Kubota L3200 block heater

DEK · Dec 5, 2015

I would like to install a block heater in my 2011 Kubota L3200 HST. I have read installation instructions, but I am nervous about removing the middle frost plug. It is not a threaded plug. It has to be tapped off-center with a punch to get it to flip and then pulled from block with a pliers or vise grip. Has anyone installed this heater and can you tell me how you did it and how it went? What kind of sealant did you use for the installation? Part number for heater? Addt'l info? Thanks.

teg · Dec 5, 2015

Guess here, The silver part might get tapped into the engine and the gold part screws into that. Don't know anything about installing but waiting to hear from someone that has :thumbsup:

Kubota: Block Heater Kit, Part # 70000-00297 | Messick's

Fallon · Dec 7, 2015

I've thought about it on my L3200. But the fact that 10 seconds of glow plug gets it firing with under 3 seconds of cranking when its 5 degrees Fahrenheit makes that a low priority. Runs a little rough for 5 seconds then settles down nicely.

aeblank · Dec 7, 2015

Fallon said:
I've thought about it on my L3200. But the fact that 10 seconds of glow plug gets it firing with under 3 seconds of cranking when its 5 degrees Fahrenheit makes that a low priority. Runs a little rough for 5 seconds then settles down nicely.

Like eating a stick of butter.
You can, but might be better if you didn't.

Mine always lit right off too. If it weren't a "lifetime tractor", I might not sweat it. My assumption/belief is that it's preventative maintenance. In 10 years, it won't start so easy.

DEK · Dec 7, 2015

teg- thanks for the part number. I've read the installation instructions, and as I said I was concerned about removing the frost plug. I've watched numerous YouTube videos on that subject, not on Kubota engines though, and it really doesn't look too difficult. It seems like it'll flip without much difficulty. I am hoping someone who has removed this kind of frost plug on a Kubota will enlighten me and others on the ease/difficulty with this procedure.

Fallon - my L3200 has always started with a little glow plug, but I thought it might be easier starting and easier on the mechanical to have a block heater to warm the engine.

aeblank - I agree with your thinking on preventative maintenance. I think an investment of <$100 makes it easier on the tractor now as well as down the road. I believe it's not a lot to spend for the benefit it provides on those cold mornings.

Thanks so much for the replies.

Dave M7040 · Dec 9, 2015

I have removed many frost plugs.
You have watched the videos, now go for it.
The key point is to hit lightly and then increase the force you are using rather than starting with a BIG hammer and a hard blow.
The plug will quickly rotate sideways and can be pulled out.
Having the engine warm when starting in cold weather makes a big difference on the life of the starter and engine wear is reduced a lot.
Give the hydraulics lots of time to warm up (up to 30 minutes) as they are still very cold and easily damaged.
Dave m7040

DEK · Dec 9, 2015

Thanks Dave M7040. My L3200 has only 52 hours on it, so I don't think it will be difficult to "coax" the frost plug out. If the weather remains mild, I think I'm going to go for it. I agree with your thinking regarding a warm engine in cold weather starting and also giving the hydraulics time to warm also. Thanks for the directions and encouragement.

Citydude · Dec 9, 2015

I installed one in my l2501 last month. It's pretty easy to do. Be careful and not bigger up the bore hole while pulling on the plug with the pliers.

KYKub · Dec 9, 2015

Hi DEK. I installed a block heater on a Kubota D722 engine last year (3 cylinder). It really was pretty simple. Strike the frost plug off-center and then work it out, being careful as Citydude said to not damage the hole. It's kind of like how you work the lid off a tin can when the opener leaves it connected just a bit. Don't strike too hard as there might be very little room between the frost plug and cylinder wall.

On my install, the block heater screwed in just snug enough to not leak. I actually thought it seemed like it should be tighter, but a year later and no leaks at all.

Go for it! (And let us know how it goes.)

DEK · Dec 10, 2015

I may not get to it until Spring, but I'm going to give it a go. A couple questions. Once the frost plug is tipped/tilted, what kind of pulling action is used with the vise grip to free it from the block? What kind of Locktite is used for the fitting that replaces the frost plug and socket size to tap the fitting in place? Did you use Teflon tape or the Teflon that comes in a tube on the heater element that screws into the fitting? Thanks for the help!