Block Heater Yanmar X744

Gonerafting · Dec 8, 2011

I'm considering installing a block heater and wondering if anyone else has done this installation. While I love the John Deere Tractor, I do wish they would provide PDF files for folks to look at and installation instructions on their website. It would be helpful, rather than looking at the picture of the part and then trying to determine where it goes and whether a person wants to do this at home. In this area, it can go down to -20 F, but not frequently. Thanks, Jim

Yanmar 3TNV76-XJLTE

beenthere · Dec 8, 2011

I don't leave mine outside in negative temps, but when in an unheated shed I find no need for a block heater (over the last 14 years).
Can't be to much too installing a block heater. Which one do you have? From Deere? And no instructions?

Maybe get the tech manual CD for additional info to look at for instructions. Their jdparts is an awesome site for the unbelievable number of different JD models covered, and to add more would be some more awesome. And that is what they have dealers for, to do work and stay in business

Gonerafting · Dec 8, 2011

I was going to buy the block heater and adapter from the John Deere Dealer here and I am sure they will let me know about the installation process. I still think it would be helpful if they provided the installation of parts in PDF form. They are really not "losing business", every part I've purchased has had installation instructions, why not provide them in PDF form? Just my opinion. Jim

grsthegreat · Dec 8, 2011

also.....its not a freeze plug type heater, but you might want to look into the glue on style of heaters
Wolverine Engine Heaters | Outperforms Engine Block Heater - Cold Starts
they just glue on any flat metal portion of the oil pan or hydraulic /hst pan. large range of heat styles to choose from. Dont need to pop a freeze plug or cut a radiator hose. 5 minute install.

i run mine with wall mounted timer

ccsial · Dec 8, 2011

I put a glue on type on my 355D. I did little to preheat the engine.

I had the dealer put a block heater on my 748 before I picked it up. It works great.

grsthegreat · Dec 8, 2011

dont know what to say... but it was 19F here yesterday and it started after 2 hours on the timer like it was a 70F day. No groaning at all. I tried it last week before i put it on timer. it was in the lower 20's and BOY did that tractor groan and growl until i let it idle for about 10-12 minutes. It didn't like to move forward without lots of noise.

It sure seems to work for me.

jenkinsph · Dec 9, 2011

Gonerafting said:
I'm considering installing a block heater and wondering if anyone else has done this installation. While I love the John Deere Tractor, I do wish they would provide PDF files for folks to look at and installation instructions on their website. It would be helpful, rather than looking at the picture of the part and then trying to determine where it goes and whether a person wants to do this at home. In this area, it can go down to -20 F, but not frequently. Thanks, Jim

Yanmar 3TNV76-XJLTE

If your temperatures are 20F and above for the most part I don't think a block heater is necessary. I find these little Yanmar diesels start right up.
If you need to start the engine up frequently in cold weather it would be a good idea to lessen wear on engine parts.

Gonerafting · Dec 9, 2011

I think live where it may or may not be necessary, in the years past, it can be well below zero for days, weeks or up to a month.

Z71 · Dec 12, 2011

Use a high quality lower viscosity synthetic oil and that will greatly ease cold weather starting. My friend has a JD with a Yanmar diesel and his sits outside in temps that drop to -30F and he never had a problem starting his. He always uses synthetic oil, in his 10 yr oil Impala and in his 2011 Chevy K2500 Duramax.

r8nger · Dec 16, 2011

Just put one on my 748. Super easy. Goes in front of engine, next to fuel filter . Remove filter bracket, drain antifreeze, knock out freeze plug( I drilled and tapped it 1/4 x 20 , screwed in bolt and pulled it out)bolt on adapter plate, screw in heater with sealant, bolt bracket back on with spacer

Parts needed
Spacer
Longer bolts
Heater
Gasket
All available from I'd, just make sure they give you all the parts, they are sold seperately.
Fill back up with coolant/ antifreeze