Block heater...worth installing ??

[PRF]

We bought a brand new Kubota L5740 back in December, and the only thing I can find to complain about is that it starts a little hard, and puffs quite a little smoke in the shop for a few seconds..

I'm wondering if an engine block heater, plugged in for a couple hours prior to use might help with these issues?

Thanks in advance for your replies..

 

[Tx Jim]

Yes it should help. How cold does it get in your shop in the Winter?

 

[PRF]

Yes it should help. How cold does it get in your shop in the Winter?

Down to about freezing, seldom under 30*..

 

[andrehoude]

We'll worth it saves trouble in the long run!

 

[crazyangel]

I had one installed on mine before I took delivery. It was totally worth it to me.

 

[yelbike]

Totally worth it. If i try and start my tractor with out plugging in, is does start after a bit out cranking but it sure does like it. It needs throttle to start, puffs white smoke and has a rough starting idles. Depending on temperature sometimes plugging it in for as little as15 minutes will make a huge difference. I recommend it for any cold starting.

 

[3v0]

Personally I like lower radiator hose heaters.

 

[yelbike]

Personally I like lower radiator hose heaters.

Whats the difference?

 

[AStanton]

PRF,
I live in your neck of the woods and use a magnetic block heater that I bought at Napa Auto. I use it when temps drop below twenty degrees for my B3030. The beauty of this heater is that you can use it on another tractor. I use a dollar in the pic to show scale.

 

[tcreeley]

I find magnetic block heaters to be less efficient than a permanently mounted block heater. My old nissan had a lower radiator hose heater that worked fine, even temps below -15. We always plugged the car in. My battery is old in my tractor and I kept it plugged in all winter. Started great, no cranking. Now that it is in the 40's in the day and 28-30 at night, I don't plug it in. Starting fine.