Block Heater Install Question

[von-mil]

I am about to install an engine block heater in my B3030. The part number is 70000-73274 and the kit includes these items:



First of all, I would like to confirm that I have the right kit for my tractor. The Kubota dealer, as well as several internet sources, tell me that it is correct. However the instruction sheet that came with it describes how to install it onto a KX series excavator and a SVL series track loader, both of which have a V3307DI-T engine. My B3030 has the V1505-E2-D21 engine. Assuming that I do have the correct heater kit, what do I do with the hose clamp and the small steel plug that are shown in the center of the above picture? I am thinking that they are not needed for my tractor.

Another question. The dealer thought that it might be necessary to install the heating element into the block with the two element prongs parallel to the ground as opposed to up/down or any other angle even if it means turning back the tightness a bit to get them level to each other. This sounds pretty strange to me. I've done quite a bit of searching but can't find anything on this.



Any advice anyone. Thanks

 

[greenrider1]

I don't think orientation of he prongs matters. They will heat liquid in any direction, and heat always rises. The only ones I am familiar with are the ones that replace a frost plug in the block, where you have to remove the frost plug and then insert a threaded adapter, which the heating element then threads into. I didn't pay any attention to the orientation of the prongs, and they work just fine.

 

[ametcalf]

I am about to install an engine block heater in my B3030. The part number is 70000-73274 and the kit includes these items:

View attachment 250921

First of all, I would like to confirm that I have the right kit for my tractor. The Kubota dealer, as well as several internet sources, tell me that it is correct. However the instruction sheet that came with it describes how to install it onto a KX series excavator and a SVL series track loader, both of which have a V3307DI-T engine. My B3030 has the V1505-E2-D21 engine. Assuming that I do have the correct heater kit, what do I do with the hose clamp and the small steel plug that are shown in the center of the above picture? I am thinking that they are not needed for my tractor.

Another question. The dealer thought that it might be necessary to install the heating element into the block with the two element prongs parallel to the ground as opposed to up/down or any other angle even if it means turning back the tightness a bit to get them level to each other. This sounds pretty strange to me. I've done quite a bit of searching but can't find anything on this.

View attachment 250925

Any advice anyone. Thanks

I installed a block heater that I got from the dealer on our BX23 and the instructions in the box did not match the tractor nor the engine. It has been a while and I can't remember the details for sure but I do remember there were some extra parts in the box. I did a search on this website, learned what I could and dove in. The installation worked out well. My opinion on the element prong alignment is that the prongs are so short that it doesn't matter. If the prongs were longer it might make a difference for strength but I don't see these breaking off. I don't know if the plug you pull out has the 17mm allen type socket or not. Mine did and I ended up buying a set from HF that work with a socket set. If you need me to look up the part number I can. I didn't have an allen wrench that big so I tried to weld up one out of a bolt but the plug was in so tight that I broke the bolt. That's when I broke down and bought the set from HF. Once I got that, the job went well. I didn't even drain the radiator. I started the engine and let it warm up a little, removed the radiator cap to relieve the pressure, put the cap back on and let the engine cool down so the system had a little negative pressure on it. I then spun the plug out, and stuck the heater in and lost less than a cup of coolant in the process.
Good luck.
A. Metcalf

 

[von-mil]

Thanks for the replies. I will not worry about the orientation of the heating element prongs. If they end up aligned with each other, fine but I'm not going to over-tighten or under-tighten just for alignment reasons.

Yes, I do need to use a 17mm allen socket and no, I do not have one. I will probably just buy the single socket to fit on my breaker bar rather than buy a whole set. I'll try some Liquid Wrench on the exposed portion of the plug for a few days prior to my attempt to remove it.

I could use the heater this morning - it's about 0 degrees and I've got snow to move.

 

[tjl5709]

Your BH looks like what I but into my BX2660. The instructions did not match either. I went to Harbor Freight to get the 17mm hex socket driver. (I bought a set as the price is right). You need to get some good leverage on that hex plug, so I would find the 17mm hex mounted into a socket if you can. A hex wrench might not give ya the leverage or maneuverability. Just a thought.

Also, I drained the motor thru the hole for the HEX plug. Took alittle engineering with duct tape, aluminum foil to make a trough/funnel, and the bucket to catch the AF, but it was way easier than trying to get back into the hoses by the radiator. It drops just the right amount of fluid to install the BH. :thumbsup:

I just wrapped the BH good in teflon tape and tightened till it would not move. Its brass so be kind. Getting the wrench on it was another story..........

Plugged it in, and it works very well.

 

[ametcalf]

One thing I should have mentioned if you haven't thought about it. You need to make sure you run the engine for a while after refilling the coolant before you plug the heater in. You want to make sure there aren't any air pockets around the heater prongs before you plug the heater in or the heater will burn up. I assume these heaters are like water heaters and depend on being submersed in a liquid to keep from burning up.
Before you spend too much on a single 17mm hex wrench I noticed HF has the set on sale for $13.99 right now. It's a personal thing with me but I prefer Teflon based pipe dope to Teflon tape. I have had some bad experiences with Teflon tape.
A. Metcalf

 

[jakell2010]

When I bought my. B series this year in NH, I asked the dealer to install a BH and he refused saying that Kubotas starting systems are so efficient that even with New Hampshire winters he's never had a Kubota that wouldn't start even downtown 20 below,,,and that if you use the proper engine oil for your climate, lubrication was never an issue

Just what I was told

 

[ametcalf]

When I bought my. B series this year in NH, I asked the dealer to install a BH and he refused saying that Kubotas starting systems are so efficient that even with New Hampshire winters he's never had a Kubota that wouldn't start even downtown 20 below,,,and that if you use the proper engine oil for your climate, lubrication was never an issue

Just what I was told

I don't have much cold weather experience with our BX23 as we bought it last spring and this winter has been unusually warm here in Central KY. I do think the starting system on Kubotas is very good. I installed the block heater just so it would be easier on the engine. I generally plug my F250, Allis 5040, and BX23 in when it is below 40 degrees F. I'm not sure where in Central Wisconsin the OP lives but where I grew up 50 miles north of Eau Claire -20 was a balmy January night. -35 to -40 wasn't unusual. It even got to -60 one time but we had already left the state by then. Just hang around an airport sometime when it is really cold and listen to some of the jet engines start. They all start but some of them sure don't sound happy. They are also prohibited from using takeoff thrust until the oil temperature gauge comes off the peg.
It is nice to know that according to your dealer if I ever have an emergency that calls for starting the Kubota when it is below zero there is a good chance that it will start without plugging it in.
A. Metcalf

 

[DieselDon]

Here's my take on block heaters (I'm in W. Michigan):

1. I've installed several on Mercedes diesels. Pain in the butt
2. I've owned n operated 16 several vintage diesel cars
3. We run 5 coach busses for our youth program
4. I now prefer a halogen, 300wt light to a block heater. No installation, flexibility and the same performance. Just slide it under the engine, get your 3 hours in and it's awesome.
5. Although my b2620 doesn't need either, I still prefer warm starts for the health of the engine. Pistons on cylinder walls, without oil, doesn't do it for me.

...for what it's worth

 

[herringchoker]

..... Pistons on cylinder walls, without oil, doesn't do it for me.

I totally agree. :thumbsup: