My Audi A4 has an oil pan heater, in place of the trad water jacket block heater.

Anyone knowledgeable about these heaters? I'm thinking about condensation issues in the crankcase, and how long should it be plugged in to make an impact? (water jacket heaters normally require 2 hours, what about the oil pan heater?)

 

Just had one put on my daughter's '99 A4 in Edmonton. (Autobahn Performance.) Her car was sluggish to start when colder than -17c before, now it starts fine down to -30c. It seems to reach maximum heat soak in about four hours, so if you have a timer, I suggest setting it for four hours before you need to drive. The oil pan type heaters are only 200 watts, so I doubt they will make much condensation. The oil and the aluminum pan will transmit the heat effectively, so the oil shouldn't get so hot as to make much water. If I was to do it again, I'd put on two heaters, as there is lots of room to do so. (The average coolant element type heater is 600-650 watts.)

Turbine guy

 

thanks for the info. It's technically relevant and makes sense, something these groups sometimes don't.

Appreciate it.