eversaw was a few years ago a guy put a coleman gas lantern in the bilge. was 7 degreesF and no power. when the marina owner figgured out what he was doing he made the guy leave. that argument was hilarious <br />good luck and keep posting

 

[Boatist]

Re: Engine heater to prevent freezing

Thanks all<br />I know you are all right, best to drain. I usually do it at least one time each year. I hate draining it as hard to catch the water with out some getting in the bildge, then only way to get that out is with a wet dry vaccum.<br /><br />It rarely gets below freezing here but I have seen it get to 19 degrees. Normal low for the year around 28. I did drain block and manifold last weekend so OK for now.<br /><br />Many times I have just used a 100 watt lamp under the engine with engine cover closed. I got worried one year when forcast to near 20 degrees so drained manifold and block but also used light. I put in a indoor outdoor sensor that captures the low and high temps and engine area never got below 40 degrees. Still if were to have a long power outage could be a problem.<br /><br />Again thanks to all for the replies.