Oil Pan Filler

[PolarBearBob]

I have a friend who needs to have a oil pan heater applied to a 2011 Ford Escape with a 3.0L V6.
The oil pan is covered on the bottom with a cast in waffle grid. The heating pad needs to be applied to a flat surface without air pockets for it to work properly. The grid itself is about 1/3 to 1/2 inch squares. The pad that I'm adhering adhering to the pan is 4"X 5". I need a material that I can fill the grid spaces with that will stay in place and transfer the heat.
Any ideas shop people?

 

[WILD-BILL]

Grind the raised areas of the grid flat to smooth out the bottom of the pan where the heater is to be applied.

I use this same style heater on my race car and they get very hot. Anything you try and put in there to fill the voids will most likely burn up.

 

[M35A2]

I have never used it, but Lab-metal come to mind. There is a hi-temp that is good to 1000 degrees.

http://www.alvinproducts.com/Product-Line/aT/View/ProductID/6/Hi-Temp-Lab-metal

 

[gdocktor3]

Yea I agree with Lab-metal.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Sounds like the wrong tool for the application,....

A block heater oughta do the job, easier,...

 

[Olafur]

Lab-metal has low thermal conductivity. Will not transfer the heat from the heater to the oil pan.

 

[gdocktor3]

Lab-metal has low thermal conductivity. Will not transfer the heat from the heater to the oil pan.

Oh yea I didn't even think of that.

Ayuh,.... Sounds like the wrong tool for the application,....

A block heater oughta do the job, easier,...

That was my initial thought as well and after Olafur's post, I think this is the better option.

 

[L5wolvesf]

Ayuh,.... Sounds like the wrong tool for the application,....

A block heater oughta do the job, easier,...

Yes this and
the ribs are probably there for a reason possibly cooling during hot weather or driving conditions. So I wouldn't grind them off.

 

[Dagny]

or for strength

 

[sberry]

Attatch with silicone.

 

[MrGiggles]

Sounds like a block heater, either the core plug style, or an in-hose unit, will be a much easier option.

I've always read that oil pan heaters are not all they're cracked up to be.