engine block heater installation

[kpk]

Have any of you installed the engine block heater in your tractor? I have a TC25D and just bought the kit at the dealer. The parts guy said to pay attention to the radial position (like a clock) so that it is installed properly. He said that several customers have ruined them by having the element contact the block.
The instructions say to remove the right front freeze plug. Where is that? Do I have to remove the muffler or alternator?

 

[DieselMonk]

My TC55DA has the block heater installed. If you sit on your tractor, the block heater is on your left side and the freeze plug is the furthest away from you.
Or:
If you in front of the tractor, on the right hand side, the freeze plug closest to you.

Anyway, that is what she is here on my TC55DA with the block heater installed from the dealer.

Have fun!
Max

 

[kpk]

Can you see it with the hood up and the side panels removed, or is it hidden under the muffler and/or alternator?

 

[DieselMonk]

I can see the block heater without removing anything or opening the hood. See for yourself. The blockheater is right behind the alternator (which you don't see in the pic).

Hope that helps!

Max

 

[billfires]

kpk, I installed a block heater on a NH 1920. The hardest part was getting the freeze plug out (it actually went in instead of coming out). It took about 1 hour and just followed the instructions as far as the clock position. I only had to remove the side panel and the other thing I did was lift the loader up (make sure you properly support it). Also secure the plug wiring so it doesn't get caught. Bill C

 

[Gumby6]

Just curious.

What was the cost of that block heater?

And is that prefered over the after market external (magnetic) type or dipstick style?

 

[billfires]

If I remember correctly, it was under $25.00 and even included the cable ties to secure the cord. I don't know if it's the preferred heater but I have always ordered the factory block heater for my new vehicles. With an HST transmission a magnetic heater for the hydraulic/transmission fluid may be advisable as the block heater only heats the engine coolant. Bill C

 

[IH3444]

Yep, that's what mine looks like also Dieselmonk. Thanks for the verification. Used it last weekend, after 4 + hours on, the engine started like summer. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Like it was stated, pay attention to the orientation by the clock pattern.

 

[DieselMonk]

When I had my tractor parked in my barrn, I never noticed much difference in starting with the block heater on or off. May have something to do with the fuel around here being more #1 than #2 in the winter and the fact that the tractor is new and the injectors aren't worn yet. Now the tractor is in a heated garage, so I'll never be plugging in the blockheater as it never goes below 5 degrees C in there. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I used to have an old MF 165 with a lot of hours on it and that thing would not cold start under 7 degrees C. The blockheater and the ether came in handy then. Now if I take all the money spent on power and ether on that thing over the past 9 years, I could of rebuilt my injectors. Go figure! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Max