Block heater and Bucket Wearpads

billbill1 · Nov 19, 2006

NAPA sells them in sizes at 1/4" increments and they are under $30 including the clamps. (At least they were when I bought mine) I plug it in for about 30 minutes before I want to use the tractor and it starts like summertime. You need about 2" of space in the lower radiator hose , cut the hose and slip it in. Plug it in when you want to start your machine (30 to 60 minutes before hand) and you're good to go.

cp1969 · Nov 19, 2006

I like the idea of the blade edge protector made from PVC pipe. In fact, someone mentioned it in one of the other forums here. I was all set to try to cook up something like gauge wheels but the PVC pipe idea sounds a lot easier.

George2615 · Nov 20, 2006

Friend of mine just bought one yesterday from Advance Auto Parts. He got the KATZ model 14500 for $21. and change. Its the same one I have on mine. Its a 600 watt unit that fits 1 1/4" hose. My local TSC sell them also if you have one of those stores nearby.

Dusty · Nov 20, 2006

Egon said:
Inline heaters are generic and come in different wattages and sizes. Something in the order of 300 watts should do fine.

A little dish washing detergent on the ends makes them slip on easier.
They should also be directionally and vertically oriented. Instructions will give that information.

While a very small amount of dish washing liquid will not cause a problem, if someone isn't careful the can contaminate the cooling system with it. The anti freeze usually provides enough lubricant to get the heaters to slip onto the hose. Make sure to properly orient the hose clamps and to remember to install them before the heater is put onto the hose. Makes it a lot easier.
Dusty

bones1 · Nov 20, 2006

Don't you run over the electric cord when you're using the tractor.What size and how long of extension cords do you use.Two, three hundred feet enough?What gauge wire?.

LOL

Egon · Nov 21, 2006

Uhh - one does not pour the container of dishwashing soap in the coolant. One puts a little on his finger and spreads it over the heater inlet and outlet.

If it does create a problem I've been living with it for many years but don't know what the problem is as everything seems to run fine but maybe that may be the problem??

scott_vt · Nov 21, 2006

Egon said:
Uhh - one does not pour the container of dishwashing soap in the coolant. One puts a little on his finger and spreads it over the heater inlet and outlet.

If it does create a problem I've been living with it for many years but don't know what the problem is as everything seems to run fine but maybe that may be the problem??

Good one Egon,

Nuru · Nov 21, 2006

kubotabilly said:
Dan,
Here's what I use for a block heater . Although it did cost more that $120 .

Bill

No kidding, I use my 3rd bay to do the same!

john_bud · Nov 23, 2006

kubotabilly said:
Dan,
Here's what I use for a block heater . Although it did cost more that $120 .

Bill

Looks nice, I'll give ya a hundred and fifty for it (that's the installed price, right?).

jb

Dusty · Nov 23, 2006

Egon said:
Uhh - one does not pour the container of dishwashing soap in the coolant. One puts a little on his finger and spreads it over the heater inlet and outlet.

If it does create a problem I've been living with it for many years but don't know what the problem is as everything seems to run fine but maybe that may be the problem??

One must realize that not all that read these posts are mechanical in nature and might not realize that a small amount goes a long ways. I made the comment to point this out to those that are not as mechanically smart as you are.