block heater on a 4110 question

[chevelle67]

I have a 4110 with a block heater and had it plugged in overnight, it worked good as the tractor started as if it was 75 degrees outside instead of 5 degrees. When I plugged it in this evening I was working in the garage and noticed it makes a hissing noise as if it was boiling water, I did not notice it last night but I was not out there long enough to hear it. I called the dealer but they closed. Anybody have any insight to this. Thank you.

 

[Heath]

I've got a 4110 with a block heater and it does the same thing. I was mildly concerned when I heard it the other morning, but hearing your story makes me feel a little better. I don't know that it definitely should make the noise, but knowing its happening with another 4110 owner seems like a good sign. I'm curious to see what others have to say.
I haven't spent a lot of time analyzing my situation, but I think it only makes that noise when its been pluggen in for quite a while or if I plug it back in when the engine is still warm.

 

[kennyd]

That is perfectly normal, even my Ford deisel makes the same noise.

Here is a tip that I use on my truck to save electricity...I use a heavy duty (15amp)outdoor timer(Home Depot has them for about $15.00)and set it for 3 hours before I go to work. This works great for me and keeps the heater from being on an extra eight hours or so.

 

[Koby]

That sound is completely normal, it is the coolant circulating throughout the block. I plug my 4110 in for an hour or so, and that's all it needs. I usually hear it within 5-10 seconds. Once, I did not hear the noise and went back to inspect it. I jiggled the plug (on the tractor), and the heater came to life. It seems that I had a bad connection. The next time I had the engine cover off, I removed the cord and cleaned the terminals on the heater. Haven't had the problem since.

 

[Heath]

That's a good tip. I put my heater on an X10 controlled remote controlled outlet. I also put a lamp on the same outlet and put the lamp in the window of my shed. That way, I can turn the outlet on from the house with my remote control and the lamp in the window verifies that it's on and reminds me if I accidently left it on too long. It helps that the shed window is clearly visible from my bedroom bathroom.
I think the X10 remote control, the wireless receiver, and the lamp module cost me about $50.

 

[rmonio]

I don't hear the hissing on my 4600 - perhaps it's just the 4110... I like the idea of the timer though and I might just look into one. The heaters are a must, I believe (I have one for the hydraulics also), but not warming it up sufficiently with the heater and trying to turn it over too soon can definately take a battery down fast. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I just posted on this separately to see what others do - I know there are folks who don't have heaters who don't seem to have problems.... I'm curious as to what they are doing to address it. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

-Bob

 

[chevelle67]

Thanks for the replies. I didnt think it was a big deal but wanted to make sure. The glow plugs work good but with the heater on there is no reason to use them. Thanks again