Our first bus had a block heater. It was wonderful. Our newest coach doesn't because it was a Texas coach. We miss it. Someday I'll get around to installing one. But I have to say, I was in a jam once a couple years ago and I needed to start the bus when it was -15°F....and this worked.
Better be sure you have a CO detector in the bedroom first though lol! Happy wintering y'all.
Not exactly a recommended procedure but if it works. ;D
I think you should invest in a block heater. 8)
Gary
I 2nd the block heater or a magnetic kat heater or something like that
dave
What about a tank type coolant heater something like this:
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Heaters/Kats-Heaters/KH13150.html
We would always put these on our diesel tractors. I even put one on a Mercedes diesel when we lived in Minnesota.
Seb
When I install a heater, it will be the OEM 8v92 heater. They work well.
Come on...get it done now! It's not like they cost that much.
I like your idea. Would work if you get in a jam. In canada we use quick couplers and hoses to warm up machines in the bush
Charcoal in a pan works well too. Just be sure to let it burn down to hot coals before sliding the pan under your bus. Also, monitor it closely to be sure there is no dripping fuel or other flammables around. Also, if it is windy outside, you should block the wind. We have done this in the snow in the northeast, but if there is no snow on the ground or the ground is dry, I would find another solution. Also, if you possess no common sense, don't even think about this.
It seems that it is a better option to install a block heater than to have a quiver of options of what to do when you don't have one.
Back-up plans for when the block heater wires burn through because someone didn't maintain them...
Nothing like winter conditions to ignite natural selection?
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
A salamander heater ducted to the oil pan will do it too. Ask me how I know?
And the false prophets all fainted when he says:
"And you can always use the starting fluid..."
LOVE SPRAY fixes it all.
Disclaimer, blah blah blah
#unwindyerpanties #heretic #losthismind #oldschool #realbusnutsuseether
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Ether won't work if the oil is so thick that it barely turns over.
Quote from: chessie4905 on October 14, 2019, 04:18:46 PM
Ether won't work if the oil is so thick that it barely turns over.
Quote from: buswarrior on October 14, 2019, 01:51:06 PM
Disclaimer, blah blah blah
That is covered in the fine print in the 3rd "blah"
Which busnut who needs any of this advice is going to have their oil that thick?
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
I know someone who burnt down their milk truck and shop this way.
Be verrry careful. Common sense is helpful too.
Seb
Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher
BCM link=topic=34370.msg394324#msg394324 date=1571072684
Charcoal in a pan works well too. Just be sure to let it burn down to hot coals before sliding the pan under your bus. Also, monitor it closely to be sure there is no dripping fuel or other flammables around. Also, if it is windy outside, you should block the wind. We have done this in the snow in the northeast, but if there is no snow on the ground or the ground is dry, I would find another solution. Also, if you possess no common sense, don't even think about this.
just spend the big bucks and put in a diesel boiler
problem solved
http://www.proheat.com/offHighway/x45OffHighway/index.html
dave
Dave beat me to it with his boiler comment; although I have both.
In an emergency you could put two magnetic heaters on the oil pan on seperate circuits. Those things get pretty hot. Years ago, I used one on my parts cleaner barrel because of no heat in garage in January.
Arctic SOP.
A tiger torch/weed burner
2 - 3 3" sections of stove pipe = 6-9 feet
1 3" 90
1 bottle of propane.
Guaranteed no open flame encroaches the engine bay.
Takes 10 minutes or so
needs no electricity
the propane serves a Weber Q too :)
Propane boils at -40...
It gets feeble as you pass thru -30...
Many a wanna be Ice Road Trucker found that out the hard way... Torch won't run.
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
The charcoal is for under the propane tank...🤭
Now that's using your noodle!
Charcoal + propane = torch
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Preheated propane... Superheat! Lol
Sure is funny that there's none of those Health and Safety "professionals" in the north...
If they followed half their warm weather book-learned preaching up there, they would die in the cold.
Know the dangers, treat 'em with respect, and get the job done before you lose something important to the frost bite.
Stay south if you can't roll with it.
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
In a pinch, a portable diesel fired heater will work. Fan runs on 110v and has a self contained fuel tank. Bought mine when I needed it in west Texas in December at an Auto Zone. Does the trick and serves double duty to help heat the garage/shed in the winter. This was before I got the DD block heater, also 110v.
https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/hvac/heaters/kerosene-propane/dyna-glo-workhorse-50k-btu-kerosene-forced-air-heater-kfa50wh?infoParam.campaignId=T9F&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiYXZ8sSh5QIVQsDICh0Y9A3sEAQYBSABEgJBLPD_BwE
This is very similar.
Looks like those magnetic ones are only 2 to 300 watts. Better get 4 of them....
Lot of 71 series do not have the plate with 4 bolts,they use the heater that screws into the head when you remove the plug at the front of the head
Quote from: luvrbus on October 16, 2019, 09:13:33 PM
Lot of 71 series do not have the plate with 4 bolts,they use the heater that screws into the head when you remove the plug at the front of the head
I believe that's what we have on ours. A bit difficult to see in the photo, but it's got the directly down from the pulley.
I use a 500 watt halogen work light on the ground aimed up at the oil pan. Keeps the engine warm enough to start.
Easy way to tell that it is working, especially at night. You could switch to led to save electricity.😅