At what temp do you use your block heater (of any kind)

[mswlogo]

10C is 50F. That seems a little high. I plug the diesels in when it gets down to 10F-15F.

It gets down below 50F at night in the middle of the summer !!!

 

[TheDingy]

On our critical diesel equipment we keep a constant 100 degrees block temp. If it is below about 60 it is good to have a block heater on it.

 

[rpraymond]

As soon as the snow really starts flying I leave mine plugged in constantly. I usually clear the driveway at about 6:30 in the morning so it's always at the ready. It starts much easier and since it has a cab the heat is flowing in a few minutes time.

 

[Tig]

10C is 50F. That seems a little high. I plug the diesels in when it gets down to 10F-15F.

It is, no doubt. But for the 15 mins it's plugged in I see no harm.

 

[Rockyridge]

Im interested in the amperage of each of your heaters.
I had one installed as part of the deal when I bought my used L3400 last year but didnt think to question how big heater they put in. I tried using it last year and it didnt seem to do much. I tested it this year and at 3 amps, it draws less amperage then either my toaster or coffee pot. Dealer says that is what they install. Probably meant to left on all the time but that doesnt seem practical either if its not used for day at a time. Not sure how Im going to handle this, may have to replace it with it bigger one but Im interested in the size heater others have an how they work for them.

Thanks for any information you can provide,

 

[mswlogo]

3 amps is approx 300 watts. I think the freeze plug ones are on the order of 600 watts.

What type do you have installed?

 

[Patches]

Yikes! You guys do baby your tractors.

I've used mine about once so for and it gets pretty cold up here. I really ought to use it in the winter time but the problem is that I don't tend to think in advance that I am going to be tractoring so don't plug it in.

I need some sort of remote way to get it to start when I am in the house and make up my mind that I want to clear the driveway an hour from then or something.

I purchased a remote outlet from Target,manufactured by (Prime?) The receiver is in my unheated garage with the tractor already plugged in, about 100' away from the house. When I walk out to get the morning paper and it is, or has snowed, I operate the controller from the warmth of the house and by the time I've eaten breakfast, the tractor is warmed and starts readily

 

[big bubba]

For those who personally installed the block type, how hard was pulling the existing water jacket, and how confident are you the replacement heater is leak tight? bb

 

[rbargeron]

For those who personally installed the block type, how hard was pulling the existing water jacket, and how confident are you the replacement heater is leak tight? bb

Block heater installation in a freeze plug hole It has been drop tight since it was installed.

 

[jbrumberg]

I usually use my block heater when temperatures hit below the freezing point of water. The colder it is the longer I will use it. About a half hour at 32 degrees and around an hour when temperatures hit the low teens. It is supposed to go to the single digits here tomorrow morning; I'll probably run the heater for over an hour as I need to use the tractor. Jay