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As for building a literal fire under a tank engine, that was done, but only under the oil sump. Basically it was to warm and thin the oil.
More than once in years past did I do something similar with an old John Deere tractor -- basically built a small fire in a bucket and sat it under the sump.
The idea wasn't to let the flames actually lick the sump, it was to
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Mike: Spot on for a tractor. How do you get a fire under a tank engine? Bottom plate in the way.
So a hard not on tank engines.
Yes you can heat from below given enough time.
Point is you are not going to have a short pan fire under an engine and do it. Takes upwards of hours depending on the temperature.
I did it with my 73 Bronco when I got hit with a -50 deg morning. Got my propane camp stove out, fire it up and let it run for a couple of course (keeping a close eye on it, open flames and oil on engines dripping is no joke of course).
You can even cowl an airplane engine and get a fire going. It won't heat the oil up much if any but enough heat for easier gasoline ignition. Well you could heat up the oil but again, a couple hours below 0.
The standard for AK small aircraft is actualy a direct fire gas heater. AKA Red Dragon. But you have a longer duct and that ensures the flames do not get into the bottom of the engine.
Heat exchange type are safer but they also do not heat up as good.