greg_g
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2003
- Messages
- 6,126
- Location
- Western Kentucky
- Tractor
- JD3720 Cab, 300X loader with 4-in-1 bucket
An intake heater? What about your oil and/or water? I think your oil pan is ribbed so contact heaters are out. You might want to consider a lower radiator hose heater. 800 watts is a lot too. My 3 liter Mercedes turbo-diesel has a 500 watt block heater, and I use a pair of 125W oil pan heaters on my 45 hp KAMA.
The Y380/385 engines are comparatively hard starters in the first place. You ARE using glow plugs and compression release - right?
//greg//
The Y380/385 engines are comparatively hard starters in the first place. You ARE using glow plugs and compression release - right?
//greg//
RonMar
Elite Member
Where are you located/How cold is it?
As far as heaters go, another option I have not seen discussed here is a Tank-Type or circulating heater. These consist of a cylinder with inlet and outlet hose barbs on them (about 1/2-5/8") and are usually plummed between the engine block drain and the heater return hose. They have a check valve in them and as the water in the tank is heated by the electrical element, it can only expand in 1 direction, so the heated water is pumped thru the block in pulses.
Because of the space limitations on the lower radiator hose this might be easier to install. It looks like it could be connected between the block drain on the left rear of the engine block and a "T" placed in the small recirc hose line that runs between the waterpump intake and the bottom of the thermostat housing. This would circulate warm water through the engine block. I used one on a 4 cylinder Toyota in Alaska. I think it was 450 Watt and it would warm up the engine fairly quickly. They are also not very expensive.
Of course there are the other old standbys such as magnet heaters affixed to the block and large wattage lamps placed in close proximity to the fuel injector pump to warm up the fuel system before attempting to start.
As far as heaters go, another option I have not seen discussed here is a Tank-Type or circulating heater. These consist of a cylinder with inlet and outlet hose barbs on them (about 1/2-5/8") and are usually plummed between the engine block drain and the heater return hose. They have a check valve in them and as the water in the tank is heated by the electrical element, it can only expand in 1 direction, so the heated water is pumped thru the block in pulses.
Because of the space limitations on the lower radiator hose this might be easier to install. It looks like it could be connected between the block drain on the left rear of the engine block and a "T" placed in the small recirc hose line that runs between the waterpump intake and the bottom of the thermostat housing. This would circulate warm water through the engine block. I used one on a 4 cylinder Toyota in Alaska. I think it was 450 Watt and it would warm up the engine fairly quickly. They are also not very expensive.
Of course there are the other old standbys such as magnet heaters affixed to the block and large wattage lamps placed in close proximity to the fuel injector pump to warm up the fuel system before attempting to start.
tat2z1969
Silver Member
NAPA sells a inline bottom hose heater that will fit your 284, it is short and not that hard to do.
ToolManRick
Silver Member
Heaters... lower radiator, magnetic or glue-on oil pan, in-line tank, air preheat or a good old heated storage area all have their pros and cons. If it's not pratical to store your tractor in a heated area then I'd go with the lower radiator in-line heater. It's one of the easier to install, but not as easy as the exterior oil pan type. By warming the water jacket, and thus the whole engine eventually, they have less tendency to create condensation on the interior of the engine. The ultimate is the in-line tank type heater and probably the most efficient. The least efficient and possibly harmful, depending on who does the research, is the dip stick type heater.
All the opinions listed here are important and helpful, but same as mine, I would just consider them to be opinions. Research them all and you'll be happy with what you decide on.
Me, I have a heated storage area that seldom goes below 60F.
All the opinions listed here are important and helpful, but same as mine, I would just consider them to be opinions. Research them all and you'll be happy with what you decide on.
Me, I have a heated storage area that seldom goes below 60F.
timkirby
New member
Tractor Supply sells a inline tank heater that installs easily in the lower radiator hose. The 1 1/2" version mates perfectly with the lower rad hose on the 284. I installed one on my 284 this winter. With a preheated engine, starting on cold mornings is now no more of a challenge than starting on a warm summer day.
