Engine heaters...Help!

QRTRHRS · Nov 30, 2005

I like the FPPF Total Power for my tractor fuel. Since my larger Case is 20+ years old, the injector pump is not made for todays low sulfer fuel. Therefore, I need an additive all year round anyway. Additives help with more than just cold weather jelling. http://www.fppf.com/

I had the block heater element installed on my MF 1260 when I bought it. Block heaters typically draw 750 watts so if you choose to put it on a timer, buy a heavy one like for a domestic hot water heater.

I have heard the claim that you should unplug a block heater before you start your engine. Supposedly, a blast of cold water can burn it out. I admit to having done just this but have never lost an element. Just lucky maybe?

mrutkaus · Dec 1, 2005

I got it at Tractor Supply (was Farm and Family) a few years ago and had it laying around.

1.5" size. Take the bottom hose all the way off, check where you want it before you take the hose off. The hose is very thick and stiff. Mine is up within 1/2" or so of the radiator connection, of course the hose goes way on over onto the radiator connection.

I see some 1 1/4" ones under engine heaters on ebay, they might work fine, the 1 1/2" size was extremely difficult to get into the hose.

Mike

Highbeam · Dec 1, 2005

"Block heaters typically draw 750 watts so if you choose to put it on a timer, buy a heavy one like for a domestic hot water heater."

Whoa. A hot water heater pulls more than 4000 watts and is hardwired. What you want is a timer rated for the load and 750 watts is less than 7 amps. The timers usually have amp ratings and a 10 amp timer would serve you well. Be sure it is a 3 prong grounded plug just like the heater.

Of course, you only need a timer if you want it to heat up every day at a certain time. If you just want to warm it up before starting it on the occasional weekend day or for snow duty after a storm then you can manually plug it in before you want to run it.

JerryG · Dec 1, 2005

If anyone wants to know what is normal as to temperatures, size, what will work and the different types of engine heaters available go to this site and download the ZeroStart Product Catalog.

billbill1 · Dec 1, 2005

The NAPA stores here in Kansas sell the inline radiator hose heaters and I think I paid around $30 for mine. I plug it in for about 30 minutes and the tractor fires right up. Easy to install if you have the room, maybe a 10 minute job. I have used a timer in the past but don't usually get to use the tractor other than the weekends so I plug it in before I use the tractor. No coughing and sputtering and it gives me peace of mind. I believe they were sold in 1/4" increments from 1" up.

SteveM · Dec 2, 2005

I have a similar older small diesel, will not start without a block or radiator heater, so for ease of installation, I vote for radiator hose. BTW, I disagree with the kerosene heater idea...it will take forever and a huge amount of convection heat to warm up the bone cold engine/fluids. You want to work with conduction, not convection. I had my CUT in a shop with a heater for a while, and even if I brought the shop to 50 degrees for an hour, I still had trouble starting...compare that waste of fuel oil to the small electric cost of a block heater and instand starts....

Also, i do have a couple magnetic heaters, I slap them on the oil pan, cant say it makes a huge difference, but it certainly should keep the oil thinner in the super cold stuff...

cp1969 · Dec 2, 2005

( BTW, I disagree with the kerosene heater idea...it will take forever and a huge amount of convection heat to warm up the bone cold engine/fluids. )

I wouldn't have offered that suggestion except that I have already done it myself, many times. It works, it doesn't take long. You'd be surprised at what 30 minutes worth of kerosene heat under a tarp will do.

It is not as good as a block heater, but if you don't have a block heater.......

JSUnlimited · Dec 2, 2005

My 2 cents worth,

I leave mine plugged in all of the time below freezing. The heating element is in place of one of the soft plugs in the block.

JoeL4330 · Dec 3, 2005

There are two other alternatives worth thinking about for controlling heater: there are thermostatically controlled plugs (usually used for heat tapes that go around pipes) and, with Christmas close by, stores are selling remote control outdoor plugs so you can turn on/off from a (warm) distance

QRTRHRS · Dec 3, 2005

( "Block heaters typically draw 750 watts so if you choose to put it on a timer, buy a heavy one like for a domestic hot water heater."

Whoa. A hot water heater pulls more than 4000 watts and is hardwired. What you want is a timer rated for the load and 750 watts is less than 7 amps. The timers usually have amp ratings and a 10 amp timer would serve you well. Be sure it is a 3 prong grounded plug just like the heater.

Of course, you only need a timer if you want it to heat up every day at a certain time. If you just want to warm it up before starting it on the occasional weekend day or for snow duty after a storm then you can manually plug it in before you want to run it.
)I park my diesel pickup in an open front barn next to my tractors. When I don't need the truck warm for going to work, I usually have plans involving the tractor so I plug that in instead. I chose a water heater timer because they come in a reletively weatherproof plastic box which I mounted right below my outlet which has an inuse cover. I just took an extention cord and wired it in so I can plug one end into the outlet and the other into the truck/tractors. True, the timer is overkill but for $30 plus the cord, I am set.

Tip: If for some reason your tractor won't start in the cold, direct some 500W halogen lights onto the injection pump. Keep an eye on it, you don't want to melt anything. Another aid is a hairdryer or heat gun blowing warm air into the air intake.