Engine/Block Pre-heater and engine wear | FerrariChat
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Engine/Block Pre-heater and engine wear

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by caterus, Feb 24, 2011.

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  1. caterus

    caterus Karting

    Dec 24, 2010
    68
    Oxfordshire, UK
    Full Name:
    Tim
    #1 caterus, Feb 24, 2011
    It seems to be accepted that most engine wear (80%?) occurs during the first few miles while the engine is cold. So the idea of installing a pre-heater which brings engine coolant up to near operating temperature before starting the engine seems to make sense.

    A respected manufacturer of a pre-heat system claims it minimises engine wear and significantly improves the life of catalytic converters, engine auxiliaries, exhaust system etc. It is also claimed that fuel consumption on short journeys is improved by up to 46%. If true these are benefits which would be nice to have.

    Now of course natural responses might be 'what do you expect a manufacturer to claim' and 'if it seems too good to be true then it probably is'. So I would be really interested in the experience of any Ferrari owner who has fitted a pre-heat system.
     
  2. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
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    Twin Cities
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    Tim Keseluk
    #2 2NA, Feb 24, 2011
    Unless you live above the Arctic Circle it's almost certainly a big waste of money.

    Sounds like something the "burn water as fuel" guys would try to sell.
     
  3. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    #3 vincenzo, Feb 24, 2011
    in cold climates (sub freezing) I use a oil pan 'heat sticker' to keep the oil warm and even keep the block warm (to a lesser extent). IMO the heater in a freeze plug is only good if you are very, very cold (sub zero F) - and even then it should also have the heat sticker on the pan.

    if your 4re is in the garage at 40degF - don't bother, just give it an extra few minutes to warm and then drive the first few miles very, very easy.

    rgds,
    Vincenzo
    PS: it is now -25deg C at my current location and often times -40C (or worse)
     
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    36,769
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #4 Rifledriver, Feb 24, 2011
    Great idea for firetrucks so they can start and go but do you really need that at the cost of quite a bit of electricity?

    That wear figure is not applicable to cars that are well warmed up prior to hard use.


    It cant hurt but I really don't think it is needed.
     
  5. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Oct 23, 2002
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    Jim Glickenhaus
    #5 Napolis, Feb 24, 2011
    We use them in our cars. They really help getting them started after a long transport where they're exposed to cold temperatures which condense water into engine. This especially helps after air transport where they can get very cold.
     
  6. Ak Jim

    Ak Jim F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 23, 2007
    9,394
    North Pole AK
    #6 Ak Jim, Feb 24, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  7. BDCVG

    BDCVG Formula Junior

    Apr 9, 2007
    262
    Cincyish
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    Brad
    #7 BDCVG, Feb 24, 2011
    I would think that some kind of pump that circulated some oil prior to start-up would be more beneficial.
     
  8. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
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    Jim Glickenhaus
    #8 Napolis, Feb 24, 2011
    If you heat the oil it thermo cycle flows on it's own. We're also set up to crank without ign. for a bit. The 512S manual actually recommends towing the car for a bit before starting it.
     
  9. cwwhk

    cwwhk Formula 3

    Nov 13, 2003
    1,535
    Hong Kong, Tokyo
    Full Name:
    Wayne
    #9 cwwhk, Feb 26, 2011
    Not so important for street cars, but common practice to preheat race engines due to much tighter mechanical tolerances.

    I have an engine pre-heater plumbed for my 550GTS race car. You don't want to rack up running hours on a very expensive race engine just to warm it up with Elf 102 fuel costing $35 a gallon. :D
     

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