Snow Engine heater

[keony]

I'm trying to decide between engine block heater (NH freeze plug model), coolant heater (inline hose), magnetic pan heater, or oil dipstick heater?
What's your experience?

 

[Ed L]

I put the freeze plug type in both my NH2120 & 743 Bobcat, they work great. IMO, a coolant type heater does a more thorough job of warming things up.

Ed

 

[pmsmechanic]

I agree that a coolant heater does a more thorough job of warming the engine but in a pinch I have used a magnetic oil pan heater. They will do the job especially if the vehicle is in a sheltered spot where a breeze can't carry the heat away.

 

[boggen]

block heater myself, simple, easy to install, and cheap, and they work!
there is no need to try and figure out how to mount an optional heater and how and were to tie into the coolant lines.

 

[oosik]

I've lived in some miserably cold locations - Glennallen, AK - and a heated garage is the best solution, ha,ha. However, that's not possible in all circumstances. A unit of some kind and description that heats the engine coolant seems to work the best. A dipstick oil heater can burn the oil - magnetic oil pan heaters can be unbearably slow. I've always use an in-line coolant heater. They are relatively easy to instal, they work fast(two hours under extreme conditions) and they are not that expensive.

However, with any type of coolant heater there is always the chance they will leak coolant. Proper installation and daily checking is the only sure way to catch any leaking. If you venture into this arena of heaters and heater types, you might also want to consider electric timers. Its a real PITA to get out of bed on a really cold morning - 2-3 hours before you want to use the tractor - and plug the unit in. A timer will turn it on at any set time - even while you are still sound asleep.

I keep my tractor in an unheated shed and have never found it necessary to have any type of heater. The protection provided within the shed is sufficient. We can have temps here of -10 to -20 for up to a week at a stretch.

 

[buickanddeere]

Want fast heating in 20 minutes , on a timer or left plugged in 24/7. Occasional use or regular useage? Synthetic or mineral oil? Local temperatures in winter ? Parked inside or out in the wind? How much power is handy?
Magnet oil pan heat will only add 5-30 degrees to the lube oil.
Dipstick heaters are used by dipsticks.

 

[mrmikey]

I figure block heater is the best method, saying that I use an inline because it was the easiest to install. No complaints, plug in an hour or so before I'm ready and it's good to go.....Mike

 

[bajabum]

Block heater, on a timer...
Tractor and Truck...
IF you're gonna use them that day.

 

[lloyd430]

Freeze plug heater, even cheaper on eBay, mine was only $30 if I remember and literately only took me 20 min to install. I leave it plugged in all winter, in a metal uninsulated barn with a dirt floor, and it always starts up like the middle of June!

 

[buickanddeere]

Freeze plug heater, even cheaper on eBay, mine was only $30 if I remember and literately only took me 20 min to install. I leave it plugged in all winter, in a metal uninsulated barn with a dirt floor, and it always starts up like the middle of June!

Much reduced engine, starter, battery and alternator wear. Fuel efficiency is improved as engine spends less time operating cold.
These people trying to start cold engines with ether or tow starting just don't understand.
These same people will argue about which motor oil reduces wear. And even change the oil at 3000miles thinking that they are saving the engine . Yet they have no qualms about starting a cold engine. Or running a engine without a thermostat.