Block heater wimpy?

[robert smith]

I'm looking for feedback from members who live in cold areas and who use the block heater. Ours doesn't seem to really warm the engine, yes it does improve startup noise but I see no movement at all on the temp gauge when we leave it plugged, over five hours or more.

It was my thinking that with a long plug in time some temp would register on the gauge and the oil would also warm a bit but it isn't happening, it may be time for one of these great pan heaters,

E-Z Heat Aircraft Engine Pre-Heat Systems

We used them on our Jetta TDI's with great success, they would warm the oil and in a few hours use would also warm the coolant. The last time I did any temp checks the coolant temp was raised to just over freezing on a -15*F night, and the oil was 120*.

The beauty is that being an aircraft heater the temp is controlled by a thermostat so you can leave it on 24 hours a day.

Thoughts appreciated.

Disclaimer, I don't work for EZHeat nor do I benefit from sales in any way.

[2006PSDSD]

Mine works fine, and it's been damn cold here for the last couple weeks. Mine moves my temp guage up just over the cold notch on my truck. As soon as you start it, and the coolant starts moving, it will cool down, but the engine is real quiet. I don't think you need any more than that

[cchase]

I havent used mine all year. but last year it would have the temp gauge right on the line. If i wanted more I would put an oil heater in the pan.

[STANG302]

I've thought of adding a sticky or magnetic pad heater to my oil pan and trans pan. I'd kind of suck to have three plugins to keep track of but I'd work. Other wise Realy haven't had any problems. The only other thing would be to add a grill cover to block any wind that may cool it down even more. If you can find one let me know.