Block Heater... In July??

[Joe W]

Any one have any recommendations, ideas, or useful advice for a block heater. I'm starting to plan for winter tractor stuff for my L3200. I probably will only fire it up twice a week or so in the winter. I was thinking about a space heater under the engine pointing up... Or should I spring for a engine block heater? Or would I even need one? I live in Wisconsin so it gets purty cold up here.

Thanks

 

[kuboman]

Any one have any recommendations, ideas, or useful advice for a block heater. I'm starting to plan for winter tractor stuff for my L3200. I probably will only fire it up twice a week or so in the winter. I was thinking about a space heater under the engine pointing up... Or should I spring for a engine block heater? Or would I even need one? I live in Wisconsin so it gets purty cold up here.

Thanks

Spring for the block heater. It will save you far more in engine wear than it costs.

 

[Wolfy]

If you get the block heater, you might want to get a 1800 watt timer. Or plug the block heater in only as needed. I found out just how much electricity they will use if plugged in full time. It was substansial.

 

[Deere Dude]

Any one have any recommendations, ideas, or useful advice for a block heater. I'm starting to plan for winter tractor stuff for my L3200. I probably will only fire it up twice a week or so in the winter. I was thinking about a space heater under the engine pointing up... Or should I spring for a engine block heater? Or would I even need one? I live in Wisconsin so it gets purty cold up here.

Thanks

If the tractor is parked in a garage or pole shed in Southeast Wisconsin, would you even need one? Mine starts just fine stored in a pole shed just using the system on the tractor without plugging it in. I just let it idle for about 5 minutes when it's really cold out. If it is parked outside, that is different and you might need one then. But, if you want one or the other, pick the block heater. They warm it up fairly quick and it may be easier n the engine.

 

[leonz]

The smallest kersosene salamander
will cost you less money.

A half an hour with even a 70 thousand BTU
salamander and your beast will be in the Bahamas
and it will roll over like a Dacshund wanting a
belly rub and purring when you touch the starter. :thumbsup:

 

[ayelvington]

I'm a former Yooper, so I feel your pain.

I'd go with a block heater IF (and only IF) it is installed LOW on the block. I have an RTV900 that has the heater high on the block and it's of limited value. You want the heat to start low in the block and rise up to the heads.

If the block heater location is no good, then an oil pan heater or lower-radiator hose heater may be more appropriate.

As always, there is no replacement for a strong battery and working glow plugs.

Say Ya to da UP!

 

[Chilly807]

The Kubota block heater is pretty slick and works well. Your best bet would have been to get the dealer to install one as part of the purchase deal. Your tractor will probably start anyway with glow plugs and proper winter fuel, but the block heater makes for a bit less wear and tear on a stone-cold engine.

Sean

 

[atgreene]

I have block heaters on almost everything, but realistically, you seldom need them. Especially if you glow plug it heavy. That said, if you know you are going to start it in a couple hours and it's 15 below zero, plug it in and save the wear and tear. No need to plug it in for days on end.

My plow trucks all stay inside, but the Oshkosh sits outside and gets plugged in anytime it's below 20. The old Cummins turns pretty stiff when it's cold.

 

[PHILIP8N]

We drop to 0F a few time here in the winter time and I have never had an issue starting. Winter blend diesel, Power Service fuel supplement, 5w-40 synthetic. Philip.