xcgreene
Platinum Member
I've installed a lower radiator hose heater in one of my DK45se tractors.
Radiator hose size: 44mm OD, 34mm ID
Kats 16600, a 600Watt 1.5" in line heater, Slighly larger than what is needed, but its the best fit, and fits fine. ($37)
Plugged in over night, from about 8pm to 8am.
Ambient temp around 37F last night (certainly not the coldest, but data is relevent)
Here's a picture of the engine with temperatures and locations, taken with an IR gun after the 12 hours.

Notes:
*The heater itself cycles, I could hear a relay click inside. 110F cut in, 142F cut out.
*Most of the heat migrated towards the engine with this orientation, as you can see, the radiator top gathered little heat.
*After the heater, the highest temperatures were found at the water pump, the first stop after the heater. Steady at 117F.
*After the water pump, the heat migrated out to each cylinder jacket, as you can see the temp fades as the heat makes its way to the cylinder furthest aft.
*After the cylinders, the leftover heat sits just under the thermostat at around 78F.
*I was surprised to see a bit of heat in the oil sump as well, 61F.
*No modifications to thermostat, no holes drilled, just heater installed.
I plan to install a block heater ($80 from MIE) in the other DK45se, and do the same comparison. Though I feel this lower radiator heater option is the cheapest, most serviceable and convenient.
Radiator hose size: 44mm OD, 34mm ID
Kats 16600, a 600Watt 1.5" in line heater, Slighly larger than what is needed, but its the best fit, and fits fine. ($37)
Plugged in over night, from about 8pm to 8am.
Ambient temp around 37F last night (certainly not the coldest, but data is relevent)
Here's a picture of the engine with temperatures and locations, taken with an IR gun after the 12 hours.

Notes:
*The heater itself cycles, I could hear a relay click inside. 110F cut in, 142F cut out.
*Most of the heat migrated towards the engine with this orientation, as you can see, the radiator top gathered little heat.
*After the heater, the highest temperatures were found at the water pump, the first stop after the heater. Steady at 117F.
*After the water pump, the heat migrated out to each cylinder jacket, as you can see the temp fades as the heat makes its way to the cylinder furthest aft.
*After the cylinders, the leftover heat sits just under the thermostat at around 78F.
*I was surprised to see a bit of heat in the oil sump as well, 61F.
*No modifications to thermostat, no holes drilled, just heater installed.
I plan to install a block heater ($80 from MIE) in the other DK45se, and do the same comparison. Though I feel this lower radiator heater option is the cheapest, most serviceable and convenient.