Block Heater

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The whole idea behind the block heater is you don't have to think about it. I guess with the in-line heater you just have to think if its going to be real cold you need to have it on for an hour or so before hand. I just don't like to plan that much I guess. Heating the garage might be a better plan for me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )</font>

It seems like you just don't understand how they work, they are both the same, and it is just location that is different. A block heater isn't some magical item that warms the block without being plugged into an electrical outlet, just like the in-line heater. Neither are intended to be plugged in indefinately because they will burn out since they are not temperature regulated. They both require for-though if you are not using a timer. A heated garage is always better for many reasons, but isn't necessary if you have a block or in-line heater installed. Just plug the heater in and set it to go on for an hour 2 or 3 times a day and the tractor will always be ready to go to work.

 

[Scrounger]

Junkman

I never thought of the timer going on a few times a day for an hour or so. That might be the ticket. I would think that until the temps are in the single digits its not even an issue regardless. THanks for the advice.

 

[ByronBob]

This is my first winter with the heater. Yesterday it was in the 30's here in WNY. Didn't use the heater at all. A few weeks ago it was -10 for several mornings. I got wild weather overnight and knew I'd need to clean the driveway in the am to get out of it.
1 hour in 10 below weather and the whole radiator, lines and block were warmer. If this really helps in the long run is more of a mental answer to your own self I suppose.

 

[ChrisM]

FWIW - in my limited experience, and hour with the in-line heater is not enough if the temp is severely cold. I plugged in about an hour before trying to start in -10 temps recently and it was like trying to start without the heater. Since then, I've plugged in for a minimum of three hours before each really cold start and had much better results.

 

[Junkman]

mine starts well after 1 hour being plugged in no matter how cold the weather. I have a BX 3 cylinder that is quite small. Your tractor might have a larger engine, which will require more heat. Mine is in the garage away from wind, that chill.. Yours might be outside, where some of the warmth is being removed as soon as it is applied. Tractors and conditions also need to be considered. There is no hard and fast rule, but common sense must be used. The 1 hour that is required for one tractor might require 6 hours for another. Too many variables. My 1 hour comment was pertaining to his BX tractor and his circumstances.

 

[Ursushorribilus]

My L48 has started with no problems in -10 with no help at all up here in New Hampshire. I have a block heater, but I apparently don't need it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif