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

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

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

www.competitionheat.com

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.

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