Cold Weather Question

[hiker88]

Hey everyone,

Here are the forecasted highs and lows (f) in my area (central Maine) until 1/4/2018 when there is a 70% chance of snow ( and I would need to startup my Kioti CK30) for cleanup:
3, -10
8, -6
10, -7
3, -11
1, -16
1, -9
12, 2
15, 3 (1/4/2018)

I don't foresee myself needing the tractor before 1/4/2018. Should I let it sit (only provision will be keeping the battery topped off w\a battery minder) until 1/4/2018, or should I be starting and running it somewhat regularly over the next few days? The tractor is stored inside a 14x20 "Rhino" shelter and I could run a space heather in there for 4 to 8 hours or so if I needed starting around 1/3/2018. When zipped up, the shelter has surprised me at how warm it gets just with the tractor idling. Oh yes, I do treat the diesel and I have diesel 911 handy if I needed to fill the fuel bowl w\it.

Thoughts?

 

[LouNY]

Is your fuel straight #2 or a winter blend?
If your not sure what your fuel is I would cut it a bit, don't know how big your fuel tank is,
but if you get a 5 gallon jug filled with kerosene and add some to your tank to be 20-40% kerosene,
then let her run for 1/2 hour or so to blend the fuel it would certainly be fine.
I'd try to not use the 911 additive it can be rough on pumps and engines.

 

[oldnslo]

Starting for a vehicle and running for a short period is harder on them that letting them sit. Reason for this is that they have to run long enough to get everything up to temperature which can take a half hour or more depending on engine style, tranny, style etc.

I would leave it sit until you are going to running and driving i around for awhile.

 

[hiker88]

Thank you for the quick reply. I live in a very rural part of Maine. The store where I buy my fuel is winter blend, off road. It is used by many of the loggers etc.

Sounds like I may be OK...

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Keep in mind that many (maybe all) diesel fuel conditioners/treatments will not blend below 32-40 degrees, but if it has you should be fine. Most areas that are used to colder climates change their diesel to a winter blend before the cold hits but if it is fuel from this summer could be straight #2. I agree, try not to use aggressive drying agents like 911 if you don't have to, but sometimes it is necessary so always good to be prepared for the worst.

 

[Reb954]

Maybe I missed it but does your tractor have an engine heater? If it doesn't, it should. That way you can plug it in a few hours before you need it.

 

[hiker88]

Unfortunately no, and won't have one before the 4th, so I am just seeing what to do with what I have...

 

[Reb954]

I don't know on your tractor but it usually only takes an hour or so to install a heater in the lower radiator hose, something to think about.

Other than that, like others mentioned, make sure your fuel is proper for the temperatures then close it up in your shelter. Depending on the size of the shelter and the size of the space heater you can probably get away with running the space heater for a couple hours before you need the tractor.

A few years ago the block heater went out on an older tractor I had. The tractor was in a shed but it was a bigger shed that was open on one end. I just draped a tarp over the top of the tractor and down one side to contain the heat. I placed my small propane space heater on the opposite side of the tractor from the tarp, about 4 or 5 feet from the engine and directed it towards the oil pan. After about an hour or two the frost was melted off the engine so I tried it, started fine.

 

[Phillip w]

Here is my take: leave her sit until you need it. As for an additive I have used both howes and power saver extensively in both tractors and semis. The ratio is the secret. Use about 1 ounce of supplement per 5 gallons of fuel. As for plugging in a space heater, that is a good idea. Every little bit helps. You should have glow plugs. You may have to cycle your glow plug 2-3 times to get it going. What ever do, DON'T try to pop it off with ether, the New stuff can't handle it and you run a good chance of ruining the engine. If you really having trouble getting it going, set your wife's hair dryer on high. Have someone blow the hot air into the air breather as you turn it over. This trick works fairly well. Hope this helps.

 

[hiker88]

Hmm, well now you have me wondering.

