Block heater

[roadtrash]

What is better when usuing a block heater, having it plugged in all night or plug it in a half hour or so prior to use?

 

[art]

There are different types of block heaters and some need to be on longer then others. For the most part all those in the block will give you good service with an hour of warm up.

 

[Junkman]

On my Benz, I used to keep it plugged in all night, or for about 8 hours at a time. I wouldn't do this again, because the heater would last about 2 seasons at best. I plug the heater in on my Kubota about an hour before I want to start it and that has been sufficient. If it is plugged in for 2 hours, it is definitely warmer than after 1 hour, but it doesn't start any better.... I plan on getting a commercial grade time clock and using that to regulate the on / off cycle of the block heater for next winter.

 

[murphyg]

I am not sure which tractor you have, but if you have a BX 2230 you will not be able to use the block heater. You will have to use a coolant heater, according to Kubota. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Junkman]

A block heater is a heater that mounts in a hole in the block and heats the coolant that is in the block. Left on long enough, it will get warm enough to open the thermostat and to have the coolant start to circulate as a result of convection currents....

 

[JWE]

murphyg - Wow, I'm surprised at that. The 2230 must not have a threaded plug in the block to install the block heater. I never had much luck with the one's that install in the coolant line. Many years ago we had a Case tractor with a coolant heater and it was next to useless. Maybe they have improved over the years.

John

 

[PineRidge]

Junkman I would guess that these block heaters have an electric element similar to that of an electric hot water heater with a bit different shape. Do they pose any problems putting solids in the cooling system like a HWT element leaves the solid calcium behind in the tank? I have heard some members say they hear hissing so the elements must get pretty hot within the engine block.

 

[Junkman]

they look just like a Hot Water Heater.... actually it should be called a Cold water heater, because you don't heat hot water.... back to the question.... They are a electric resistance heater and like the one in the water heater, they do get hot.... very hot... then convection currents will start so the liquid never gets to a boil.. The problem with water heaters is that the element gets a mineral deposit on it and that deposit creates a hot spot on the element and that is why they will fail... the same thing can happen to the block heater and they will fail also. With the water heater, you are constantly adding water and the minerals will leach out of the water and settle in the bottom. With anti freeze, you don't have that problem.... I will post a picture tomorrow after I locate one in the garage.... well hopefully tomorrow. I think that I even have a burned out one in there somewhere..

 

[Inspector507]

Should be using distilled water in the tractor anyway, instead of mineral laden water.

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Should be using distilled water in the tractor anyway, instead of mineral laden water. )</font>

Do you know that the factory uses distilled water in the cooling system?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif My guess would be that they don't.... I seriously doubt that any OEM's do.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif