Mounting A Kay's Heater: Oil Pan Installation Guide

Kat's Heaters produce a range of oil pan heaters, including the 24150 150 Watt 4x 5 Engine Oil Pan Heater. This heater is easy to install, requiring little mechanical ability. To install it, you first need to clean the surface of the oil pan with brake parts cleaner or engine degreaser and then use a wire brush to break up any leftover material. The heater can then be stuck to the bottom of the oil pan, and the edges can be sealed with high-temperature silicone.

Clean the oil pan surface

To clean the oil pan surface before mounting a heater, you must first ensure that the surface is free of any oil or grease. This can be done by using shop rags, plastic scrapers, and a detergent that breaks down oil, such as Simple Green cleaner. It is important to use non-metal tools when cleaning an aluminium oil pan to avoid damaging the soft metal. Once the surface is free of oil, you can use sandpaper, a wire brush, or a grinding disk to remove any remaining paint or residue. Be sure to leave the surface slightly rough to aid in adhesion. You can then use a roller to actively promote adhesion before installing the heating pad.

It is also recommended to seal the edges of the heating pad with high-temperature silicone to prolong the life of the adhesive and to ensure a secure bond. In addition, some heating pads may require the use of a roller to remove any air pockets under the pad. When cleaning the oil pan surface, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations to ensure proper installation and adhesion of the heating pad.

Some products, such as Kat's Heaters Pan Heating Pad, recommend using brake parts cleaner or engine degreaser to spray down the bottom of the pan before using a wire brush to break up any leftover material. This will help ensure that the surface is clean and free of any residue before installing the heating pad.

Overall, cleaning the oil pan surface before mounting a heater is a crucial step to ensure proper adhesion and installation of the heating pad. It is important to follow the recommended cleaning and installation procedures to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the heating pad.

Sand down the mounting location

Sanding down the mounting location is a crucial step in ensuring a secure and long-lasting bond between the Kat's Heaters Pan Heating Pad and the oil pan. Here is a detailed guide on how to sand down the mounting location effectively:

Before you begin sanding, it is important to clean the surface of the oil pan thoroughly. Use a degreaser or brake parts cleaner to remove any oil, grease, or debris from the surface. This step is essential as it ensures that the adhesive will bond properly to the mounting location. Once the surface is clean, you can move on to the sanding process.

Use a wire brush or sandpaper to roughen the surface of the mounting location. This step helps create a textured surface that will allow the adhesive to grip more effectively. Make sure to focus on the area where the heating pad will be attached, sanding in a circular motion to create an even texture. It is important not to oversand, as this can damage the oil pan's surface and reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive.

After sanding, wipe down the mounting location with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residual dust or debris. This ensures that the surface is ready for the application of the adhesive.

Inspect the mounting location for any irregularities, such as bumps or ridges, that could affect the adhesion of the heating pad. Use a small roller, similar to those used for Dynamat installation, to smooth out any minor imperfections. This step helps ensure maximum contact between the heating pad and the oil pan, promoting better adhesion.

Finally, apply a bead of high-temperature silicone or RTV around the edges of the mounting location. This creates a seal that protects the adhesive from oil, dirt, and water, prolonging its life and ensuring a secure bond. Allow the silicone to dry completely before proceeding with the installation of the heating pad.

By following these steps, you will effectively sand down the mounting location, creating an ideal surface for the installation of the Kat's Heaters Pan Heating Pad. Remember to take your time and work in a well-ventilated area to ensure the best results.

Heat the oil pan surface

Heating the oil pan surface is a crucial step in mounting a Kat's heater and ensuring its effectiveness in cold temperatures. Here are some detailed instructions to help you heat the oil pan surface properly:

Firstly, it is important to clean the oil pan surface thoroughly. Use a degreaser or brake parts cleaner to spray down the bottom of the pan. Then, utilise a wire brush to scrub away any remaining residue or grease. This step is vital to promote adhesion and ensure the heater pad sticks securely to the oil pan.

After cleaning, allow the oil pan surface to dry completely. It is imperative that the surface is dry before proceeding to the next step, as any remaining moisture can affect the adhesion process and the overall effectiveness of the heater.

Once the oil pan surface is clean and dry, you can begin the heating process. Some people recommend heating the oil pan first and then attaching the heater. This method can help identify how hot the pan is, as the oil will ripple and shimmer at different temperatures. However, heating the pan without the oil can be risky, as it provides no visual cues, and you may accidentally overheat the pan.

Therefore, an alternative approach is to attach the Kat's heater to the oil pan first and then heat them together. This way, you can avoid the risk of overheating the pan, and the oil will act as a visual indicator of the pan's temperature. As the oil heats up, it will ripple, shimmer, and eventually start to smoke slightly when the pan is hot enough.

During the heating process, be cautious and avoid overheating the oil pan. Overheating can cause the oil to oxidize and polymerize, affecting its performance. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the Kat's heater to ensure proper and safe usage.

By carefully cleaning, heating, and monitoring the oil pan surface, you can effectively mount and utilise a Kat's heater to keep your vehicle's engine warm during cold weather conditions.

Attach the heating pad

To attach the heating pad, you will need to first clean the surface of the oil pan. Use a wire brush and brake parts cleaner or engine degreaser to remove any leftover material. If there is any paint on the surface, sand it down to bare metal. You can use fine sandpaper or a wire wheel in a drill to do this. Once the surface is clean and free of any grease or oil, you can attach the heating pad.

Some heating pads come with an adhesive backing, so you simply need to remove the protective backing and apply the pad to the oil pan. For best results, use a roller to ensure good adhesion and remove any air pockets. If your heating pad does not have an adhesive backing, you can use high-temperature silicone sealant to attach it to the oil pan. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the sealant.

Once the heating pad is attached, you will need to seal the edges with high-temperature sealant. This will help prolong the life of the adhesive and prevent water, oil, and dirt from weakening it. Again, follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the sealant.

If your heating pad did not come with a cord, you will need to splice one in. Be sure to use a cord that is long enough to reach your desired plug location. You can then use electrical tape and silicone electrical insulating compound to seal the connection.

Finally, you will need to route the cord to your desired plug location. Be careful to avoid any areas that may interfere with the skid plate or other components. Use zip ties to secure the cord to the frame of the vehicle.

Seal the edges of the heating pad

To seal the edges of the heating pad, you can use a high-temperature silicone sealant. This will help to prolong the life of the adhesive and prevent water, oil, and dirt from weakening the bond. It is important to clean the surface of the oil pan thoroughly before applying the heating pad to ensure proper adhesion. Any residual oil or grease should be removed, and a wire brush can be used to break up any leftover material. Once the heating pad is in place, apply a bead of silicone around the edges to create a seal.

Some users have also recommended using a roller, such as the type used for Dynamat installation, to actively promote adhesion and ensure there are no air pockets under the heating pad. This can help to improve the bond and prevent the pad from peeling off.

It is worth noting that the heating pad should not be placed on painted surfaces as it may damage the paint. Additionally, care should be taken to route the wires properly to avoid any snagging or accidental removal of the pad.

Frequently asked questions