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

[Finnster]

@semicolin,
@Escapeoligist,
I always keep the Maverick hybrid in my unheated garage. I used Ford Pass this winter anytime it was below 20 deg. F.
However, I ended up turning off all connectivity on the truck due to low 12V battery voltage readings.
Ford pass is always an option I can go back to if necessary.

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[Finnster]

Thanks to all who took the time to give me some ideas!
My great friend Ai tells me that the 2.5's engine and oil pan are aluminum, so the magnetic options are out unfortunately.
I will likely find a dipstick heater to try, otherwise I will look into modifying the Mavericks splash guard to allow for a heat duct from a milkhouse heater to be placed into the splash guard. I'm guessing that wouldn't affect the warranty.

 

[SafetyGuy]

How much extra was the block heater when it was installed at the factory?

.....

I checked my sheet from my truck purchase.

550.00 Canadian dollars for my 2025 Lariat picked up on 25 Jan, 2025.

Don't anyone freak out at our MSRP, remember this is in Canadian Dollars.

In Americsan bucks it is about 32,270.00.

Andy

 

[Finnster]

Looks like dipstick engine block oil heaters are out!
This is a screenshot from Tractor Supply Co. website - Very Scary reviews!
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/kats-engine-heaters-dip-stick-heater

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

I checked my sheet from my truck purchase.

550.00 Canadian dollars for my 2025 Lariat picked up on 25 Jan, 2025.

Andy

Good lord, do they stick it to you north of the border folks. That's a $190 option in the US. See my post #26. Of course, it's been a while since I looked at the exchange rate,,,,,,

HRG

from the Ford.CA Build & Price site;

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Exchange rate as of 4-3-25
$190 USD = $264.5389 CAD.

 

[icegradner]

That sucks, for MY22 the factory block heater was standard equipment in Canada.

 

[HeyBales]

Looks like dipstick engine block oil heaters are out!
This is a screenshot from Tractor Supply Co. website - Very Scary reviews!
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/kats-engine-heaters-dip-stick-heater

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.

 

[HeyBales]

That sucks, for MY22 the factory block heater was standard equipment in Canada.

This comment made me read your status info better, for location since I recalled you being up in Canada.
For some reason - I always read your nickname as icegardener - which I thought was an interesting perhaps hobby, but appropriate for location.
I guess you aren't growing ice at all!

 

[SafetyGuy]

Good lord, do they stick it to you north of the border folks. That's a $190 option in the US. See my post #26. Of course, it's been a while since I looked at the exchange rate,,,,,,

HRG

from the Ford.CA Build & Price site;

Hiya @HRG

Yep, same cost as what I paid in January of 2025.

Just the cost of doing business, and I wanted the option of using it in our frigid winter climate.

Way better then trying to get it installed afterwards...I am still not sure if I can safely use it or not. I will be checking with Ford on my next visit on that when I go in later this month.

I have a big, heated garage (at long last!) to park in so I haven't tried using it when we have had it out of its normal resting place in the middle of winter).

 

[Finnster]

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.

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-Gu...r+roof+and+gutters&qid=1775243579&sr=8-6&th=1

 

[Finnster]

And then there are these!
Self Adhesive 150W engine pad heaters, 4"X5" per pad.
I will look for space on the 2.5L oil pan for these at my next oil change in about 5-8 months, unless I get ambitious sooner.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B9GWGDPT/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3MLL0FPJQBNLH&psc=1

 

[SafetyGuy]

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.

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.

 

[SafetyGuy]

And then there are these!
Self Adhesive 150W engine pad heaters, 4"X5" per pad.
I will look for space on the 2.5L oil pan for these at my next oil change in about 5-8 months, unless I get ambitious sooner.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B9GWGDPT/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3MLL0FPJQBNLH&psc=1

These look like a pretty good option as well!

Andy

 

[icegradner]

This comment made me read your status info better, for location since I recalled you being up in Canada.
For some reason - I always read your nickname as icegardener - which I thought was an interesting perhaps hobby, but appropriate for location.
I guess you aren't growing ice at all!

The irony is that it was supposed to be, icegardener, but in my usual fashion I made typos and only realized it later. Growing ice would be fun though...

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