Extreme cold

[Saucymynx]

Hello. Many of you, we are settling into extreme cold here in the far north. I don’t usually worry about things like this, but when the temperatures go down well below zero and stay there, I’m a bit worried about a couple of my tractors. I have a farmall 656 gas And a Farmall 856 diesel that are in an open front unheated shed. They of course have antifreeze in the cooling system, but I have not tested it. The gas has a circulating coolant heater and the diesel has a freeze plug heater. I have them both plugged in and just sitting there; I don’t plan on using them. My thought was to keep the heaters on during the worst of the cold. Is this a good idea? Do you guys ever do that? any other tips for extreme cold? Thanks.

 

[LittleBill21]

they make cheap gauges that will tell you what the coolant will survive, if your that worried I would buy one

 

[oldnslo]

When I farmed in central MN always checked anti-freeze in the fall and never worried about them. Coldest I remember was two weeks where hi temp was minus 20 and low was minus 44 with chill around minus 100.

If you are concerned Heaters will prevent block from freezing.

 

[rontaki]

Cold is when the coolant in your ancient VW freezes!

 

[Saucymynx]

they make cheap gauges that will tell you what the coolant will survive, if your that worried I would buy one

I will do that when it warms up!

 

[Forky]

We are in for the cold here too. Tomorrow -15f hi temp with -45 wind chills. I don't plug in the engine block heater unless I plan to use the tractor. The heater does not have a thermostat and can possibly burn out from extended use.
My dealer said to plug in an hour or so prior to starting and no need to run much longer than that. That's what I was told.

 

[big bubba]

more important question: do you plan to use tractors, or only store safely in this brutal weather? if you don't have to, don't use them

 

[dnw64]

If you're not planning on using them, I would not be the least bit concerned as long as the coolant is at the proper SG to support the expected temps (I would shoot for 10 degrees below to be safe).

Google Search

 

[Rockbadchild]

Test your coolant if good and you don't plan to start it don't plug it, you can but you are wasting electricity.

 

[CalG]

Even if the anti-freeze protection is less than ideal; the worst that happens is the fluid "slushes up".

That's NOT good, as the engine may overheat due to poor circulation, but there is little risk in cracking a block etc.

 

[Saucymynx]

more important question: do you plan to use tractors, or only store safely in this brutal weather? if you don't have to, don't use them

Not planning on running. I have a cab tractor stored in a warmer barn for snow duty

 

[Saucymynx]

Even if the anti-freeze protection is less than ideal; the worst that happens is the fluid "slushes up".

That's NOT good, as the engine may overheat due to poor circulation, but there is little risk in cracking a block etc.

That is very good to know - thanks!

 

[Saucymynx]

If you're not planning on using them, I would not be the least bit concerned as long as the coolant is at the proper SG to support the expected temps (I would shoot for 10 degrees below to be safe).

Google Search

Gonna be 15 below tonight. That’s why i am concerned

 

[RjCorazza]

I personally would test the coolant before I would plug them in 24/7 with no planned starting.
The refractometers are very precise, and not that expensive.

 

[CalG]

Oh!

When the forecast is for cold, I make the rounds with the battery maintainer to be sure all the seldom used batteries are UP.

And put the trickle charger on the tractor I'm sure to be needing when the snow falls heavy and the temps are single didgit!

 

[D'oh]

Overcast
-24°F
-31°C

Humidity	64%
Wind Speed	NW 13 G 21 mph
Barometer	30.34 in (1032.5 mb)
Dewpoint	-32°F (-36°C)
Visibility	8.00 mi
Wind Chill	-49°F (-45°C)
Last update	22 Jan 6:54 pm CST

Currently, Predicted to get worse by another 10 degrees, and not concerned, but not starting any thing but my trucks.

 

[RayIN]

Cold is when the coolant in your ancient VW freezes!

 

[Jstpssng]

I did the same years ago, except that I KNEW that I didn't have enough antifreeze. I don't remember the circumstances but for some reason couldn't adjust it and was gone for a couple of weeks, so just left it plugged in. The down side is that if the power had gone out I would have cracked the block.

 

[SPYDERLK]

When I farmed in central MN always checked anti-freeze in the fall and never worried about them. Coldest I remember was two weeks where hi temp was minus 20 and low was minus 44 with chill around minus 100.

If you are concerned Heaters will prevent block from freezing.

Wind chill is immaterial for something residing at air temperature. 50% AF would be marginal/risky for -44F. 60% would be safe.

 

[Saucymynx]

Overcast
-24°F
-31°C

Humidity	64%
Wind Speed	NW 13 G 21 mph
Barometer	30.34 in (1032.5 mb)
Dewpoint	-32°F (-36°C)
Visibility	8.00 mi
Wind Chill	-49°F (-45°C)
Last update	22 Jan 6:54 pm CST

Currently, Predicted to get worse by another 10 degrees, and not concerned, but not starting any thing but my trucks.

You win