LX2610 block heater location

[mrrlyoung]

We run Kubota 15w40 since it fits our temperature range. LX2610hsd. I have an old 38 watt magnetic block heater that I'm thinking of using--why not.

Looking at the engine from above, no location jumps out at me. I also wonder if it would be better on the transmission. The lowest temperature we are likely to start the tractor is maybe 5F, and the highest is maybe 100F. It has always started OK at lower temperatures, but whether it would still be happier with a block heater I don't know. Thanks

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

A magnetic block heater is pretty much worthless on almost all kubota's, there just isn't too many flat locations.
Now here is the most important detail, your transmission is Aluminum so a magnetic heater is worthless.

If you really want a heater get and install a block heater.
I'm a heck of a lot colder than you are and I rarely need to use a block heater.

 

[mrrlyoung]

A magnetic block heater is pretty much worthless on almost all kubota's, there just isn't too many flat locations.
Now here is the most important detail, your transmission is Aluminum so a magnetic heater is worthless.

If you really want a heater get and install a block heater.
I'm a heck of a lot colder than you are and I rarely need to use a block heater.

Thanks. That's useful and answers my question. (I'm an ex-Sagle/Sandoint resident. I visit from far Northern CA whenever I can)

 

[Bee-Positive]

I agree with Wolfman, 10 below here this winter and diesel gelling is a bigger issue than engine turning over. Since you already have the old magnetic heater you could try it somewhere, just make sure you strap it good so it doesn't rattle off and break something important or get run over.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks. That's useful and answers my question. (I'm an ex-Sagle/Sandoint resident. I visit from far Northern CA whenever I can)

How long ago did you move away?
And if your ever up here shoot me a PM and we'll meet for lunch or something.

 

[SAR Tracker]

Agree with previous posters - sufficient glow plug time does a lot for ease of starting. I've had snow on the ground here since mid October, and haven't needed a block heater. Antifreeze is kept up to date, and tractor is stored in an un-heated shed. Avg temps here in Central Oregon have been in the low 30's, with most nights in the teens and below.

 

[mrrlyoung]

How long ago did you move away?
And if your ever up here shoot me a PM and we'll meet for lunch or something.

I moved away in 2011 after living there for 10 years. Loved the moose in the driveway but not so much the mountain lion tracks outside my door in the morning snow! Nice country.

 

[85Hokie]

Heating the oil helps ......... the OIL. Not the machine much. 15w flows about the same as 10w so it still flows well in cold.

Get a heater for the coolant - this will slowly heat ALL the components, well NOT the oil, but will heat the block and head - there is a point of NO return, about an hour will be about as long as you may need to go. After the hour the heat will be lost to the surrounding air.

Glow the plug longer than you THINK you need to - this always helps!!!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I moved away in 2011 after living there for 10 years. Loved the moose in the driveway but not so much the mountain lion tracks outside my door in the morning snow! Nice country.

It's changed sooooo much since then!
This is why we have wolves, keeps the other scary critters at bay.

 

[mrrlyoung]

Heating the oil helps ......... the OIL. Not the machine much. 15w flows about the same as 10w so it still flows well in cold.

Get a heater for the coolant - this will slowly heat ALL the components, well NOT the oil, but will heat the block and head - there is a point of NO return, about an hour will be about as long as you may need to go. After the hour the heat will be lost to the surrounding air.

Glow the plug longer than you THINK you need to - this always helps!!!

What about 'burning out' or otherwise damaging the glow plug if heated too long?
I probably won't do anything, but I just saw dipstick heaters, which peak my curiosity.