Has anyone ever used and your thoughts on one of those engine heater that attach on the outside on engine etc.? To replace one on a Colorado it is not easy to get at.

They have their place but for everyday use there are way better options.

I would even put a lower radiator hose heater over them.

The magnetic type have been known to start fires probably from leaking oil residue on pan. They can also scold the light weight pans used on today's vehicles.

I personally don't think the external magnet heaters are very effective. I much prefer the ones that go in a soft-plug hole, but they can be hard to access too. There are plugs on both sides of the block though, so maybe one of them is accessible.

Thanks and that is what I excepted for reply's So there is an inline one for a radiator hose can yo install them on any outfit or is there stipulations??

I grew up with engine block heaters. One of my chores as a kid was plugging in my parents cars before I went to bed at night. I thought they were a thing of the past with todays motor oils and computerized ignition systems. Nobody uses them around here anymore.


I did buy a magnet oil pan heater for my tractor. I've never used it much.

I use them on the stump grinders and have good results using them.

I have a frost plug heater on my 83 Dodge W350 snowplow truck that makes the truck start like it does in the summer.

I use mine just to let the motor start easier. My 5.9 cummins would start way below zero but it starts way better if warmed up a bit. And in the long run I think it helps the motor last longer. In this day and age the longer a vehicle lasts the happier I am !

Couldn't function without a block heater.

Snowy: the style of heater that goes in the radiator hose is model specific. Depends on what vehicle you are installing it in. Also USUALLY must be installed at the lowest point in the system

Never worked well on cars and trucks I used them on. Block heaters are a much better option.

Just remember to strap it on or remove it if your out drift busting with the truck they work fine a few HD zip ties might keep you from losing it if you forget.

Don't work well on modern trucks.
They don't stick to aluminum.