Maybe someone who has installed a block heater on a CK30 will chime in. I can always call the dealer tomorrow and see if one is on hand. Other than the shelter and the space heater, I don't have a heated space to work though, so it would need to be a fairly minimal job for me to want to take it on now. Nothing good ever comes of working on vehicles in this kind of cold is my experience, but if it is straightforward, it would certainly be the best long term solution.

The temps on 1/4/18 will be the highest since 12/22 when it got up to 10, then temps are going back down again. There is no end in sight for this run of cold yet in the extended forecast.

 

[Thomas]

If I,I put battery tender on battery also little anti gel.
Block heater?? if so good hour or so before use,after start up good 10-15 min warm up before,than slowly exercise FEL and 3 point hitch.

 

[JDL538]

I don't know if they still sell them ,but I use a electric dip stick that warms the oil...It works well in cold weather.

 

[coolreinfarm]

I don't know if they still sell them ,but I use a electric dip stick that warms the oil...It works well in cold weather.

Kats makes them, buy on Amazon!

 

[3930dave]

Given that you have a fairly windproof enclosure, w/o installing a block heater I'd stick with running the space heater for a couple of hours before starting - if your glow plugs and battery are healthy, then that should be all you need.

I picked up a magnetic style heater for optional heat - suitable if you have a flat area for it to stick to. Immersion heater elements work somewhat better, but inside an enclosure, a magnetic heater will also transfer and radiate heat to the tractor.

Amazon.com: Kat's 116 3-Watt Magnum Handi-Heat Magnetic Heater: Automotive

If you have 'em already, floodlights or IR lamps can be a simple way to soak some heat into an engine. CAUTION - careful attention is needed esp. with high-wattage bulbs - easy to damage wiring or plastic panels if bulbs are too close.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Might have been mentioned already......

If you can fit it in physically, hard to go wrong with an electric battery-blanket - provides some heat directly to the battery, and is relatively low-wattage so it doesn't get your utility meter spinning too fast if left plugged in long-term....

Rgds, D.

 

[tcreeley]

Good to get a block heater installed. I'm in Hudson, ME and your temps are similar to what I get. I've got the tractor in a shelterlogic. I leave it plugged in all winter, no battery tender. The diesel they sell locally is already adjusted for winter use.

Your battery will be doing the work- a tender sounds good and a cover over the tractor and a space heater. (be careful of fire.)
I used to use a magnetic block heater on a 48 Farmall Cub I had - worked sort of, not efficient.

Go to start it when the sun has been shining a few hours! Helps. The closer to 20F the easier it will start!

 

[hiker88]

The Internet has spoken, and I have listened.


Thank you everyone, maybe I'll update the thread w\a cold start report.

 

[LouNY]

A lower radiator heater will work but the install is critical it needs to go in a section of hose that slopes up to the engine with no pockets or traps, if placed in a flat section close to the radiator guess where th heat is going. A block heater is a bit more efficient and usually not much more difficult to install, either one will involve working with cold anti freeze in cold temperature.
good luck

 

[hiker88]

A lower radiator heater will work but the install is critical it needs to go in a section of hose that slopes up to the engine with no pockets or traps, if placed in a flat section close to the radiator guess where th heat is going. A block heater is a bit more efficient and usually not much more difficult to install, either one will involve working with cold anti freeze in cold temperature.
good luck

Thanks for the insight; makes sense.

The interesting thing was I spoke w\two local dealers and neither advocated the block heater. One was kind of vague, the other said if you drill out the cap, you run the risk of filings in the block, and when you punch it out, you are very close to the cylinder head wall. He said they almost exclusively do the in line unless the customer is adamant. Maybe less liability for them? I'm pretty sure I have a section w\some upslope, so I am hoping this is better than nothing.

 

[MHarryE]

My RTV900XT gets used about once weekly. Haven't been above zero in over a week and as cold as -42. I have Howes in mine and no problem starting and running although I didn't try on the -42 morning. I wish it had a block heater but I survive without one.