BX25D Block heater question

Mowbizz · Feb 2, 2015

Recently had a factory, block heater installed while the BX was in for warranty work and it functioned great until yesterday when I had left it plugged in for a longer than usual time. Tractor started like the block heater never came on (typical cold start with the roughness and shuddering)
My question is do the block heaters have a sensor in them that shuts off at a certain temperature and doesn't turn it back on?

I will test it again today (big snowstorm here) and check to see if the engine is warm after one hour (as it has been in past uses) I'm hoping my heater didn't already crap the bed!
If it did, you can be sure they will be replacing it ASAP!

Mowbizz · Feb 2, 2015

Update: Went out to the garage to test the heater and after 15 minutes of being plugged in, could feel no heat at all on the unit. Called the dealer and they're coming to pick up the tractor this Wednesday and will turn it around either the same day or on Thursday. Pretty good service but I'm not sure about the confidence I have in the block heater after failing after a couple of weeks.

hosspuller · Feb 2, 2015

Did you check for power at the cord the heater is plugged into? Might save some embarrassment.

Always check the simple things ...:thumbsup:

Mowbizz · Feb 2, 2015

hosspuller said:
Did you check for power at the cord the heater is plugged into? Might save some embarrassment.

Always check the simple things ...:thumbsup:

Yeah...brought out a "clamp lamp" and checked outlets and cord...power was present. I'll use that lamp under the hood tomorrow to warm things up a bit before taking the tractor out to clean up this latest snow!

Scooby074 · Feb 2, 2015

Is the short cord that leads to the BH plugged into the BH?

Ive had my BH for several years, no issues.

Mowbizz · Feb 2, 2015

Scooby074 said:
Is the short cord that leads to the BH plugged into the BH?

Ive had my BH for several years, no issues.

Yes...all seems tight at the junction of the cord and heater. I'll check that again though...forgot that cord actually plugged in rather than hardwired...Thanks!

Looks as though that "plug" could be a weak link in the chain...closer inspection needed!

number two · Feb 2, 2015

I remember reading on the Kat's(5 Star Manufacturing)website not to run the engine with the block heater plugged in.And to wait a minute or two before starting.Apparently,the element is more easily damaged by engine vibrations when still hot.
I now make sure to unplug before starting,but who can wait?
Good Luck!

Mowbizz · Feb 3, 2015

number two said:
I remember reading on the Kat's(5 Star Manufacturing)website not to run the engine with the block heater plugged in.And to wait a minute or two before starting.Apparently,the element is more easily damaged by engine vibrations when still hot.
I now make sure to unplug before starting,but who can wait?
Good Luck!

Yes, I always disconnect it before starting the tractor...thx for the reminder!

HEC · Feb 3, 2015

number two said:
I remember reading on the Kat's(5 Star Manufacturing)website not to run the engine with the block heater plugged in.And to wait a minute or two before starting.Apparently,the element is more easily damaged by engine vibrations when still hot.
I now make sure to unplug before starting,but who can wait?
Good Luck!

Thanks for that info , I have had one for many years on the 5700 and it works great . Not sure I have always unplugged it first every time but will from now on for sure . I too thought the short wire from the heater was a direct connection until it came off and was sitting on top of a snow pile . I was using the bucket to push back some snow banks and was very lucky to see it .

Mowbizz · Feb 4, 2015

Well, the plug "looks" plugged in...and the Kubota dealer pickup man will be here this morning. Hopefully, they can find and fix the problem or replace the heater in the promised, turn around time.
Did I mention I HATE being without my BX??

Scooby074 · Feb 4, 2015

Mowbizz said:
Well, the plug "looks" plugged in...and the Kubota dealer pickup man will be here this morning. Hopefully, they can find and fix the problem or replace the heater in the promised, turn around time.
Did I mention I HATE being without my BX??

Too bad it wasnt a simple fix. Sucks being without your tractor when weve been getting all this snow.

On the upside, the BX is a very easy starting diesel. I dont even bother with the heater unless its below -20C. -15, just crank the glows for a while and start, raise idle to about 1500 till it smooths out and let it warm up @1500 for a bit before going to work.

Mowbizz · Feb 4, 2015

Scooby074 said:
Too bad it wasnt a simple fix. Sucks being without your tractor when weve been getting all this snow.

