bp fick
Super Member
Bill, might come as a surprise to know that those weren't terribly harsh conditions as described by the OP.
I'd call them quite temperate. The guys from Manitoba or North Dakota are roaring!!!Oil & Fuel Cold weather diesel recommendations wanted
- Thread starter BrendanAtBucksteep
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Bill, might come as a surprise to know that those weren't terribly harsh conditions as described by the OP.
I'd call them quite temperate. The guys from Manitoba or North Dakota are roaring!!!Spudland_Dave
Veteran Member
Dunno what you mean by a Coolant heater....a block heater IS a coolant heater....
I agree with you though, I dont see how a machine doesnt have these features. Every one of the 2xxx and larger machines at my dealer ALL have block heaters installed. It wasnt even a choice for me... I also agree with your better safe then sorry...
I religiously plug my 3520 in when I use it...I dont plug it in for a long time, typically 30-45 mins and she'll be warm...Not only is it easier to start and easier on the engine, its easier on me as well because my heater blows hot air that much sooner
wolfram
New member
Depending on the age/condition of your battery, you might want to keep it well charged. That's the weak link here.
RedHawkRidge
Silver Member
I have an X595 garden tractor with a 23hp Yanmar diesel. Don't have a block heater, and have struggled to start it in Western Wis. Have had to push it into the garage manually to warm it up enough to start. Ugh just thinking about it.
Three comments:
1. When it is really cold (less than 10F), the glow plugs won't even work -- they start up but cut off after 2 secs. I found out by trial and error that turning on the glow plugs repetitively, they apparently get warm enough to stay lit for the usual 8-10 secs. And then the unit usually will fire up.
2. I just bought a magnetic block heater that you simply attach to the bottom of the oil pan. It gets really hot. Results: Hasn't work very well on the first couple of startups. Still have to do the procedure in comment 1.
3. Deere dealer wants big bucks to install a block heater >$300. Includes a heater, an adaptor, and lots of man-hours. Too much for me.
jim
Three comments:
1. When it is really cold (less than 10F), the glow plugs won't even work -- they start up but cut off after 2 secs. I found out by trial and error that turning on the glow plugs repetitively, they apparently get warm enough to stay lit for the usual 8-10 secs. And then the unit usually will fire up.
2. I just bought a magnetic block heater that you simply attach to the bottom of the oil pan. It gets really hot. Results: Hasn't work very well on the first couple of startups. Still have to do the procedure in comment 1.
3. Deere dealer wants big bucks to install a block heater >$300. Includes a heater, an adaptor, and lots of man-hours. Too much for me.
jim
kenstrac
Platinum Member, RIP
All the previous post are good info, you might get it started but will it stay running,make sure that your fuel filter has no water or ice in it and that it is in good shape I would also add some K-1 about 1 Qt to each gallon and use power service in the white bottle.
No mater how you heat the engine the fuel system gets no heat and may gel then your SOL.
20 20
Elite Member
I doubt it will stay this cold all winter, but one never knows. Okay 1st get some fuel anti-gel worth its weight in gold. Next get a heater of some sort, inline or block, they are also worth their weight in gold{especially when there is a foot or more of snow to move}. Do you have glow plugs? If so make sure they work and don't be afraid to use them.
When I use the inline heater I don't even need to use the glow plugs, tractor starts on the 2nd or 3rd turn over. When I don't use the heater I have to use the glow plugs and it still takes some cranking{}.
When I use the inline heater I don't even need to use the glow plugs, tractor starts on the 2nd or 3rd turn over. When I don't use the heater I have to use the glow plugs and it still takes some cranking{
}.Trails2004
Gold Member
That price seems very high-I just installed one on my 790- the dealer sold me an adapter for 75.00. I returned the adapter for credit.
On the left side of the engine is a 1/2 drive plug that is treaded in to the block. Here are my steps and about 20 or so minutes.
1. Drained the radiator
2. Used 1/2 breaker bar and 2 12" extensions to loosen the plug.
3. Drained more fluid from the plug in the block.
4. Used Rector Seal on threaded plug heater.
5. Used 1/3/8 socket to install the heater into the side of the block.
6. Refilled the radiator with new fluid
7. Started the tractor-
8. Smiled--- No Leaks!!! and the heater works great!!
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Karl2
Gold Member
Never heard of a coolant heater either. Anyway you're right, up here block heaters on utility tractors are not an option you ask for, it is assumed that one just comes with the machine.
KennK
Silver Member
I live in the Chicago area and bought my JD 3320 about four years ago. At the time I told the dealer that I wanted an engine heater - he said they weren't necessary in the area.
The tractors started well each winter so long as I kept a trickle-charger on the battery, but last year on a particularly cold night (single digits F) I made the mistake of leaving the tractor parked outside. It simply would not start. I put a blanket over it and left a lit light bulb under the engine compartment for several hours and it finally started - with lots of black smoke and soot.
This spring I took it into the dealer for some work (needed a new injector) and told him to install an engine block heater. When they went to install it they found one already there - its just that the cord was very well hidden. Sigh. Wish I'd known. It wasn't listed on the window sticker (just kidding ... no windows on mine)
The tractors started well each winter so long as I kept a trickle-charger on the battery, but last year on a particularly cold night (single digits F) I made the mistake of leaving the tractor parked outside. It simply would not start. I put a blanket over it and left a lit light bulb under the engine compartment for several hours and it finally started - with lots of black smoke and soot.
This spring I took it into the dealer for some work (needed a new injector) and told him to install an engine block heater. When they went to install it they found one already there - its just that the cord was very well hidden. Sigh. Wish I'd known. It wasn't listed on the window sticker (just kidding ... no windows on mine)
