New guy - need a block heater for Evinrude

Hello.

This is my first post and I would appreciate your help.

My goal is to build an engine block heater for my V-6 Evinrude outboard motor.

My problem is cold weather. With temps at 75deg F my motor starts without hesitation. Between 65deg and 55deg it needs starting fluid in the cylinders to fire. Below 55deg its a "no-go".

I just moved to northern Oregon.

The motor is a 3.3liter 250hp Evinrude Ficht (2nd gen) two-stroke. The cold really makes the starter system drag. It has a new battery (875mca), solenoid, and starter. The motor is computer controlled and needs the flywheel spinning at 800rpm+ to synch with the computer and fire the fuel injectors.

Temperature seems to be the issue.

I have 3 large marine batteries for a power source. One is a dedicated cranking motor.

My thought is to use these to heat the engine block using some of these
...PTC heating element 50W AC DC 12V Constant Temperature Ceramic Thermostatic

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231021003897?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Maybe epoxy these to the aluminum engine block ... do I need to a power inverter to change from 12V DC to 110V AC? How do I step down to 12V AC?

Apologies for my ignorance, please reply as if you're speaking to a 2nd grader.

Product description and/or part numbers would be great.

An engine block heater is in lieu of a 15K new motor.

thanks in advance, Bob

 

Sorry, motor is gasoline.
I just moved up from Arizona, so I only had problems in the one month of winter down there.

The motor runs perfectly once its running, and will start & run all day after I get it started. Its just the initial cold start that causes grief.

I do appreciate your input.

I don't think a fuel heater would be of much benefit. Until I get the flywheel spinning the on-board computer wont fire the injectors ,,, so the fuel is moving much.

Its a two-stroke motor so there is no engine oil to heat like you'd find in a four-stroke.


Thanks for the ideas!