On the upside, the BX is a very easy starting diesel. I dont even bother with the heater unless its below -20C. -15, just crank the glows for a while and start, raise idle to about 1500 till it smooths out and let it warm up @1500 for a bit before going to work.

You're right! My BX starts all the time no matter what the weather but with the winter we've been having this year I figured the block heater would be a "feel good" add on for both me and the BX...It's the dang shuddering with the cold start that just makes me think the engine is suffering....

Actually, to my surprise the guy who picked up the tractor a little while ago said he wouldn't be surprised if they got it back to me this afternoon as they were "slow" in the shop...

Scooby074 · Feb 4, 2015

Its not suffering although it sounds like its trying to eat itself lol. Raising the idle a bit helps a lot to smooth things out while its warming. The key is to not just jump on and start ripping and tearing... the best thing for engine longevity is to let it warm up for a while before working.

Ill be curious to hear what they find. Wonder if theyll dig into it or just swap it for a new one.

Paul Thornton · Feb 4, 2015

I have been toying with the thought of installing a block heater but not sure I need it. Hope you get the tractor back for tonight's snow.

Mowbizz · Feb 5, 2015

Scooby074 said:
Its not suffering although it sounds like its trying to eat itself lol. Raising the idle a bit helps a lot to smooth things out while its warming. The key is to not just jump on and start ripping and tearing... the best thing for engine longevity is to let it warm up for a while before working.

Ill be curious to hear what they find. Wonder if theyll dig into it or just swap it for a new one.

Me too...I called them this morning (they didn't work on it yesterday) and asked the service guy on the phone about them not painting the block heater when they installed it a couple weeks ago...I said," according to Kubota's installation instructions it should be painted with the gray engine paint." He kind of stammered a bit and said it was up to the tech working on it "how much detailing he does to it"
Again, I said it should have been painted according to the installation instructions and he asked if I wanted it painted and I said I did.
Typical "service BS" in my opinion. The snow is piling up again today and I am missing my BX. Hopefully, today, it will be back with a working block heater.

Mowbizz · Feb 5, 2015

Paul Thornton said:
I have been toying with the thought of installing a block heater but not sure I need it. Hope you get the tractor back for tonight's snow.

I really don't think anyone actually NEEDS a block heater but when I first plugged mine in and checked it after an hour, the engine block was toasty and the BX started like it was a summer day. Much more satisfying than the cold, shuddering start without one.

Scooby074 · Feb 5, 2015

Mowbizz said:
Me too...I called them this morning (they didn't work on it yesterday) and asked the service guy on the phone about them not painting the block heater when they installed it a couple weeks ago...I said," according to Kubota's installation instructions it should be painted with the gray engine paint." He kind of stammered a bit and said it was up to the tech working on it "how much detailing he does to it"
Again, I said it should have been painted according to the installation instructions and he asked if I wanted it painted and I said I did.
Typical "service BS" in my opinion. The snow is piling up again today and I am missing my BX. Hopefully, today, it will be back with a working block heater.

Hmm. Painted?

I installed mine and there was no reference to painting the BH (not that I would have anyways). Makes me wonder if Kubota changed manufacturers. Mine was made by Philips Temro up here in Winnipeg. Temro is a very well respected name in BHs. Wonder if they changed suppliers and the new supplier's product isnt as good as the old one??

Mowbizz · Feb 5, 2015

Scooby074 said:
Hmm. Painted?

I installed mine and there was no reference to painting the BH (not that I would have anyways). Makes me wonder if Kubota changed manufacturers. Mine was made by Philips Temro up here in Winnipeg. Temro is a very well respected name in BHs. Wonder if they changed suppliers and the new supplier's product isnt as good as the old one??

Look at #3 in these instructions...says to paint with high temp paint to prevent corrosion. :thumbsup:

Sorry, that link didn't work...

Mowbizz · Feb 5, 2015

HERE'S ANOTHER TRY: It loads a PDF file that you can open to see the destructions...er...instructions!

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...k-heater-install-70000-00771-block-heater-pdf

SLIMSHADIE · Feb 5, 2015

I used black grill paint or black engine high temp paint, don't remember. Also used di-electric grease too. Pretty easy install, just was nervous at first, knocking out a freeze plug.