I have a '98 Bearcat 454 and it doesn't like to start when it is very cold. Has anyone ever installed or used a plug-in engine block heater or similar device on this type of ATV?

What type should I get?

Any help is appreciated!

 

didn't know anyone made an engine block heater for an ATV, but then it rarely gets cold enough here to warrant having one.

 

AC does make an engine block heater that is installed into the radiator cooling lines. I believe it is installed inthe lower cooling line between the engine and radiator so the coolant heated will rise throught e radiator and come back through the engine.

I personally have not needed one on mine but I use an old electric blanklet to cover the ATV with and then put its trailer cover over that. It keeps things toasty warm and has worked well when temps hit 20-30 below.

Just being cold blooded can sometimes be fixed by going to a hotter spark plug during the winter.

Swampy

 

I have one on my TRV.

It actually installs on the lower rad hose comming out of the water pump on my 650H1 before it gets to the cyl head. With temps here that can hover in the -20°F or COLDER range it's a MUST HAVE.

I installed it last winter and it's worked FLAWLESS. It's plugged into a outdoor light timer along with my 1.5amp battery maintainer.

 

Another idea is one of those oil pan heaters. I have them on all my cars and they work great. $30 from the auto store.

 

A large blanket over a ATV with a 100w bulb under the motor would help. Remember your just trying to keep the motor and motor oil warmer for a easier start,the rest of the ATV can be cold as can be and not make a differance on the start up.

 

Also at 20 below the seat makes your rear end feel like you are sitting on a block of solid ice!

 

I think that is how you get polor-oids ;-)