TN65S block heater question

Rodmo1 · Dec 21, 2015

Hi everyone! Last winter I bought a used TN65S with 1200 hours. When I test drove it last winter it was 10 degrees out and it started real easy without much of any shaking or smoke. I believe it was the first time it was started in a month or more. They didn't deliver until April so that was the only taste of cold weather I had with it until now. Now when it is 40 degrees or less it runs rough for the first 5 minutes before smoothing out. Maybe the salesman pulled a fast one on me and actually started it not long before I showed up (he was expecting me) but if I remember right it was still covered in snow and I asked him to leave the engine cold so I could get a good feel for how strong the motor was. Anyhow...water under the bridge. Two questions I have...Is this normal engine behavior for these temps? It runs great after it warms up...no smoke of any color. And can anyone recommend the specific block heater I need for this tractor? All the ones listed for the TN series on ebay leave out the 65 model. Okay a couple more questions...Will I have to drain the coolant to install a heater (I have never installed one before) and is it an easy process?

Thanks,
Rod M

displacedPA · Dec 23, 2015

I cant speak to the TN65S I do know that model. I can tell you that my tractor runs rough for five min or so when its in the teens or below kinda. With regards to the engine block heater the ones i have seen yes you would drain the coolant remove the plug in the block and screw in heater. I looked on Messicks web site for you and if you look up TN65S i did not see a heater. I have ordered from them before and if you send them a quick email they will send you the part number and the price within a few hours. hope that helped

RickB · Dec 23, 2015

It didn't start real easy and run smooth immediately at 10 degrees F on its own. They just don't, period. Had to have been started prior to your arrival.

PILOON · Dec 23, 2015

My friend runs 2 TN65's and both want about 2 hrs of block heater time B4 starting during winter.
WE are in Quebec and enjoy (?) cold winters and lots of snow. (usually)

Jerry/MT · Dec 23, 2015

Rodmo1 said:
Hi everyone! Last winter I bought a used TN65S with 1200 hours. When I test drove it last winter it was 10 degrees out and it started real easy without much of any shaking or smoke. I believe it was the first time it was started in a month or more. They didn't deliver until April so that was the only taste of cold weather I had with it until now. Now when it is 40 degrees or less it runs rough for the first 5 minutes before smoothing out. Maybe the salesman pulled a fast one on me and actually started it not long before I showed up (he was expecting me) but if I remember right it was still covered in snow and I asked him to leave the engine cold so I could get a good feel for how strong the motor was. Anyhow...water under the bridge. Two questions I have...Is this normal engine behavior for these temps? It runs great after it warms up...no smoke of any color. And can anyone recommend the specific block heater I need for this tractor? All the ones listed for the TN series on ebay leave out the 65 model. Okay a couple more questions...Will I have to drain the coolant to install a heater (I have never installed one before) and is it an easy process?

Thanks,
Rod M

The short answer to your question is that it's normal for a diesel to start and run rough in temperatures below freezing maybe even up to around 40F. I could give you a bunch of reasons why but the fact is that it's a fact of life for a compression ignition engine. without a block heater being used to warm up the cylinders via the coolant.

As far as installation you'll have to drain the coolant and either knock out a core plug or in the case of the Iveco engines remove a big Allen pipe plug. Go to the online New Holland Parts book and look up a part number or see your New Holland Dealer. It is usually an easy installation.

mojoinco · Dec 24, 2015

Jerry/MT said:
The short answer to your question is that it's normal for a diesel to start and run rough in temperatures below freezing maybe even up to around 40F. I could give you a bunch of reasons why but the fact is that it's a fact of life for a compression ignition engine. without a block heater being used to warm up the cylinders via the coolant.

As far as installation you'll have to drain the coolant and either knock out a core plug or in the case of the Iveco engines remove a big Allen pipe plug. Go to the online New Holland Parts book and look up a part number or see your New Holland Dealer. It is usually an easy installation.

IIRC, it is on the right side of the engine, lower back. I used the factory block heater. Easy to install. Drape the cord over something that will remind you it is plugged in (like over the steering wheel for a non-cab model; over the loader arm or maybe use a large plastic clamp and hook the cord over the door handle). Lots of [dumb] reasons we forgot to unplug the cord as we pull away (you'll never notice the tractor lugging when it happens :laughing

.

Lots of fun and easy ways to set it up to come on remotely -- just remember to use a 15 amp rated switch/timer.

Rodmo1 · Dec 24, 2015

Thanks folks...I am 20 minutes away from one of Messick's stores. I will give them a call Saturday. Generally I try to buy parts on Ebay or through other avenues due to the high price of OEM parts but I will at least see what they are asking and if it is available. Seems strange I found so many listings for every TN series tractor but the 65. It is my understanding that the 75 uses the exact same motor just with a turbo. Not sure why it wouldn't fit. Thanks for the input mojoinco...do you have a 65 as well?

Cheers,
Rod