engine heater for cold winters

[gsxr1100]

I figure a block heater is cheaper then replacing glow plugs.

 

[frank_f15]

i live in western n.y and keep my tractor in an unheated garage, no block heater HAVE never had a problem starting . Block hearter might be kinder to the tractor tho.

 

[zekeman]

So Far, the majority favor A Block Heater, but also the majority
say it is not needed, the tractor will start with or without the heater. What is the cost of a block heater? can I do the work? (amatuer mechanic with my vehicles).
Ron

 

[Henro]

I have block heaters on my tractors...

I've concluded the reason is because they make ME feel better.

I don't think the tractors care one way or the other.

But if you start your tractor in VERY cold weather without using the block heater, AFTER you got used to using it most of the time, I can almost guarantee that YOU will feel better each time you turn the block heater on a bit before you turn the ignition key.

Does it make any long term difference for the tractor? I don't know. May add years to MY life though, cause I don't worry about the cold start harm to the tractor, real or imagined... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bandit67]

Around $35 for the block heater. My dealer charged me $65 for the heater and installation on my new machine. I figure if those guys can read the installation instructions, so can any one of us.

The block heater will cut down on the amount of warm-up time once the engine fires up. If you've ever started a cold diesel engine on a sub-zero morning, you see a lot of white smoke. In those cases, I don't go anywhere or do anything until the white smoke clears up, and sometimes it can be 10 minutes of idleing before that happens. Again, as most said, a block heater is probably more of a piece-of-mind thing.

 

[gugy]

Most machines you have to knock out a welch plug(freeze out plug) On my BX-22 there was a large pipe plug I removed it and replaced it with a threaded heater.I did not drain any anti freeze I just made a fast switch.I don't know what's available for your tractor.About cost.maybe around $20.You should be able to install it yourself if your're handy.
Good Luck

 

[zekeman]

GUGY
from Staten Island, now Walton
Ron

 

[zekeman]

GUGY
Where did you get the heater/ at your dealer?
Ron

 

[gugy]

Ron,Yes I purchased the heater from a kubota dealer. Are you telling me you're in Walton?If so we are neighbors.I'm 9 miles out of Walton.I think I'm bringing "bota"home this weekend.My work at this house is finished and I want to get the machine back before we get a significant amount of snow in Downsville.
I'll post pictures when I get the machine on the trailer.

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Maybe shouldn't piggy back on another's thread, but how long do y'all use the block heater before starting?
)</font>

I put my heater on a regular household 24 hour timer. I figure the tractor would be used after work, so I have the timer set to turn on the heater about 2PM, off at 5PM. Personally, (speaking for my tractor here), it definitely starts easier.