I have newer vehicles- both tractor and trucks. I've read a lot of posts recently about Engine Block heaters (''tis the season!!) I've visited the websites for a few heaters and they make the claim of reduced emissions (less time it runs rich) and that your heater will blow warm air sooner. But none of the sites list easier starting as a benefit.
I realize in extreme cold like Alaska and parts of Canada it's a different story with fuel line heaters, battery heaters etc. That's not what I'm asking about.
From what I understand the glow plug or grid heater is heating the combustion chamber. The newer multi-viscosity and especially synthetic oils seem to flow better when cold. And the metallurgy is better as well.
Well to be frank, for a block heater manufacturer to claim easier starting as a benefit would be like an employer claiming your pay is a benefit
At ANY temperature, a warmer engine will start easier, especially a diesel. Yes, even a 70*F use of a block heater will help. Much of the friction during cold starts (COLD starts especially) comes from the uber-thick oil on the cylinder walls and tight running clearances to the pistons. Warming the coolant will in turn warm the block and pistons, thereby increasing cranking speeds. On a diesel, higher cranking speeds equates directly to increased cylinder temperatures and therefore easier auto-ignition of the fuel.
Synthetic oils contribute to reduced internal friction as well, but they do nothing to warm the cylinders or pistons, so have a more limited impact on cranking compression temperature.
So what is the reason folks in the lower 48 are adding block heaters to modern tractors? I tried to buy one from the dealer and he said I didn't need it. I could see an oil heater if things were below zero and you wanted better oil flow immediately, but not the engine block heater. Has someone had a modern tractor fail to start when cold? Then suddenly start with a block heater added? Or maybe someone has a link with good data on the subject?
Been around engines in mild climates for some time but north Idaho is new to me.
Modern diesels have FAR superior injectors to what was used even 10 years ago and those were better than 10 years before that. Many manufacturers are now using glow plugs AND grid heaters to warm the intake air during cold starts, which is a highly effective method that is invisible to the operator. Neither of these methods are *superior* to the use of a block heater, primarily in terms of cold engine performance and engine wear. It is common knowledge that a cold engine wears more than a warm one, aside from any delay in oil delivery.
Basically, all OEMs are trying to emulate the auto industry were you just get in and turn the key to start, after a brief wait, and forget all the other stuff, like checking the oil, tune-ups and other routine maintenance. Most car and truck buyers today never consider checking their fluids, this type of attitude 20 years ago would surely leave one stranded..... eventually.
