Lower Radiator Heater element

[Pkugler]

Has anyone every used one of these? I guess they are also called block heaters. I had dealer install one on my 3525, but he could not tell me much about it. Im wondering how long one needs to be plugged in on a cold cold day(in the teens to below 0)? Can I leave it plugged in over night? On my massy 235 I have a tank heater which can take about 45 minutes to ungel on the cold days. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

ps Im not sure how exactly one of these work either? how do they get to the fuel when the tractor is not circulating the coolant?

Pat

 

[xlr82v2]

If it is the same style that I'm thinking of, it is just a heating element that is either mounted in the engine block, or in one of the radiator hoses. Convective circulation will cause the coolant to flow through the system. The heater does not heat the fuel or fuel filters.

Yes, you can leave them hooked up overnight, but usually if you hook it up an hour or 2 before starting the tractor is sufficient to get enough heat into the engine to get things going easier.

There are also magnetic heaters available that you stick to the bottom of the oil pan to heat the oil. I suppose you could stick it to the side of the block as well. I've got one of those, but have never used it, so I can't testify to it's effectiveness. Got it at an auction for $1... brand new, never used.

 

[billbill1]

I installed a lower radiator hose heat on my tractor that I purchased from NAPA. 30 minutes is usually long enough to help out a great deal. I have had it on a timer in the past that started the electricity flowing at 5 am and shut off at 8am. They use a lot of electricity if plugged in 24/7.

 

[Deleted member 41266]

I am going to help my buddy this Friday install a mahindra block heater on his 7520. As I understand it, it is a block heater that heats the coolant. According to our dealer, we just unscrew a block plug and screw this thing in; shouldn't lose more than 1-2 cups of coolant.

Has anyone ever installed one of these and is there anything else that I need to know or should be warned about before I do this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

The plug is located above the starter almost a little behind the starter. Have your block heater all preped with some kind of thread sealant, then just remove the plug and quickly screw in the heater body. How much coolant you lose depends how quick you are. Really you shouldn't lose much. Then just install the cord and route it to where you want it on the tractor. I usually locate it just below the cowling by the left side step and don't forget to tie strap your wiring. I hope this helps and good luck with it.

 

[Deleted member 41266]

Hi Galen,
Thanks for the info. Would Permatex 1a or 1b be ok? That's the stuff that I use for thermostats, etc on cars.
Peter

 

[George2615]

Has anyone every used one of these? I guess they are also called block heaters. I had dealer install one on my 3525, but he could not tell me much about it. Im wondering how long one needs to be plugged in on a cold cold day(in the teens to below 0)? Can I leave it plugged in over night? On my massy 235 I have a tank heater which can take about 45 minutes to ungel on the cold days. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

ps Im not sure how exactly one of these work either? how do they get to the fuel when the tractor is not circulating the coolant?

Pat

I use an in-line lower hose heater on the tractor and the truck has a block heater. I use a HD appliance timer. I have two settings programmed on the timer. I have the timer set for 2 1/2 hours before I go to work and 2 1/2 hours before I get home. I plug my truck in at night and the truck is warm when I leave for work. I then unplug the truck and plug in the tractor lower hose heater so it is ready to go if I need it after work.
I went with a timer because leaving it plugged in all the time raises the electric bill about $40-50 a month. My tractor coolant warms to 140 deg F with the lower hose heater. Since it is mounted in the lower hose convection circulates the coolant up the hose as it heats through the engine and back down through the radiator.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Peter,
That sealant would be fine, I use teflon tape, as it is only a common pipe thread. Good luck with it.

 

[bkheur]

How much does a block heater cost for a 2615? And is it hard to install?

 

[Deleted member 41266]

Galen,
Almost a piece of cake, just had to shorten one of the legs on the dust cover (over the starter) so it would not interfere with the hot plug leads. I went with teflon tape as you suggested, it was a little cold for sealant. It is kind of a tight fit working in there, thankfully the plug was not overtightened.

