BLock Heater install project - BX2350

[Charliebrn]

Finally got around to installing the block heater I bought last March. Thought I'd post it as a project.

Step 1: Found it was easier to remove the lower radiator hose from the radiator to drain the system.

Attached: Pics of the Kit and the hose removed...

BTW: the same kit is used in the BX2230/BX24/BX2350

 

[Charliebrn]

Step 2: Lightly tapped on the edge of the freeae plug (Just inside of the lip to keep from scratching the sealing surface) If you are going to remove it this way, punch it in from the right side, since there is more room on this side...the left side (engine forward) has the cylinder wall not far back.

 

[Charliebrn]

Step 3: I pulled out the loose plug with a pair of pliers, cleaned the surface.

Step 4: Applied locktite sealer to the surface of the heater (the part that goes in the block.

Step 5: Seated the heater in the block using a 25mm Socket and a small hammer. It slid in without much resistance.

*Note: make sure you orient the connections up and down, not side-to-side.

 

[Charliebrn]

Step 4: mask off the connections, paint the heater

Step 5: Seat the electrical connector, push on the clip and secure the core with some nylon ties.

Step 6: refill the system with anti-freeze, run to make sure no leaks.

Step 7: Have a beer...Killian's Irish red maybe???

 

[wushaw]

Well done

 

[KB4330]

Nice job! I just got the kit to install on my L4330 and it looks like you had a much easier time than I will. In my instructions, it states that I must install the heater in the freeze plug behind my hydraulic pump. That seems like it will be a real pain by the looks of it. There are freeze plugs on the other side of the block that are much more accessible. Anyone have an idea why it would need to be done this way in a specific freeze plug?

 

[Volfandt]

Good job & nice pics.
In lookin at your finished pic, Kubota has done some changes to the fuel injection pump from the previous BX series. The throttle control and cable assembly have been moved to the rear of the pump and it looks like a spring assist has been incorporated into the throttle control.
I'm going to guess that the modified fuel injector pump is where Kubota made that additional hp gain.

Volfandt

 

[Charliebrn]

Yea, quite a bit different. I noticed that the shut-off solenoid works differently too. When you shut off the tractor, the solenoid extends for something like 2 minutes to shut off the tractor, then is released again, to normal running condition. At least a defective solenoid won't keep her from running...you could manually kill the fuel.

Thanks for all the kind comments about the heater.

KB4330, I'd be careful...not sure if there is a cylinder wall behind the other plugs...or how much room you'd have... I'd stick with their instructions...my plug came out real easy.

 

[fishpick]

So on the BX2350 you have the the same engine as my BX24 (I think) - my question is, that block heater you installed - does it just "slip in"? Your description does not make it seem to be threaded. What makes the seal between it and the block?

 

[Charliebrn]

No, it isn't threaded like it was in the 2200. It was a press fit...I just tapped it in with the socket on an extension with a hammer. I coated the mating surface with loctite to make sure it sealed completely, but it probably didn't need it. It was a snug fit...it isn't going anywhere.

 

[Musclford]

No, it isn't threaded like it was in the 2200. It was a press fit...I just tapped it in with the socket on an extension with a hammer. I coated the mating surface with loctite to make sure it sealed completely, but it probably didn't need it. It was a snug fit...it isn't going anywhere.

With the extra weight/length that the heater has, it sure seems like it could want to work it's way out due to the vibration factor these little engines have at low idle. I think the loctite was a good choice.. Nice step by step on the pics.. I may do this if I plan on keeping the beast in the unheated shed anytime soon..

 

[fishpick]

I was "gonna" do it for this winter... but now I'm freaked out about poking a hole in the side of the block and then sliding something in there - hoping it stays put... completely a mental thing... but if I was rational - I'd still have a push mower and a shovel... as they too "get the job done".

 

[MOPAULY]

I was "gonna" do it for this winter... but now I'm freaked out about poking a hole in the side of the block and then sliding something in there - hoping it stays put... completely a mental thing... but if I was rational - I'd still have a push mower and a shovel... as they too "get the job done".

There is nothing to 'freak' out about . Most all liquid cooled engines have freeze plugs. The intent is for the plug to be pushed out of the block in the event the coolant freezes...as it expands, rather then crack the block, hence why there are no threads holding the plugs in.

It's a press fit to install, it's not going to rattle or fall out.

 

[fishpick]

It's just scary
Tap out the thing - what if doesn't want to let go and leaves a rough edge that the heater can't seal against... see - I'm not a freak - I just am the guy who always has this experience... from experience...

 

[MOPAULY]

It's just scary
Tap out the thing - what if doesn't want to let go and leaves a rough edge that the heater can't seal against...

LOL you worry to much. Freeze plugs are typically made of a softer material so that won't happen.

 

[Renob]

Charliebrn,

Just stoppped by the dealer to pick up a block heater for the BX24. They must have GOLD internal parts!

Nice job on the install! The pics and tips are appreciated

 

[fishpick]

Renob - gimme price numbers... I'll then add to it the cost associated with meds to talk me out of the bell tower... poking a hole in the side of my block... no matter - I'll never get "comfortable" with that... Thanks for the counseling MOPAULY... I'm still ready to jump after seeing those pics!

 

[Charliebrn]

Renob - Thanks for the props! How much did you pay? I think I paid something like $50 for my kit.

Fishpick - Too bad you weren't a little closer...for a case of Killians, I'd put it in for ya....

 

[Renob]

My Stealer got me for $71.00 for the heater. A tad pricey for what it is.

Fishpick, With the directions posted by CharlieBrn and some confidence you won't have any problems. I actually enjoy this type of project. It's nice to work on something new. I'm usually fighting with some old rusted pile of junk! Plus I'm too cheap to pay the Dealer for a job that's this easy.

 

[fishpick]

Renob - I live my life with the adage "anything that can go wrong will go wrong" - and what amazes me is how often even the things that shouldn't - do!
I love fixing broken old lumps of rust... fabricating something out of parts to make something better - or cheaper... (I'm almost done with my own BX mower stand wheels).
Where I have issue is poking a hole in the side of the block of an expensive machine... I'd take toe offer "for a case of Killians" and let someone else poke away... cause I'm sure my plug would end up inside the block... or some other bizarre episode...
In all seriousness - I'm actually planning on seeing how the girl starts in when it gets cold out since the BX will be living in a non-heated but enclosed garage... from there, if I have to, I'll poke away.
Actually - the directions and explanations here do inspire confidence... Lemme know how yours goes Renob.