Best choice for engine heater CK 30 (block, heater hose, magnetic?)

[DOCatRU]

Based upon the discussion on my previous post about using T6 5-40 in a used CK 30. Several members suggested that given the cold temperatures in Vermont that I get a block heater for my tractor.

I have good DIY mechanic skills. Please suggest the best alternative and source for the part.

Thanks again.

DOC

 

[N2DFire]

I remembered seeing some discussion here on heaters so I did some searching and it seems that the most popular (and cheapest?) solution is the Block Heater.

In one thread (dealing with an NX series) there is a nice post on a kit from Kioti
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-buying-pricing/349657-nx-cab-radiator-heater-post4396767.html#post4396767

I remember reading in another thread (that I didn't save the link to) where someone said they thought that Kioti used the same heater across all the Models - I'm not sure how true that might be.

Might not hurt to contact a dealer and ask about the availability & confirm a part number.

So far here in VA we haven't had any super cold days since we've had the CK to test the starting performance but honestly since we're just a "hobby farm" if it's so cold the tractor has starting issues, I'm not going to be out on an open station tractor working in those temps anyway. LOL

Good luck with your search & I hope this at least gets you started in the right direction.

 

[oosik]

Here in NE WA state I've never used any type of engine coolant heater. However, when I lived in AK I always used a hose heater. They work like an old percolator coffee pot and did just fine heating the engine. I never liked fooling around with a block heater. Folks would sometimes use a dipstick heater but they can tend to burn the oil.

 

[Billrog]

For a CK30 the type on mine is glued to the oil pan . The dealer told me they will not except an in engine heater. Last winter it worked just fine and I've considered gluing a second one on.

 

[ritcheyvs]

The in-block style replaces a freeze plug but may be difficult as a DIY job, especially if access to that freeze plug is restricted. I don't know which freeze plug hole Kioti uses. The block version is a cleaner setup (the cord unplugs right at the block) and it puts more heat right into the block coolant. On the other hand, the radiator hose version is easier to install and totally remove, just by replacing the hose. But heat from the radiator hose version is limited (or you'll melt the hose) and more heat is lost from the hose and radiator before it gets into the engine.

I live in NC so I haven't needed a heater. But the "old Mercedes Diesel" owners up north prefer the block style.

 

[Egon]

The inline hose heaters work just fine. Six of one, half a dozen of another.
Ease of installation may vary but be aware of thread on here about a block installation gone wrong.

A lot of misconceptions about engine heaters, heat transfer and fluid convection flow.

 

[powerscol]

I use a block heater on mine - dealer installed with no issues and no leaks. I would like to find a programmable temperature set timer. You can set it to turn on when the temps get so low and it will turn off when the temp rises. Save on power use. Anyone know of one?

My unit starts easily down to about 20 without the block heater, but below it get rough. It will start, but takes a long while to warm up. I also run synthetic oil to help in the winter.

 

[RickB]

The inline hose heaters work just fine. Six of one, half a dozen of another.
Ease of installation may vary but be aware of thread on here about a block installation gone wrong.

A lot of misconceptions about engine heaters, heat transfer and fluid convection flow.

Lower hose heater installation is problematic on several kioti models because the only reasonable place to install is in a section of hose that runs perfectly horizontally. And that is an ineffective position to mount a hose heater.

 

[Egon]

Lower hose heater installation is problematic on several kioti models because the only reasonable place to install is in a section of hose that runs perfectly horizontally. And that is an ineffective position to mount a hose heater.

What's problematic about a horizontal hose heater?

 

[RickB]

What's problematic about a horizontal hose heater?

Heating the coolant that's in the radiator isn't an effective cold start aid. The goal is to heat the coolant in the block, and by default the block and combustion chamber. Convection dictates that a warmed fluid rises. A lower hose that runs uphill to the block is ideal. Any other orientation is not.