Block Heater on TY290 (Jinma 184)

[njensen]

All,

I think that I already know the answer to this, but I just wanted to check in with the pro's before I give up. I currently have a Jinma 184 that has the TY290 two cyl motor. This tractor can be a bear to start in the cold weather. Because of this, I bought one of the katz in-line heaters to get the block a bit warmer before I try to start it.

I've seen pictures on the net from folks who have done this on the 3 cyl models, and I assumed that it would work on the TY290. I fear I was very wrong. The lower hose on the TY290 is VERY short, and I don't see how I can get the heater installed and still make the needed connections. At this point, the only thing I have accomplished is the destruction of the hose.

If anyone has managed to install this heater on a TY290 motor, I would be very eager to hear the details on how they made it fit... Thanks all.

-Nate

 

[greg_g]

Never messed with a 290, but my YM240 was a two cylinder. Same issue with a short lower hose. that's when I discovered oil pan heaters. I installed a Wolverine on that Yanmar, and have them on each of my current tractors as well.

But some Jinmas have finned oil pans. The Wolverines are only good on flat surfaces.

//greg//

 

[njensen]

Thanks Greg...

The fins that you discuss on the bottom of the oil pan... yup, I got 'em. They are about 1/8" - 1/4" too close together to let me fit one of the magnetic katz heaters on there. I haven't ever used the wolverines before, but they actually look wider than the katz model from what is can see on-line.

So I guess this leaves me back where I started... No block heater...

It's clear to me that cold starts can't be a good thing for this motor; it sure sounds sick when I turn it over the first few times. I guess a shed w/ a wood burning stove will have to be on the agenda come spring time.

If ya'll have any other ideas I would be most interested.

V/R
Nate

 

[Bob Rooks]

If you have a large (24mm?) threaded plug in the side of your block you can install one of the Mercedes Benz block heaters. I'm going to do that with mine, just haven't got around to it yet.

 

[greg_g]

I haven't ever used the wolverines before, but they actually look wider than the katz model from what is can see on-line.

Kats are useless on cast oil pans, even if you did have room for one. The metal is too thick, and there's just too much free air heat loss. The Wolverines however, come in quite a few sizes. Your engine oil capacity determines what to use.

Take my current tractors for example. My oil capacity dictates a 250W Wolverine, but it's too big to fit on my split oil pans (they have front driveshaft tunnels). No problem. I just installed two 125w units, one on either side of the tunnel.

In your case, you clearly can't install Wolverines on the fins. But nothing's stopping you from installing one or more on the side(s) of the oil pan - if there's enough room.

//greg//

 

[mffarmall]

I burned up two kats lower heaters last year. I'm going to try an oil pan one. I only have a flat plate. Magnet heater is good for the starter and on the injectors but not much else. I also shoot some WD-40 to help things heat up. Once I've turned her over I give some gas to get the diesel moving and burning for about 20 sec that seems to stop my tractor from sputering out. Once she does that it takes about 3 min to get her back up.

 

[ampa]

I agree on not much area for an inline block heater....I managed to install a circlating block heater on an ISEKI....I also did not want a frost plug type heater or have to cut the lower hose.....what seemed to be impossible was not.....with a little ideal thinkin'.....I managed to route mine from the engine block drain by running a small hose to the rad drain from there with help of brass onlt adapters to regular size heater hose to and from the block heater to the thermostat sending unit....so far no starting issues this winter....and it's been cold up here in cold country Canada....I have it plugged into a heavy duty power bar that has a switch....as the heater I bought is a 1000 watts....I leave it on for around 15 minutes which is plenty of time for this heater....tried the Katz oil pan heaters with "NO" luck at all....the liquid route is the only way to go.....Ampa

 

[greg_g]

tried the Katz oil pan heaters with "NO" luck at all....

Yeah, been a dramatic increase in Kat's complaints on these forums in the last year or so. Makes one wonder if they haven't gone the "outsource" route. But Wolverine pan heaters are still made in America. Have four of the right now, some of which have been installed since 2004. Had one a Yanmar before that. Never a lick of trouble outa any of them

//greg//