Topic: Does a block heater help with oil heating up?

[vincent275]

Hi guys,
As the title suggests. I have a block heater with an sti, with it heating up the coolant, will the oil heat up faster after the car starts than what would be otherwise a regular cold start? I am wondering if there's any heat transfer between the coolant and the oil.

[diamondedge]

It does help but very minimal. Most of your oil is the pan. The oil film and oil hanging around in oil galleys does warm up though as the coolant in the block will eventually reach an equilibrium point when equally warmed.

[RockThePylon]

The oil is sitting down low in the oil pan, so a block heater won't do much. At least not directly. But, since the block is warm, the oil will come up to temperature a ton faster once the engine is started.

If you're concerned about it, adding an oil pan heater is reasonably cheap and easy. If you were to use only one, I'd stick with a block heater.

[vincent275]

that's what I am trying to figure out. I am happy as long as the oil would come up to temperature quicker than usual. This means I can step into the pedal sooner without having to worry about oil being cold.

[RockThePylon]

It absolutely helps there.

If you wanted to be sure, Oil Pressure and Oil Temperature gauges are reasonably cheap for the peace of mind.

[SlowLGT]

On my lgt sedan, having both oil pan heater and block heater hooked up was the best thing in the winter time. Car started very smoothly and hot air coming out of HVAC soon after I get onto henday from my house.

[RockThePylon]

Block + oil pan heater is money. Add a battery blanket too for extra assurance.

[jellynuts]

Oil Pressure and or Oil Temperature

You can generally read one from the other, so I don't think one needs both unless they want #rocketshipcockpit

[RockThePylon]

You can generally read one from the other, so I don't think one needs both unless they want #rocketshipcockpit

Oil pressure before temperature.

[Mason]

Oil pressure before temperature.

Getting an oil pressure gauge is a sure way to make your hair fall out and spend your evenings crying alone in the dark

-it dropped 2psi this morning #rip

[RockThePylon]

As long as it's more than 1, you're good.

[vincent275]

went to check if there's an oil pressure gauge on the AP, negative

[jellynuts]

went to check if there's an oil pressure gauge on the AP, negative

Because there are no sensors in place.  AP only reads what the ECU monitors.

[vincent275]

Because there are no sensors in place.  AP only reads what the ECU monitors.

because there's an light for oil pressure I thought there's a sensor, turns out it only reads a certain threshold but no exact values

[RockThePylon]

because there's an light for oil pressure I thought there's a sensor, turns out it only reads a certain threshold but no exact values

Ya, that's just a yes/no switch. Light goes out 2-8psi, tolerances are loose, depends on sensor. If that light flicks on while driving, it's in your best interest to kill the engine and pull over ASAP.

[subieken]

Digging this up but adding some product details.
This variety of adhesive attached pad onto to the oilpan would do the trick; 3400032.
https://phillipsandtemro.com/solutions/specialty/pad-heaters/

[TenTurbo]

Good link subieken! I’ve been considering this for my car. When I bought it, it came with a VEX built engine but clearance must be a smidge loose as during warmup from cold start, it has noticeable piston slap. After idling 6-7 min its gone but I still don’t like it.