Magnetic block heaters for a parts washer

ggb3 · Nov 23, 2016

Hi Y'all,
I have never messed with magnetic block heaters, so do not know a whole lot about their properties, other than the obvious. I can
probably do the math, but hoping someone would know if an idea would work. I am thinking of getting one to stick on the bottom of a parts
washer. Do you think it would heat a 20 gallon unit up well enough to where you wouldn't have to turn it on hours ahead of time?

Thanks,
George

Russ from MN · Nov 23, 2016

The one I have is only 200 watt, not sure if that would heat that large a tank, I would try to find something larger with a thermostat, a water heater thermostat should work well if you clamp it to the tank, and then it would be adjustable in the range that you want. I put my magnetic one on the lower unit of my outboard ( had to bungee it on as lower unit is AL) before changing the lube, after 4 hours it was barely warm to the touch.

16-30 oilpull · Nov 23, 2016

I have a 300 and it would not do what you want. Only use I have found for it is on my massey sub-compact. It will help it start easier. Very small engine. Rick

retired farmer · Nov 23, 2016

Just make sure the solvent is not flammable. I have had several of those heaters short out with flames and sparks.

Steve@Advance · Nov 23, 2016

This would probably be better.

Pricey, but can probably find one used or on Ebay.
Band Heater

moresmoke · Nov 23, 2016

You can also get stick on rubber pad heaters meant for transmissions and oil tanks.

ggb3 · Nov 23, 2016

That answer there does that idea in. I use diesel with a little atf and while it is safe enough, do not need any sparking drama.

Thanks every one for the comments.

JD Seller · Nov 23, 2016

The magnetic block heaters I have been around do not have enough watts to heat the amount of liquid your wanting to heat. Most are only 200 watts and I have seen a few that were 300 watts. Most tractor block heaters are in the 1200-1500 watt range. I tried one of the magnetic block heaters years ago on my Ford 6000. It did not help much at all the oil pan still felt cold right next to the heater.

I would look for livestock waterer heating elements. The old metal waterers had elements that were made to be mounted right against the bottom of the metal waterer pan. Most elements are made to be submerged like your water heaters are. The ones used on the older steel waterers are made to be on the dry side of the steel.

Dr. Walt · Nov 25, 2016

ggb 3 :

When I worked in the Mines, the solvent tank (15 gallon drum containing Clorinated Solvent) on our Parts Washer in our Main Underground Maintenance Shop had a BAND HEATER around it, about 4 inches up from the bottom of the drum. Always kept the solvent nice and warm, NOT Hot.

:>)

Magnetic block heaters for a parts washer

ggb3

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Russ from MN

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16-30 oilpull

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retired farmer

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Steve@Advance

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moresmoke

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ggb3

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JD Seller

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Dr. Walt

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