Preparing the Deutz Dx90 Tractor for the COLD weather

[DeutzTractor]

Hi Guys ,

I am looking for to get a good quality block heater to install and obviously ease winter starting (sub zero temps) . I am no tractor expert don't know what the best one to buy would be .

What would you suggest? What would you do ?

Thank you,
Peter

 

[jimmysisson]

I thought Deutz were air cooled. Not all, I guess.

Easiest to install is a in-hose heater in the lower rad hose. Also manageable is a freeze plug heater. These heat the block quicker.
Find a freeze plug with some room around it first. Drain the block, drive a bar or heavy screwdriver into the (tin) plug and twist it out. Clean up the hole, install the heater, route the cord, close block drain, and refill.
It will not be that simple, but if have a little room it's not a bad job.
Jim

 

[DeutzTractor]

Hi Jim,

As far as I know all Deutz tractors are aircooled and obviously mine is aswell.

Does that mean I can't use a block heater ?

 

[RickB]

First thing I'd do is read the operator's manual and see what it has to say about cold weather starting aids.

 

[hophornbeam]

Hi there fellow canuk. A block heater as I understand you to understand heats the engine coolant found in the radiator. With an air cooled engine you don't have a radiator, so no fluid to heat with a block heater. The people I have known with a Deutz had no cold weather starting issues. Make sure your glow plugs are all working, but more importantly check your manual as others have stated for cold weather starting.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Most Deutz engines of that series have a port in the intake manifold for an air heater or thermostart unit. Probably wasn't standard equipment on most tractors, so a plug was installed. If you find a plug, probably 24 or 26 mm thread, you can look for an element to match and try that route. Also, a couple magnetic block heaters on the oil pan can be effective if the tractor is kept under shelter. If it lives outdoors, the cold winds will usually negate the effects since it's an external heat source. The warmer the oil, the easier it will crank.

 

[DeutzTractor]

I thought Deutz were air cooled. Not all, I guess.
Jim

Jim , you thought right !

First thing I'd do is read the operator's manual and see what it has to say about cold weather starting aids.

After much trouble I've secured a manual which actually indicates that I have a preheater . An element in the intake that heats the air just prior to ignition.

Make sure your glow plugs are all working, but more importantly check your manual as others have stated for cold weather starting.

Actually I've learned my tractor doesn't take glowplugs.

Most Deutz engines of that series have a port in the intake manifold for an air heater or thermostart unit. Probably wasn't standard equipment on most tractors, so a plug was installed. If you find a plug, probably 24 or 26 mm thread, you can look for an element to match and try that route. Also, a couple magnetic block heaters on the oil pan can be effective if the tractor is kept under shelter. If it lives outdoors, the cold winds will usually negate the effects since it's an external heat source. The warmer the oil, the easier it will crank.

And we have a winner =) ! Yes my tractor will be sitting in the cold . My tractor is in for service but apparently it does have an air heater according to the manual. Unfortunately it will be sitting out in the cold in winter . Hopefully I can build a nice warm garage in time for next winter !



Thanks everyone for all your advice !

 

[davemhughes]

My Bobcat has a Deutz in it and its oil cooled. My SAME tractor is the parent company of the Deutz. Both sit outside in the cold. On ebay or tractor supply store you can order thin flat 4x8 heaters than you just clean the oil pan area and I used adhesive high heat silicone smeared on the pan then stick the heater pad to and use some silicone around the edges. Then take a smaller 3x5 pad and put it under the battery. Splice the cord together and run the one plug out the front. Both are fairly low wattage. I run a cord from the garage or power pole and just keep them plugged in when below freezing or plug them in an hour or so before use. Same way I do for my Dodge diesel truck.

I always run Howes diesel treatment in my fuel in the winter. I also usually change my fuel filters to a new ones every October. I run semi synthetic oils year round so thats never an issue. I just throw a tarp over the seat area for snow. I have never had one not start because of cold related issues.....well the truck once because I did not use Howes in it and it gelled.

All of this stuff you can and should do yourself....its too easy to do and puts money back in your pocket.

 

[john_bud]

I would change the oil to the lightest full 100% SYNTHETIC you can use in the machine. Then ensure the tires are full of air to the max limit. They will go a softer when it drops in temp. It's really a pain if you get a flat at -20F .