2555 Block Heater Install

[bluefin650]

you need to drain the radiator and block of coolant first.

Would you happen to know what Mahindra calls for to replace the radiator fluid? I did not see it in the manual.

 

[Dave M7040]

If you work on the engine cold, dont remove the rad cap and have the block heater ready to install you can often install it loosing very little antifreeze.
Have a clean drain pain underneath just in case but it usually goes well and then all you have to do it top up the cooling system.
Saves a lot of work.
If you want to change the antifreeze buy a premixed one for diesel engines.
The cylinder pressures in a diesel are much high than a car and this pressure flexes the cylinder liner on some engines at a high frequency breaking down the antifreeze and eroding the metal on the outside outside of the liner. Other than that caution I cannot imagine a Mahindra having a unique formulation for antifreeze as there will be no exotic metals in their engines.
Dave M7040

 

[oldpilgrim]

if you mean what coolant to put in it, the go by the color. If it's pink, refill with any pink brand. Same with green or blue.

 

[bluefin650]

Thank you both for the info. I have green coolant.

 

[bluefin650]

One more question, did you use teflon tape and or pipe dope when you installed the block heater?

 

[Cleatis18]

Yes, I used Teflon tape on the threads when I installed mine. Regarding coolant I just bought some premix from the local auto store to top mine off. And yes it will drain some coolant out when the plug is removed even if the radiator is drained. Definitely put a catch pan underneath, helps with cleanup, I found that out the hard way! It is located on the left side of the engine directly above the starter. Easiest way for me to access it was between the loader mount and the cab, just enough room to get my hand and tools through to remove. Coldest temp I started the tractor in was 10 degrees but it fired right up with no cackle and very little smoke, worth installing for sure.

 

[Glrret]

The magnetic block heater didn't work out very well last winter. I think that is partly due to the EGR software issues Mahindra had with the tier4 engines last year and the fact that there really isn't a good spot to attach the heater. I was thinking of installing an inline radiator hose heater or the normal block heater.

So that brings up the questions what one would be best? And does anyone know what the size is of the lower radiator return hose? I would assume its just like installing it in a pickup and you would install it in the lower return line.

 

[JerryK]

Just my take on it, but I thing the heater installed in the block would be better than the lower hose. That would put the heat right where you need it most [ other than the oil pan ]. If you wanted, you could put both in. That would help it work faster, not that it is going to get toasty warm at any time. They do make heaters that burn diesel for heat that they put into 18 wheelers. Those heat the coolant and have a little pump to circulate the fluid thruout the system. If you went that route you would probably put a battery charger on it, cuz they use 12 volts to operate.

 

[Glrret]

After reading some other discussions on this topic it appears that most folks recommend the in-block heaters. I'm going to order the Zerostart 310-0093 for my 2555 and see how it works out.. I assume with this type heater you don't leave it plugged in all night, but insted you put it on a timmer or turn it on 2 or 3 hours prior to starting the tractor, is that correct?

 

[JerryK]

Yup, I do that with my Cummins when I am hitting the Xway early in the morning when it is cold out. Don't expect toasty warm, just takes the chill off it if you run it a couple hours. Sounds a little better when it first fires, etc.