Maverick Hybrid engine pre-heater, any ideas for a DIY solution?

[HeyBales]

I like the heat tape and clamp idea, but I would only use a non-conductive clamp. Also, I'm looking for a quick heat solution, not something that would have to be left unintended over night.
I was a bit skeptical about 90W being able to do the job in the two hour heating-time that I have been thinking about! I don't think 30W would be near enough.
I may look into heat tape for roof gutters, I think I saw those for sale years ago. They must be flame throwers, Lol!
edit:
https://www.amazon.com/3FT-200FT-Gutter，Farm，Freeze-Protetion-Plumbing-Fixtures/dp/B0C72RQW49/ref=sr_1_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lhUhnGZ53VwyiEWHvBzPHCQqRYoxHRXiMiy3TS6s-YCfR34zvEXYrrojNqvYK6fQNZ7_ffQnlE0PjSQ2NtO_zfCjhwNMhLwvR7hjzBQvmLH7RtGzAtjbq2SKsPMKdAcBmnajb_y95InBNTvUQYXaeiRze9jH3RXA8iWfEYxETt9Mb14IV8GaSTnwq_Qh7pXE7WK8_kn30KQr-TfJOVrAw2FcyjyCVn3OKPB7hc_ipffJcc3YkS2Lt22zvvv9-FZg03bpO6nZYxbL07TfnMPen_cSUS8rdP5k81kpE9GHPNE.Yu3_FyYzWzN4IiFDyrIdjleCk5pLE6BPWOExftth7vw&dib_tag=se&keywords=heat+tape+for+roof+and+gutters&qid=1775243579&sr=8-6&th=1

Ah - I was thinking something you'd plug in and just leave after last drive of day, and it would heat to whatever was needed for the temp it got down to.
Ya - not a quick heat solution.
Also, not built for super cold, as heat pumps lose it at lower temps anyway, no need keeping them warm below what they'll be used at.

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[Quest]

So 90W for the end of a little stick in the oil.

So my 20-30W cable over the whole oil pan really isn't far off, just needs a way to attach since magnets are out.
Hmmmm.
Scroll compressor on the heat pumps it was designed for used a big flat metal clamp around the whole thing. Oil pan bigger than that probably, how big can those clamps go, so it wraps around the bottom edge of pan with cable under it. Some high heat foam insulation so not a total pinch point - or pre-bend the metal to the corners.

90W is like a fart in the wind
Block heaters are 1500W

 

[Finnster]

90W is like a fart in the wind
Block heaters are 1500W

I installed a 1500W(I think) freeze plug block heater into a Chev minivan years ago. It was great. Only took about an hour to heat up the 4.3L V6 toasty warm!

 

[Finnster]

Reading your possible solution made me put on a couple coats of think and come up with my alternate possible solution.

Disclaimer-I don't know jack, I shouldn't be held in great esteem as a Subject Matter Expert, yada-yada! I have not tried this myself but really, it isn't rocket science if some one wants to give it a go and let's us know how it goes!

Earlier in this thread it was stated that our Mavericks have an aluminum oil pan. This means a magnetic block heater will not attach to it, of course.

So how about this...adhere a steel plate of appropriate size to the oil pan in an appropriate location so that it will not interfere with anything else and allow the heat to transfer through the plate, then the oil pan and then warm the engine oil safely.

To attach the steel plate to the aluminum I would think a product like a thin layer of JB Weld would work quite nicely.

That steel plate should never come off and a magnetic block Heater should be able to do its job.

Have a good one,

Andy

PS Here is an example of a magnetic block heater available here.

Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner!
This is a great idea! I would be doing this before next winter if not for the two winters of remaining warranty on my hybrid! Thanks SafetyGuy!

 

[SafetyGuy]

Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner!
This is a great idea! I would be doing this before next winter if not for the two winters of remaining warranty on my hybrid! Thanks SafetyGuy!

No problem and you are welcome...I was just trying to think of what I would do in the same situation.

