Where to attach block heater on Kubota B2150

[bildom]

I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to add a block heater to a B2150. One side of the engine has a couple of freeze plugs, which I am hesitant to remove. I've seen mention of a plug which screws out using a 17 mm hex wrench, but can't find one. I did however find a plug with a raised hex head at the junction of where lower radiator hoses are attached, behind the radiator. Does anyone know if this is the correct (or reasonable) place to add a block heater? Hope the photo makes sense. Thanks.

 

[blacklion66]

Are you where it gets cold and stays cold? Alaska- Minnesota ? Lots of people uses block heaters, personally I hate them☺ have seen more than one that several years will form rust and develop a slow leak

Much better choice is a circulating type heater, but it is hard on the rubber hoses and will require replacing hoses from time to time depending how much you use it.

A heat lamp with a chunk of carpet over the hood works pretty good unless you are in weather such as Fairbanks has

 

[bildom]

Well a heat lamp would be an easier and low tech solution. Something to consider. Thanks

 

[oosik]

In all my 50+ years of vehicle ownership I've had one block heater. It dripped, it drizzled and finally it burned out - - thank God. I got rid of it and had to have the dealership instal a new freeze plug.

I lived in Glennallen( armpit of society - half way between Anchorage and Fairbanks ) for a year and then Anchorage for 16 years. Anchorage is a costal city and has weather much like Seattle. Tad bit colder and usually a foot of snow.

So I used lower radiator hose tank heaters. Never had to replace anything when using them. They always worked great. And if worse comes to worse and you really bugger up the instal - simply purchase a new lower radiator hose.

 

[ruffdog]

I think that picture is showing your coolant drain. I like block heaters and always use them below 20F or so. My 1999 TC33D and RTV had them and never had a problem or leaked. This video might help you find the 17mm plug.

Kubota BX22 block heater installation - YouTube

 

[ruffdog]

I found a thread about the mystery block heater location:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/20634-block-heater-location.html


...and the heater they used:
Kubota: Block Heater, Part # 7-73274


Is this correct??????? dont know............

 

[bildom]

Thanks. I have very limited knowledge about tractors, and I don't know what that hose is that they are permanently plugging, but it doesn't seem quite right to me. I'll check with my Kubota dealer. In the meantime, I think I'll experiment with a heat bulb.

 

[ruffdog]

Thanks. I have very limited knowledge about tractors, and I don't know what that hose is that they are permanently plugging, but it doesn't seem quite right to me. I'll check with my Kubota dealer. In the meantime, I think I'll experiment with a heat bulb.

Yes, most definitely talk with a knowledgeable person at the dealership about the block heater. Just be very careful with heat bulbs because they get hot and can start fires.

 

[Mowbizz]

There are also magnetic block heaters that stick to the oil pan and you can epoxy it in place...

 

[JWR]

In all my 50+ years of vehicle ownership I've had one block heater. It dripped, it drizzled and finally it burned out - - thank God. I got rid of it and had to have the dealership instal a new freeze plug.

I lived in Glennallen( armpit of society - half way between Anchorage and Fairbanks ) for a year and then Anchorage for 16 years. Anchorage is a costal city and has weather much like Seattle. Tad bit colder and usually a foot of snow.

So I used lower radiator hose tank heaters. Never had to replace anything when using them. They always worked great. And if worse comes to worse and you really bugger up the instal - simply purchase a new lower radiator hose.

Agree with Oosik. The circulation type heaters that install in the lower radiator hose work extremely well. I've used them on VW diesels. For starters, they warm up everything, not just the block (!) They tend to work faster than a block plug too. I hear (another thread last year) that the lower hose area on the B2150 is tight and thus difficult for the installation of a flow-type heater. I have two B2150s but never needed a heater (and they are a couple hundred miles away right now.) Installation might involve removing the original hose entirely and doing some innovative plumbing. I'd still put a lot of effort into that before I would mess with a block plug type. Let us know what you do and how it goes.

 

[bildom]

Thank, all! After I spoke to my dealer, I've decided against a block heater. He said that my tractor is actually pretty good at starting at low temps. I'm using it primarily to blow snow so it it's really cold, I'll try a light bulb/blanket. If that's not sufficient, I'll go with a hose heater.

 

[JWR]

What part of the country are you in ? A good strong battery makes a difference. Trickle charge overnight if you think you'll have to do a cold start. Of course do something with the fuel if it might get below 10 degrees F.