light for engine compartment

[gride300]

it's supposed to get down to 30F the next couple of nights and I don't have the spare $ to purchase a real heater. are there any no no's as far as doing this? i was just going to get a regular work light from lowes for about 10$.

[Mikeski]

RE: light for engine compartment

I do a couple things. Keep in mind there is a good possibility that gas fumes have collected if the light has a switch on it, turn it on before you put it in the motor compartment. With the cord unplugged put the light under the block, heat rises. I put the light on a plug in timer set for 10PM to 5AM, double check it is working then close things up. You probably want to use a new lightbulb, maybe a rough service lamp if you can find one.

[DanielC]

RE: light for engine compartment

Do not laugh. I use an old style Christmas tree light string. If one bulb burns out, there are many more still working. I can also run the string up to the heater to protect it from freezing as well.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: light for engine compartment

^^ Does that really produce enough heat? Surprises me if so.

What colors do you use?

[bchesley]

RE: light for engine compartment

Christmas lights are fine. I have a buddy that uses them. But remember we are in Texas.

[Jesse13]

What is the potential damage that can be caused by the freezing conditions?

I am in a area where it can get just below freezing a few nights throughout the winter. I keep my boat at an outdoor storage facility so I'm not sure the lighting idea would work for me if it is something i should be doing.

[gride300]

the block will crack. i'm gonna get a grounded timer and work light today. before i turn it on i'm gonna run the blower for a minute and leave the hatch open.

[AirTool]

Disclaimer: arcing or sparking devices in your engine compartment could cause an explosion or fire that might result in death, injury, or material loss. This writer recommends proper winterization procedures to prevent engine damage.

Okay, tort business out of the way.

I would think that an electric warming blanket or warming throw would be a better alternative. It operates at a much lower "temperature" than a light bulb but has much more heat output. Internet sources report 200 watts. Plus it has a temperature controller that would basically reduce the power during warmer periods. You can generally hear the snap-acting controller click at set point so you could play around with the settings if you want. If the temp falls below set point, it is going to go to full power anyway.

Be sure to get a non-auto off model.

Cover the engine with the blanket and put another blanket or two over the top to keep the heat going to the engine...not to the air. Keep all other hatches closed so the bilge doesn't draft cold air.

You still are relying on the electric provider. Here is a 12v alternative. You'll have to calculate battery life. A computer UPS box might be handy as well. Again, verify amp load, run time, etc. are all good.

http://www.12volt-travel.com/12-volt...f2116e0dc6cc01


AirTool

[gride300]

i just got back from lowes. picked up a grounded timer for under 10$ and a work light w/ metal housing for less than 10$ also. it has a max of 75w so i'll probably go slightly less than that. i'm running it from an outlet in my garage w/ a nice extension cord. should i use the timer or just leave it on and take it out in the morning?

[AuMDLST]

Good luck with the light bulb idea - to be on the safe side I would hook up the fake a lake and run the motor for twenty minutes every other hour.

But what do I know - most of us in Florida do not care/or worry about freezing temperatures.

[ZANDERSANTE]

I've always been told that getting down to freezing ONLY at night for the late hours won't hurt the engine block.. If it stays below freezing during the duration of the day then yes.. If you have a heater than concentrate on that. Those will crack in a heart beat.

[DanielC]

You are not trying to get the engine block up to room temperature, you are just trying to keep it above freezing.
An "old school" Christmas tree light bulb uses about 5 or 7 watts. 20 of them is 100 to 140 watts. Additional bonus, the heat is not concentrated, it is spread out. the main advantage, if one bulb burns out, you still have all the others still working.
My boat is stored outside. When I run it, I can easily feel the warmth in the engine compartment 24 hours after it was last ran. Unless it is really cold, or there is a steady wind, I would think running a boat would keep it from freezing for about 48 hours.