Do I need a block heater for a BX24???

[Titan978]

Hi!!

Just thinking about a block heater on the BX24 for winter. I live in Ma and winter could be cold. If I do need one, how do I install it? Where does it go? And how much are they?? How does the BX start when it is really cold?? Any other tricks to keeping them warm?? The Wife does not want it in the living room!!! Too bad, the new seat is comfy!!!

Thanks!!!!

 

[Renob]

Your BX will start at any cold temp., But when it's really cold it won't like it. A block heater is a must for winter starts in my opinion.

Here is a link to a thread with great install tips.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...project-bx2350.html?highlight=bx+block+heater

 

[Titan978]

Thanks Renob, great link with pics!! Doesn't sound too hard, I'll have to install it next week.

Thanks again...

 

[Titan978]

Also how long do I plug it in to get everything warm??

 

[Egon]

Your BX will start at any cold temp.,

Okay???

 

[638]

Where are you going to keep it at, in the heated garage or outside? My BX23 is in a yard barn, and with about 10/15 seconds of glow plug it kicks off immediately regardlessly of the temp.

ron

 

[mswlogo]

I just got a BX24 and researched this a lot on these forums and talked to dealers.

I read on other threads about 4 hours.

I was gonna get one and 2 dealers said you don't need it.

I'm in NH. It will be in unheated unattached barn (actually a boathouse).

If I do use my tractor in winter it probably won't be planned and 4 hours is a long time, so I passed on the heater for now.

From what I read it will start fine, it will just run rough longer without the heater. And if it doesn't start when it's bitter cold it's usually because the fuel is too thick.

I plan to put synthetic in engine after break in which should help.

 

[crazyal]

I'm guessing you are new to diesels, if not forgive me. First thing is the fuel. If your using off-road (or home heating oil) you will need to add a conditioner to it otherwise it will gel when it gets below freezing. If you're using the on-road you can buy at any pump it will have the conditioner added to it, sort of. During the summer they don't add it because it's not needed. As the temps drop they start adding it. If you fill up during the summer time you might not have conditioner in it and should add some.

Things like Kerosene can be added but don't have the lubricating proporties that diesel has, I would recomend the conditioner. Another trick is starting fluid, a quick shot will start almost any diesel but not all engines can handle the extra pressure. So unless you know for sure I wouldn't use it.

A block heater helps as far as wear and tear while starting the engine. If you know when you think you are going to use your BX and have the time to warm it up it would be helpful but I don't think required. If you are at work and it starts to snow and you need the tractor when you get home to clear it and don't have the time to wait you would need to either plug it in before you go to work or use a timer. Otherwise it wouldn't do much good.

 

[Lockport]

Also how long do I plug it in to get everything warm??

I am on the prairies in Manitoba, it can get to -30(rarely anymore) -20 quite routinely without the wind chill. I am in an unheated garage and, like they are saying, 10-15 second glow plug she will start if really necessary, but I like to plug it in for 1/2 to a full hour. I also run full synthetic oil with a pour point of -47. Otherwise, the oil is like molasses and that small pump is trying to get it up to the top of a starving engine. If you are on dino oil and it is anywhere near that cold, I would routinely plug it in for an hour at least.

 

[Titan978]

I think I will install the block heater, it just makes sense to have one! I will turn it on 1-2 hours before I need to plow with it.. Thanks again, I love this little power house!!!