188 diesel engine manifold heater

tomcase580b · Nov 2, 2013

can anyone tell me how I can test to see if the manifold heater on my case 580 b is working. Winter is coming and I assume this will be necessary if I want to use my baby? attached a electrical pic

Thanks

DJ54 · Nov 2, 2013

I'm thinking your ammeter should show quite a bit of discharge if it is working. Seems it did on my old Case 530 diesel. Or a simple continuity test should show if it's completing the circuit. That could be done without removing it.

I used to test the glowplugs from my old 7.3 diesel by removing, then using the trickle setting on a small battery charger. 2 amps I think, for just a short period of time. It would warm them right up..!!

tomcase580b · Nov 2, 2013

hey dj54…thanks for the help on the earlier post with my water pump…i'm all back together now…ran the tractor moving about 40 yards of dirt today with no problems…she ran cool and strong…I just checked the tractor, and it seems that the wire from the starter solenoid to the heater solenoid is missing….so it's definately not going to work…i was reading a post where a case dealer told someone to disconnect the intake heater because they can break apart and get sucked into the engine. Can I use a block heater? do you have any suggestions?

DJ54 · Nov 2, 2013

Case shows one for the 188. Here is a link to the parts page. Official Case Construction Equipment Online Parts Store and Parts Look Up. Parts for Case Equipment and Construction Equipment. Parts Store for Case Wheel Loaders, Case Excavators, Case Skid Steers, Case Original Parts. Numbers 40 & 41. I looked this up a couple years ago, for in another posting. At the time element was a bit over $35.00, through Case. Forget what the power cord price was.

Glad to hear it gave you no problems. Well worth it to go ahead with the new one.

tomcase580b · Nov 2, 2013

I'm guessing that takes the place of the other element...

DJ54 · Nov 3, 2013

No, it mounts in the block, and warms the coolant. If I remember correctly, there is a drain plug in the right side, between 3 & 4 cylinder. Remove the plug, and this goes in. Seems also the cord for it, is as much as the element.

Bad thing is, if you need it unexpectedly and it's not plugged in, still have a cold engine. Takes a few hours to get them warm. However, if your planning on working it the next day, go ahead and plug it in.

There was a block heater on my work truck, and I put it on a timer to come on about 4 hours before it was time to leave for work. This was just done on severe cold nights. Same could be done with your hoe, if planning to work the next day, or expecting snow to clear your drive, if you use it for that.