420 Engine Heater

[bookman51]

We are getting some double digit below zero weather here in central Nebraska. Usually I do not try to start my 420 crawler in such cold weather. However, we also have some blowing snow. Probably long over due to think about some type of engine heater for the 420. What are the recommendations/experiences folks have had---good and bad? Anything cheap, fast, and easy (usually pick two out the three) to install and use?

[Lavoy]

Fastest is 300 watt silicone pad heater on the engine pan, best is a block heater behind the but I only know of one that will fit due to clearance issues, and even then it is tight. Carb throttle arm hangs up.
Lavoy

[gus]

When I lived in the Midwest, I had radiator hose heaters in my cars. Severe cold, throw a blanket over the hood. Would those work on a crawler?

[bookman51]

Thanks, I am unfamiliar with the silicon pad heater. I have a small magnet heater, but it does not work very well.

[bookman51]

When I lived in the Midwest, I had radiator hose heaters in my cars. Severe cold, throw a blanket over the hood. Would those work on a crawler?

I don't know but if the idea is to retain heat then if the crawler has not been started for several days or weeks, there is no heat to retain. Thanks

[gus]

The heater is placed in the bottom hose. It creates a convection current and warms the block. Google radiator hose heater. The blanket was to help hold heat the hose heater provided. A heat tape around the battery helps too.

[Lavoy]

No, lower hose heaters do not work well as the flow is not to the block, but the waterproof. The lions share of the heat goes to the radiator and is just dissipated.
Silicone pad heaters are readily available and easy to install but you have to pull the belly pan.
Lavoy