Should I install a block heater?

[flyingcow]

Also, up here when it snows we don't get deep cold with the storm. Maybe 15f ish. Bit i still plug in if its outside. If anything saves on batteries.

FWIW- have started tractors at -40. Block heaters plugged in for a few-(plus) hours. These were 145hp V-8's. Hooked booster cables up from the pickup. If you don't start equipment up in that kinda cold, the first try...give it up. These tractors had synthetic in them also. Might not have needed to hook up booster cables...but good insurance.

 

[Will_C]

Absolutely! The timer idea is a good one, but I notice my tractor starts better if the block heater is on for only 30-45 minutes-if I suspect a storm, I'll leave in on overnight.

I'll run a space heater pointed at the tractor for 30 minutes or so if it below 0.

Will

 

[LWG]

I've read that most of the internal engine wear occurs before the engine coolant temperature reaches 180 degrees. After the block reaches that temperature, assuming constant lubrication, the wear is so slight it is difficult to measure. Even if the engine starts without a block heater, you could be saving wear.

 

[peterc38]

But i occasionally leave it outside and if I know I'm gonna need it, it's plugged in all night

Ahhh yes, The County, home of -50 F January nights

 

[warcloud]

i live in up state NY near Canadian border my BX 2360 sits in ploe barn starts in the coldest weather -20 below. just make sure you let it warm up before put a load on it

 

[bp fick]

5 am. Below zero. 10" of snow to push with more coming. Plug in the block heater, go do your morning S.S.S., have a second cup of coffee with some toast, blab a bit on TBN, check your email, watch a weather radar or two, and 2 hours have passed and it's 7 a.m. and it's finally getting light enough to see. Glow the plugs for 4 Mississippi's and she roars to life. The temp gauge is already up 1/3. Priceless.

 

[Rfisher7381]

Thanks for the great feedback. Looks like a mix of those who use them and those who don't (who'd a thunk!). I'm planning on ordering one from Messick's as it can't hurt to have the engine a bit warm when starting at low temps. I'll probably put it on a timer. Thanks

 

[PHILIP8N]

Sorry brother BP, but I gotta be at work at 6:00am. Get up at 4:30am, 0F outside, got 6" of snow, don't have time for a stinkin' block heater. Turn key, she fires up everytime. Go shovel steps and walkway for 10 minutes, temp gauge is up to 2 bars, ready to roll. Use front blade to remove snow from drive and road for 15 minutes. Put tractor in barn and head in house. Now it is 5:00am (normal wake up time). Take shower, eat, leave for work at 5:30am. Arrive at work at 6:00am, get on TBN. You are not going to kill your tractor by not using a block heater at 0F if you take the right precautions. Is it better to use one? Yes, but it does not always fit my lifestyle or work schedule. I have a 1950 8N with about 3000 hours on it that did same (and sometimes more) work than my L3940, and it is still running strong and has never had the luxury of a block heater. The only reason I use a block heater on my truck is so I will have quicker heat for me and to thaw ice on windshield. Come to think of it, I should probalby eat less mexican and cheese to prolong the life of my hearts arteries. Not bad-mouthing block heaters, they have their place, I just think some people are going overboard here. Check the wattage 1st too. Some of them are up to 750 watts. Thats like running a deep freezer and 4 x 60 watt light bulbs for hours straight non-stop! Yes, I am tight. Good luch with your decision, you only have to satisfy yourself! Philip.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Thanks for the great feedback. Looks like a mix of those who use them and those who don't (who'd a thunk!). I'm planning on ordering one from Messick's as it can't hurt to have the engine a bit warm when starting at low temps. I'll probably put it on a timer. Thanks

Good decision. I think it is cheap insurance and makes it easier on the battery. When I get up I let the dog out and plug in the heater. By the time I'm ready to head for the woods the tractor block is warm. All set to start easy.

 

[crazyal]

The only people I know who use a block heater are the ones who don't know if their vehicles (or tractors) will start if the don't. For every block heater out there on a diesel I can point to at least 100 diesels that get a shot of starting fluid to fire them up on the cold days. I even know loggers who light a fire under their skidder in the morning if it's too cold for the starting fluid. If I can get the amount of hours they get out of their machines I'll be a happy camper.