Pre Heating Engine
 

I am about to start breaking in my new engine. Just wondering how are people preheating engines when they don't have access to a power outlet. I have a power invertor in my SUV but it is too small to run a heat gun. Any suggestions.

Body heat :eek:

or this

http://www.competitionheat.com/

find power. somewhere somehow. you do NOT want to try and break in a brand new motor without preheating. you will shorten the life of that motor like crazy

I use Competition Heat to achieve proper/optimal engine temps prior to startup. Prior to using this product I used a heat gun. My local track also does not have available power so I'm currently looking into an alternative power source solution (power inverter and stand alone units) to power up my engine heater. In addition to the link provided above you can also check out this conversation on rctech.

you don't want to start that engine without preheating it first for break in. I always preheat my engines. I have 5 or 6 gallons on my practice engine and STILL pre heat it before I start it up. and it still has a lot of pinch. it definitely lengthens the life of the engine imo.

At a gas station or a truck stop you will find 12v hairdryers. Maybe not enough heat but it is a way to give the engine some heat.

+1 :nod:

As well a preheated engine is much more stable for tuning....

If you don't preheat the engine it will shorten the life of your con rod as well. the bushing in the rod will give out it happened to my V-spec a brand new one at that :(

There's something wrong with your webpage.

Thanks, lets try this again... http://www.competitionheat.com/

d'oh.... I didn't notice the link added the nod in the end. :p

keep heating until the pinch is gone.

I prolly get a posse chasing me for giving this advice, but what the heck:
I've used a creme-brule torch together with aluminium foil. Beware of where u point the thing and not putting the flame directly to the engine (hence the foil).

If youre careful its no problem to slowly heat youre engine to the required 150 - 200F, better than cold starting youre mill.
Heat gun is still my choice (waiting for the competition heat 230V version)

Comeon' no flaming in this thread:lol:

no no, only torching :ha::D

12 vdc heat strip
 

Follow this link halfway down page
http://www.mcmaster.com/#heat-tape/=7ci4lq

DC Voltage Flexible Silicone-Rubber Heat Strips
DC voltage is ideal for mobile and laboratory applications running on battery power. They work on metal and plastic tanks and have adhesive backing for sticking to very clean surfaces. Watt density is 5 watts/sq. in. They have 1-ft. wire leads for hardwiring. Max. heat output is 300° F. Exposure temperature range is -40° to +300° F.
Please specify 12 VDC or 24 VDC. I use a 7ah sealed battery in summer time will take engine to 200 in about 8 to 10 min check temp under cooling heat at cylinder do not let it get to hot. mine is a do it yourself not to pretty but works great.

heat tape
 

Forgot this part
1" x 5" $25.92
this is the one i use.
I can take a pic If anyone wants to see it in action.

i would like to see. I think i will try this. Looks like heat tracing to me.

so, do you stick it to the engine? Or do you stick it to something that you put on the engine which makes more sense to me. That way you can reuse it. If you just stick it to the engine, i don't think you could reuse it that many times before the adhesive wears out.

+1

Me too!!!

this one?

DC Voltage Flexible Silicone-Rubber Heat Strips

http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/116/...e/7945tp1l.gif

[quote=Redvet79;7541561]Forgot this part
1" x 5" $25.92
this is the one i use.
I can take a pic If anyone wants to see it in action.[/quoteyes champ pics would be great very interested thanks

Engine preheater
 

I,ll take a pic today and show you what i did its is insulated inside and out and pushes down over the engine . basic materials bottom 3"of stainless steel water bottle, oven mitt, rubber grommets 1 for wire and 1 for glow plug driver,rubber stopper, and silver aluminum tape. it will make sense when you see pic. I have some other waco things i have made for rc racing but this one really works good. I should have pic's and more detail by noon today.

many thanks matey :D

In for pics as well!

You could try this :D

Looks pretty cool, to bad he's in the UK

Cooking with fire, for teh win!

5,000 watt power inverter and a big car battery should run a heat gun. Or just find a 12v electric heat coil and make your own head heater thingy.

12 vdc Preheater Pic's
 

Ok here are the pics
I will say the simplest way would be to put the strip between 2 aluminum 2” wide strips bend them round and put over cooling fins to heat engine. I enclosed mine and insulated it to heat engine faster. The main thing is to get the strip from link and use your imagination to make it work.

This strip will over heat engine so watch out, you can guess how I know this.
Heats my 21 go engine from 70 to starting of 200 in about 10 min.
Also heat strip has sticky back on one side.

not bad ee! well done
so this is what u used and created this
(DC Voltage Flexible Silicone-Rubber Heat Strips)

12 vdc heat strip
 

yes also heats up a good cup of coffee quick.
Here is a pic of the strip it looks like the one in the middle. I i found the strip by searching at goggle for " 12 volt dc heat strip " there were a lot of places to get them from.

awesome mod!!! i reckon u can put a thermal switch there so that it shut off after reaching the desired temp... really awesome! great work!!! :nod:

International shipping available for $15 ;)

Leave it to a Pennsylvanian to figure it out for the rest of us! I miss the days when I lived in PA rigging everything up with whatever I had (I was born and raised there in Eldred). I am definately going to have to make one of those for my Savage. Thanks for the idea, bro. Any tips you can spare us when we build our own?

Just curious, i have a lipo in my starter box and what would happen if I hooked this up to my lipo ? Or should i bring my old 12v DC battery with me ?

Will depend on how many milliamp your battery is. it may drain battery faster. I will check amp draw with my meter an post here latter today. 12vdc is 12vdc so source does not matter just need a few amps. I have used a plug with long cord in lighter socket of car works great just use 16 gauge wire like a cheap extension cord. Also polarity does not matter with this heat strip.
Cheers

wow! looks familiar eh?

http://img.directindustry.com/images...eve-332640.jpg

yes it does never saw that one before, can you tell us more about it ? looks real good.