You have warranty and I also would not do anything to endanger that...but would carrying out this mod make any problems with warranty?

I don't know but feel it shouldn't....but as my disclaimer above said, I am not an expert in anything anymore.

Have a good one,

Andy

 

[Prickly Pear]

If the Mav is parked in a garage and you have AC plug access, Tractor Supply has both dipstick insert and magnetic attachment heaters that aren't very pricey...

Edit: Maverick Oil Pan is aluminum so magnetic heater won't work os an oil warmer.
A dipstick heater still might be an option, so I left the link.

I was not aware that the pan was aluminum. Do you know if the drain plug threads are aluminum or did they use a bushing/insert to make them more resistant to stripping?

 

[MaverickDragon]

@Prickly Pear
Sorry, I didn't know the pan was aluminum either, but I'm assuming that is correct.
Aluminum alloy conducts heat at least three times better than steel, so it's a good thing.
No idea about the drain plug composition, but the bots say it's steel, but there seems to be some different opinions.
Steel and aluminum can have galvanic corrosion issues, but this is only minor.
Motor oil isn't an effective electrolyte, so the plug is likely steel.

They could put a steel insert into an aluminum pan, if that is what you meant, but I don't know if that's the case. It could be a good idea, but whether it's actually necessary... IDK

 

[Escapologist]

I know what you want. An in ground floodlight fitting you can park over the top of with a 1500W halogen lamp in it.

ETA: though maybe you don't, I've melted plastics within 1 or 2ft of a 500W.

 

[HeyBales]

I know what you want. An in ground floodlight fitting you can park over the top of with a 1500W halogen lamp in it.

ETA: though maybe you don't, I've melted plastics within 1 or 2ft of a 500W.

Would be an interesting site coming out to a dark garage except for truck lit up from underneath.

 

[Prickly Pear]

@Prickly Pear
Sorry, I didn't know the pan was aluminum either, but I'm assuming that is correct.
Aluminum alloy conducts heat at least three times better than steel, so it's a good thing.
No idea about the drain plug composition, but the bots say it's steel, but there seems to be some different opinions.
Steel and aluminum can have galvanic corrosion issues, but this is only minor.
Motor oil isn't an effective electrolyte, so the plug is likely steel.

They could put a steel insert into an aluminum pan, if that is what you meant, but I don't know if that's the case. It could be a good idea, but whether it's actually necessary... IDK

Next time I change my oil I'll try to remember to stick a magnet on the female threads. Having aluminum threads in the pan would be a very poor design decision!

 

[MaverickDragon]

Next time I change my oil I'll try to remember to stick a magnet on the female threads. Having aluminum threads in the pan would be a very poor design decision!

Maybe write "CAUTION - ALUMINUM THREADS - DO NOT OVERTORQUE" on the pan.
It might help, unless you go to a quicky lube where the guy may not be able to read....

 

[Prickly Pear]

The guy at the quickie lube would probably use an impact wrench after he got done smoking a joint (or however they consume it now, it's been a while for me).

 

[Sugarbush Bob]

Read somewhere.. that some have had issues with the OEM installed engine block heater, and replacing them is a PITA and/or costly if not OEM warranty covered.

Factory installed block heater on our 2025 seems to work well.

 

[SafetyGuy]

Factory installed block heater on our 2025 seems to work well.

Good day @Sugarbush Bob

This thread is related to a truck that did not have a block heater installed at factory...installation of one after the fact is expensive...alternate methods of heating the engine/engine oil are being put forward in order to assist the OP.

Have a great day,

Andy

 

[SafetyGuy]

Factory installed block heater on our 2025 seems to work well.

In furtherance to your statement, I know I haven't used my block Heater as of yet....

My truck was built in December of 2024, and it was a 2025 model.

I am waiting till my next appt later this month to make sure my very early model 2025 doesn't have the same issue as the 2021-2024 block heaters!

Nice to hear your block heater is trouble free, and I am hoping mine is good as well.

Cheers,

Andy

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