"Engine Preheat" vs. "Engine Heater"

[Rob Robinson]

Pete I have both those switches. The one below the sink turns on the
electric block heater and heats the coolant. After a couple of hours you can
hear the coolant gurgling and feel the heat in the lines. This is the one I
use for four hours before starting my engine. My manual says the switch over
your head in the drivers seat area........"Energizes the engine coolant
circulation pump for heat exchangers in the hydronic system. The indicator
light shows the pump is on." Section 13 of my manual says that this feature
allows my Primus to preheat the engine. To use this preheat system I must
have the LPG or 120V immersion heat on and the overhead switch turned to on.
I haven't used the system yet but think I'll give it a try. So it would
appear that the kitchen switch is the electric block heater and the dash
switch is LPG or diesel heated coolant block heating system.

On 21/10/2007, Pete Masterson wrote:
>
> As I watch the snow accumulate outside the window, I realize that I
> have two switches that would seem to refer to the same function:
>
> On the panel on the left above the driver's head, I have an "engine
> preheat" switch with a green light that comes on when the switch is
> activated. I also have a red, home-style switch on a panel just below
> the galley sink, next to the Konstant Hot switch that reads "engine
> heater" and the switch glows red when it's turned on.
>
> Do these switches turn on the same thing? The owner's manual mentions
> (without much detail, of course) that the AquaHot system will heat
> the engine for cold starting.
>
> Therefore, do I turn on both switches or will only one do the job?
> Does anyone have a feel for how much time it takes to warm the engine
> in freezing temperatures... last spring when we spent a week in the
> Denver area with temperature lows frequently dropping into the
> mid-20s, I turned on the "engine heater" switch about 10-12 hours
> before departure. After many tries and much stumbling the Series 60
> finally but reluctantly came to life.
>
> I'm thinking I'll turn on the switch(es) about 24 hours before my
> planned departure this time... or should I turn it on sooner?
>
> TIA
>
> Pete Masterson
> aeonix1@...
> 1995 Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> On the road at Idaho Springs, CO
>
>
>



--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB


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