Block Heater

[Ozarker]

I've never owned anything with a block heater but think my little Yanmar might benefit from one since it has no cold starting aid. Can't install a freeze plug type so I suppose I have to use one of the magnet types. Is there another option?

Has anyone ever used that type? Do they work well?

 

[Hydraman]

Yeah, you have quite a few options. Up here in the cold country we do things like build a fire under the tractor!!! Ha! Ha! On the serious side there are lower radiator hose heatersthat are installed in the lower hose- oil pan heaters- these work good in conjunction with a coolant heater. There are what is known as a "tank type" heater that ties in with external plumbing such as heater hoses - if tractor is equiped with cab and heater. Probably the best for yours is going to be the lower hose heater. Question-- why is a block heater out ??? These seem to me to be the best of all types. Least problems- most efficient, etc.

 

[JerryG]

IMO the best heater is a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoitem.jhtml?CATID=53913&BQ=jcw2/>Zerostart</A>. It circulates the coolant through the entire engine as it is heated. There is no cold spots. The engine will start like it was just shut off ever in the coldest weather.

 

[Hydraman]

Let me re-phrase question. Why is a freeze-plug type heater out?? Hydraman

 

[Ozarker]

The little 2 cy Yanmar doesn't have any freeze plugs.

 

[Ozarker]

Thanks Jerry. That looks like a great unit but it needs to tie into the heater hoses for the passenger compartment heater. Won't work on mine..............I don't have the necessary 3/4 or 5/8 heater hose outlets.

I might get one of those for my truck.

 

[Inspector507]

Ozarker,
I installed a lower hose heater on my YM1700. Got it from NAPA. Depending on your model, it might be the 1 1/4" size. Hard to find at other auto parts places.

Jerry

 

[Ozarker]

Thanks. That sounds about right for hose size.

Does it work well for you? Does it just heat the water and let natural convection distribute it or does it actually circulate the water?

As I see it, I have two choices, heat the water or heat the oil. To heat the water, the only option is a unit like you have. To heat the oil there are three choices. Dip stick heater, magnetic heater or the type that is epoxyed onto the bottom of the oil pan.

I was hoping to get some input (pro/com) on all those types by some who had tried them.

 

[Inspector507]

Ozarker,
I have not had much chance to try it.........it never got that cold here in Ohio last year. And there was little time to use the tractor due to little snow.
The only thing I would add to the other type of heaters, IMHO, why heat just the oil? Heat the whole block with the water and the oil still up in the engine will be warm as well.

It does not circulate the water, just let natural convection do it for me, as this is in a Thermo siphon system anyway.

Jerry

 

[Hydraman]

I tried a dipstick heater on something once! There was something plastic on the dipstick tube [censored]'y and successfully melted it and then promptly threw the dipstick heater in the junk!!! But evidently some people have some luck with them. I think IMO that the lower hose heater is going to be your best bet. Had one on an old Case tractor ( diesel) That worked fine - I just didnt have enough wattage with itso had to leave it plugged in a long time. Good luck.

 

[Ozarker]

Thanks for the info guys. I think maybe that hose heater might be the way for me to go. I'll go visit my friendly NAPA guy tomorrow.

 

[Rch]

Ozarker, in addition to heating the block I also have a battery heater. On one tractor its a magnet heater on the battery box and on the other there is room for a jacket/wrap deal. The trick is to store out of the wind. I have them spliced together so there is only one plug.

 

[Soundguy]

I've also seen magnet block heaters.. probably similar to that battery heater.

In the winter, i used to leave a trickle charger at around 50-100ma on my yanmar, if I new I was going to be using it. Also, as I didn't have a block or dipstick heater, sometimes I would leave a shrouded light ( trouble light? ) on, hanging off the hood or something similar. Always worked great.

We do this with some fruit trees, and also the water pump sometimes when it is going to hard freeze, with alot of wind. Just make a windbreak, and the light does the rest.

Soundguy

 

[tractorlet]

Add one more.

Up here in North Idaho on the Canadian border we have put block heaters on many compacts for customers and ourselves. They work just great here and should back there also.

The best place to buy one is at your friendly parts store. You need to find a spot on your engine which has the most open space and measure it. Then head to Napa, Carquest, Parts Plus or the like and decide which style fits best.

The easiest and best type we find is the magnetic against the block which takes care of oil and antifreeze. There is also a new tube type which is flexible and mounts in odd shaped places. There are some small soft plug mounts if no magnetic or tube. Hose type placed in the hose should be the last straw if only to save time but it isn't that much work.

There are lots of choices so check a few places. Prices here are $32 in hose, $39 magnetic and soft plug, and $49 for the new tube type. Since last winter (June up here) there may be new types out.

 

[Ozarker]

Actually, I looked at and considered the magnetic mount first. My idea was that it would sit nicely on the flat bottom of the oil pan, heat the oil and the heat would rise to the rest of the engine. Then I thought that I would forget it, drive off, it would fall off and I would end up running over it. Or am I being too cautious and it is strong enough magnet to stay in place while operating the tractor?

 

[Egon]

One can tie and tape the heater cord to some solid item on the tractor. When forgetfull it either pulls out of the plug or the plug will pull off but not damage the heater.

Had a P/U once with a frost plug type block heater in each bank. They would melt snow of the hood and from underneath the engine area. I do beleive this did heat up the oil.
The inline heaters work well also, melt the snow off of the hood of my tractor and heat the oil too as the oil pan and hydro case are warm to the touch.
Many large trucks use inline heaters with a circulating pump.

Egon

 

[Inspector507]

Loop the extension cord through the steering wheel. You'll have to disconnect it to drive off.

 

[tractorlet]

We have never had the magnetic disengage and that includes during plowing, skidding, and pretty rough and bouncy work. It stays on year around.

The magnetic hold has been strong.

Inspector 507s idea to prevent the forgetful start sounds good.

 

[Ozarker]

Thanks. I thought I would have to take it off the block before using the tractor. But if the magnet is strong enough to stay on even during severe use, the magnet may be a better choice for me.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Newbie here to tractors and diesel engines. When do you need a block heater? I live in New Jersey, our winter varies from mild, a few snow storms, to getting dumped on. We will get periods of cold weather, below 0 for sometimes for a week or so, but most times temperatures are above 0. I plan on using the tractor for snow removal and will have it parked in my shed, no heat, and on my driveway when I expect a big storm. I know heating the engine is better for a diesel as far as wear of the parts go, so do I need one? I think Kubota has one for about $100-$150.

Thanks

Tom