According to the long term weather forecast and the farmers almanac it's suppose to be in the negatives all winter. My question is I have 3 option to get heat quicker and keep the engine warm.
Block Heater
Tank Heater(What is that??)
Oil Pan Heater
What is your guy's opinions? I already ordered a block heater but that won't help get the cabin warm. Supposedly a tank heater will do that but what even is that?
Thanks, Austin

 

The block heater is the most straightforward and easy to install. I used one when I lived in Plattsburgh. As far as the cabin goes, wear layers and buy a good set of gloves.

 

Oh believe me I do/will. I googled "automotive tank heater" and came up with nothing

 

What engine do you have and where do you live? A block heater does help you get heat quicker, in the winter I drive my Diesel truck more because I can keep it plugged in and it doesn't take as long to heat up.

 

Its for a 2001 Cummins (selling it) and a 2001 360 both 2500

 

i find ditching the mechanical fan for an electric one helps a lot with getting the engine to operating temp quicker in the winter. my 81 can hit operating temp in about 5 minutes with no fans and running about 1500-2000rpm. i know it is about double or triple the time on my 93 with the mechanical fan.

 

I think those tank heaters are actually pad heaters www.padheaters.com

I have a enclosed heater with circulating pump. It's connected between the engine and the heater core. Little bit electrical trickery and you could make the blower run in low speed to heat the interior. Wouldn't hurt to have a battery charger mounted, too.

Personally I'd like to have a water heater like Espar. That way you wouldn't be dependant on power grid.

 

The tank heaters I have seen are exactly that, a small tank, with a heating element, and a pump. They actually circulate the warmed coolant thru the system. (heater core, at any rate.) Block heaters are passive, and only warm the coolant in the vicinity of the heating element. The oil pan heater only warms the oil, making the engine easier to start. Does nothing for keeping the humans warm.

 

The block heater on my 7.3 works great and the heat gets hot quick when I use it. It keeps it warm enough that it melts the snow off of the hood.

 

I put a block heater in mine. The tank heaters aren't very reliable. Put card board in front of the radiator, cut a hole in front of the fan for some air flow. Electric fans won't run at all, but I know you don't like them.