For those with block heaters

[WinterDeere]

The longer soak times are probably because preheating an engine is about more than just starting it. I've started my engine when it is 15˚F out without any preheating. I cycled the glow plugs twice, cranked it over, and it started up. Just because I can, doesn't make it my preference.

I can understand that, but if oils are chosen appropriately for the temperature range, there's debatable benefit in waiting several more hours for a few degrees increase in oil temperature. It's not like your block heater is running your oil pump and pre-lubing the engine.

And if anyone is going to argue CTE and tolerances, note that there's a minimal difference between the TE of "operating temperature to 40F", versus "operating temperature to 60F", when the operating temperature around critical moving parts is several hundred degrees, and CTE's run 2 - 4 ppm/°F.

It might make you feel better to wait a few hours, versus a few minutes, but your engine doesn't care about your feelings.

 

[fidowanttobe]

Central North Dakota here and the feedlots that I know with un-heated tractor storage have the daily use tractors plugged in 24/7 all winter with accessory heaters on the hydraulics.
Not worth the headaches, critters gotta eat and newer tractors are way too expensive to not listen to what the MFG suggests.
Me, I plug in my tractor usually 1 hour before, w/wo a timer and no issues. Battery tender on always.
Outside autos get plugged in below 20 degrees .
Just because it starts, doesn't mean you should.

 

[WinterDeere]

I've always wondered about batteries. I keep any of mine in cold storage on a maintainer, if they're going to be sitting more than a few days. But I've heard conflicting information on what keeps a battery from going bad in "normal" cold weather. Some say as long as it's fully-charged, it'll be fine, whereas others say it should be "charging" not just "charged".

And I'm speaking here about normal "lower-48" cold, not the crazy sh*t they get in Fairbanks. Do batteries need to be "charging" or just "charged", when sitting a week out in the cold at 0F - 20F?

As to critters... I'd think heaters would make that situation worse? If I were a mouse, I'd be hunting for the tractor with a block heater on 24/7 for building my nest, rather than building it on cast iron sitting at 0F.

 

[Rockbadchild]

2 to 3h sound like the right amount of time for the oil to warm up and the heat to radiate up to the pistons as well. I have done 2h with good success at -40 degree.

 

[grsthegreat]

All i know is a fully charged car battery can resist freezing down to -80°F. They do lose something like 3-5% of their charge per month sitting, regardless of temps. So even if you placed it on a charger every 2-3 months ovrnight, it wont go bad. I store 5-10 new batteries over winter for my generator service. I rotate them thru the charge station a few times over winter. When tested prior to install they are always way over the rated CCA.

Mind you, these are batteries stored on a rubber mat in my shop. If they are installed in a vehicle that has a parasitic draw they will drain faster. Newer vehicles are continuously drawing power from batteries. Not sure if newer tractors are doing that also or not.

 

[grsthegreat]

On my dump trailer and horse trailer, i have installed permanent trickle/float chargers. Only 1 amp, but they turn on only when battery gets low.

 

[Topzide]

I have been using a 4 amp smart maintainer on my 3500 RAM, and both batteries test at 100% health and charge at 5 yrs old! If they give me 2 more, I'll be happy.
When I get prepared for snow, the tractor is checked over, the battery tender hooked up, and the block heater on the WIFI timer. Then when I go to start it, fires right up. Only need about 2 hours on the block heater.
Once you get some heat in that block, it doesn't sound so mad when starting!

 

[Too many Kubotas]

And I'm speaking here about normal "lower-48" cold, not the crazy sh*t they get in Fairbanks. Do batteries need to be "charging" or just "charged", when sitting a week out in the cold at 0F - 20F?

I have several backhoes and such that see down to -20 (rarely) and 0 to-10 every winter. Some may sit for months, or even all winter, without getting charged.

What I try to avoid is letting any battery get to 12.4 volts or less as that's when sulfation supposedly starts doing its thing.

 

[metalbender]

From frosty Saskatchewan Canada here. My block heater is on a remote outside Christmas light control. Turn it on at least three hrs before start when it's below -20. During a blizzard it's turned on and ready. Has an indicator light that I can see. Block heater is 350 watts. Also one of the best things in cold weather is a battery blanket. Only 35 watts but keeps the battery at peak performance. It stays plugged in anytime below zero on a separate plug.

 

[grsthegreat]

Im not a fan of battery heaters. Ive seen too many exploded batteries from those overheating and boiling off electrolyte = hydrogen gas = boom.