Thanks everyone for all the help.
Peter

 

[jeff77indy]

Does Mahindra offer a block heater for the 4110? I'd like to install one in mine.
Jeff

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Jeff,
I have been selling 4110's for over 6 years, here in upstate NY, and have not had a 4110 owner complain about a 4110 not starting. Also I try starting all of the new tractors on the coldest days, and the 10 series always start with just the glow plugs. Also the 3215, and 2815 have never refused to start. I have installed lower radiator hose heaters on some of the 15 series tractors, and block heaters on the 00/20/30 series tractors. I don't really think you need it on the 4110.

 

[jeff77indy]

Jeff,
I have been selling 4110's for over 6 years, here in upstate NY, and have not had a 4110 owner complain about a 4110 not starting. Also I try starting all of the new tractors on the coldest days, and the 10 series always start with just the glow plugs. Also the 3215, and 2815 have never refused to start. I have installed lower radiator hose heaters on some of the 15 series tractors, and block heaters on the 00/20/30 series tractors. I don't really think you need it on the 4110.

Galen;
Thanks for the reply. I have not had any problems with starting so far. Using the glow plugs on the colder days. Just wondering if one was available and/or needed.
I always had to have a block heater on the tractors I owned in the past for winter starting. The 1910 Ford the 4110 replaced was hard starting even in the summer.
Jeff

 

[Tanks56]

Hi Guys
New to the site. I bought a new 2615 lasr spring and I love it. Problem is that at approx 27 degree F it will not turn over with enough umph to start and I have to jump it with my truck. Battery is 635 cold crank amps, stock.
the dealer is giving me a new battery and I am putting a external magnetic heater on the block. Dealer swears never should be a problem. Any input from you guys?
Thanks
paul

 

[biggerten]

I have a lower radiator hose heater in my 354LE Jinma, a cold-blodded beast, it wont start without help below 32F.

At -22F, I plug it in for 90 minutes, it starts like it thinks it's the middle of summer almost.

 

[Tanks56]

I called local dealer and got a price of their block heater recomendation at approx 350.00. I LMAO. Ordered a magnetic unit from J C Whitney for fifty bucks.

 

[Maine_Polack]

Hi Guys
New to the site. I bought a new 2615 lasr spring and I love it. Problem is that at approx 27 degree F it will not turn over with enough umph to start and I have to jump it with my truck. Battery is 635 cold crank amps, stock.
the dealer is giving me a new battery and I am putting a external magnetic heater on the block. Dealer swears never should be a problem. Any input from you guys?
Thanks
paul

Sounds like the exact problem I had with my 6500, the first fall/winter I owned it. Only my starting cutoff was 30 degrees. Replaced battery, then starter. Checked and rechecked all wiring/grounds etc. Nothing would remedy it.

Then one day when I called dealer to moan and groan about it yet again....well...turns out the factory rep. would be traveling only 1/2 hour ride from my place. He showed up the next day, and spend all day going over the machine. The last thing he did was to check the timing. Turns out the timing was apparently set wrong at the factory. Been fine ever since.

You might bring this up with your dealer.

 

[Sergei]

Jeff,
I have been selling 4110's for over 6 years, here in upstate NY, and have not had a 4110 owner complain about a 4110 not starting. Also I try starting all of the new tractors on the coldest days, and the 10 series always start with just the glow plugs. Also the 3215, and 2815 have never refused to start. I have installed lower radiator hose heaters on some of the 15 series tractors, and block heaters on the 00/20/30 series tractors. I don't really think you need it on the 4110.

After last winter I've been thinking about adding a heater to the engine to help with starting on really cold (-30) winter days, it never failed to start but why continue to put the engine under additional wear. My questions since you've installed heaters in other 2815 tractors is do they make a block unit, do you carry them, and finally cost, and then where would you install it on the engine. It seems the block unit would be better a than put a unit in the bottom hose.

 

[mbohuntr]

I have heard of oil getting burned with a magnetic heater, I put a hose heater on the new 2615 and it starts like it's july...

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

The hose heater works well, just follow the directions that come with it and you should be fine.
The block heaters are available, but they are some what cost prohibative. I am not near a price book right now but the cost of it is in the hundreds.