Thermostart vs magnetic oil pan heater

[Gary Sweat]

I installed a new thermostart and a factory block heater in my tractor. If the block heater is pluged in for 1 hour the tractor starts right away. The thermostart is only needed if I need to start the tractor cold. My tractor is located near Flagstaff, AZ @ 7,500' altitude and I just used it in 10 degree weather. The thermostart works but seems to be a little more trouble than just heating up the tractor. The factory block heater works very well.

When you use the TS, do you have to take the top of the breather off? I'm asking because I don't see how enough air could get into the TS to keep the flame burning with the air filter in place

 

[rScotty]

When you use the TS, do you have to take the top of the breather off? I'm asking because I don't see how enough air could get into the TS to keep the flame burning with the air filter in place

No. I Just turn the ignition key CCW until I hear a sizzle and then a "pop" as the cracked diesel fuel bursts into flame. It won't burn for but an instant. I immediately crank the motor to pull in the burning fumes.
At least that explains what I'm doing and what I think is happening......
rScotty

 

[Car Doc]

I just fired my engine up after installing the new Kat's 400w heater.

I ground the valves and seats and assembled it last night and once the heater showed up I was able to finish and see how she runs and its good.

I did have to take a small air die grinder with a 3/4" dremel cutoff wheel and do some minor grinding to the inside of the core hole to make room for the element but other than that it fit fine hope this helps someone in the future.

 

[rScotty]

Thanks. I think installing all 3 types might be a bit of overkill but it gives me the option of which one(s) to use. The block heater and the oil pan heater could be used if the tractor is in the garage and the TS could be used if it is sitting outside all day with no way to plug in the other two. My view is a machine is not worth much if it doesn't work when you need it.

That's my view too. Something has to start running!!
And of all the tools on the property, the only one that absolutely, positively has to start on a cold winter day is the tractor. A tractor can clear snow and pull everything else around, and charge batteries....so all else begins with a running tractor.

And of our 4 tractors and 5 trucks , the only one that will absolutely start everytime, the first time it turns over, and regardless of how far below zero it is....is....(drum roll here...) the Yanmar?? The Kubota? The Ford? GM? Chevy? Toyota? The Miller backup welding/generator? no...it's the 1958 John Deere two cylinder model 530 with some unknown number of hours - That old tractor wore out it's hour meter two decades ago. When I disassembled the old hour meter to see why it wasn't working the bushings were so worn out that the little cogs inside didn't work anymore unless I turned it upside down - which we did. Remounted it in the dash upside down for years more before putting a new one on. That old guy has to have over 10,000 hours and maybe more. It was used as a stationary water pump in a corn field for many years. One truly great tractor. Almost as old as I am.

I'm going to think about using all three heaters on the Yanmars, though. The TS heats the air in the combustion space allowing the motor to start, the block heater heats the fluid which expands the metal of the engine block and reduces the start-up friction and associated wear, and the magnetic oil heater thins the oil so it will circulate.
Nice...
rScotty

 

[Gary Sweat]

I just fired my engine up after installing the new Kat's 400w heater.

I ground the valves and seats and assembled it last night and once the heater showed up I was able to finish and see how she runs and its good.

I did have to take a small air die grinder with a 3/4" dremel cutoff wheel and do some minor grinding to the inside of the core hole to make room for the element but other than that it fit fine hope this helps someone in the future.

Is that heater made for a freeze plug hole or threaded? My block does not have any freeze plugs but it does have one hole that is threaded and currently has a plug in it.

 

[Gary Sweat]

No. I Just turn the ignition key CCW until I hear a sizzle and then a "pop" as the cracked diesel fuel bursts into flame. It won't burn for but an instant. I immediately crank the motor to pull in the burning fumes.
At least that explains what I'm doing and what I think is happening......
rScotty

UPS just delivered the TS so I will get it installed today and see how it works. Right now I have to go to the parts store and get some small fuel line hose. As luck would have it I put pressure on mine as I was tightening the TS and it cracked. Looks like it has been in there for decades and turned brittle. Not sure how to get the line out of the tank yet, seems stuck in there.

 

[Car Doc]

Is that heater made for a freeze plug hole or threaded? My block does not have any freeze plugs but it does have one hole that is threaded and currently has a plug in it.

Its a 30mm for a freeze plug hole.

 

[Gary Sweat]

Its a 30mm for a freeze plug hole.

Oh well, I'll have to see if the Mazda heater will work. I'll probably have to take the plug to a dealer and see if it matches up. I doubt I will get anywhere on the phone with them.

 

[clemsonfor]

Then you can get the radiator hose heater and use a hair drier as you crank. It will make it like starting it on a 95 degree day. :laughing:

 

[California]

Don't forget the tarp over the hood to contain the warmth of the twin 500w halogen lamps aimed up at it from the floor!