Block heater

johnems · Nov 14, 2017

I remember that thread. It made me gland I had the dealer install it. Thanks John

marchanna · Nov 14, 2017

I just installed mine a couple weeks ago. It's one of the easier tasks.

I would not recommend drilling out the plug. They typically punch out so easy.

Plenty of videos online - a quick search will get you there.

LouNY · Nov 14, 2017

just a general thought on block heaters. When installing a block heater the ideal location is going to be a casting, freeze, frost plug located between cylinders,
not one in line with a cylinder. My engine had a threaded 1"npt plug that I could remove to install the block heater. And some one trying to remove a freeze plug by drilling it out?
To drill a hole into a freeze plug and the use a screw to remove said plug is a common way, think about it people, a freeze plug is less then an eight of an inch, to continue drilling
and go thru a block and a sleeve into a cylinder that's a **** of a lot of drilling.

marchanna · Nov 14, 2017

I just used a flathead screwdriver and a hammer to knock mine out. You locate the head of the screwdriver to one side of the plug and give it a couple medium taps with the hammer and it will pivot inside the hole. Then just grab it with a pair of pliers and yank it out. It takes about 30 seconds to a minute.

marchanna · Nov 14, 2017

Here's a video of an install done on a Kioti, but it will basically be the same for any tractor. This guy is a little clumsy with getting the plug out. Using a flathead screwdriver and getting it right against the side of the plug will reduce the likelihood of knocking it inside.

Kioti DK5SE Block Heater Install - YouTube

aeblank · Nov 14, 2017

I'd just plug it in when you get there, do something else for an hour.

If you wanted to get real fancy, you could use a WEMO switch and a jetpack/hotspot type device. There are cellular outlets, too. Maybe a neighbor's wifi? Though, a 7-day timer probably makes the most sense if you can't do something else for a while.

I had a heck of a time getting my freeze plug out, but it went fine after that. Very glad to have it.

Redbug · Nov 14, 2017

I know when I lived in the North Country, we also used a battery blanket in conjunction with a block heater. The battery blanket wraps around the battery and is also plugged in to keep the battery warm. A warm battery means more amperage to crank the engine.