L295DT Engine Block Heater

[jacksork]

I am wanting to install a block heater for my 1979 L295DT.

First issue is actually finding the correct one: I see several that are threaded, some come with a pressfit adapter, and some look like they just push into the freeze plug location. All are supposedly listed to fit the tractor...

Second is confirming location to install it. What's the ideal spot? Only one I can see without removing too much is the first forward one on the left side. Others are covered and looks like would require removal of other parts (starter on the left side and hydraulic pump on the right).

Any guidance/help appreciated.

 

[85Hokie]

Jack,

As much as popping out a freeze plug and then tapping in the heater is simple - sometime is can be a real PITA. A little mistake with size or seal - and you are not up and running.

I would suggest another way to skin this cat - rather than tap into the block - simply find a place in the LOWER radiator hose that can have one of these placed in it! About the same cost - perhaps a bit simpler to install and the effect will be the same - the hot water will rise throughout the block and radiator as it warms. Only thing you really need to do it find the INTERAL diameter of the hose!

this is what it would look like more or less - I picked this at random, YOUR machine will call for a different diameter.

You can get these online or at a local auto parts place.

Doing some research - yours seems to be a 1.3125 (1 5/16" ID) Verify that!

 

[jacksork]

Yeah a hose heater is my plan b. I was just talking with a buddy here at work who used to work at a kubota dealer before the owners retired and he said he used to remove the freeze plug with a slide hammer.

 

[jacksork]

I'll verify the ID. I am assuming a 1.25" hose heater would work then should I go that route?

 

[85Hokie]

I'll verify the ID. I am assuming a 1.25" hose heater would work then should I go that route?

If the hose will fit - and the jacket is in a location easy to cut the hose - I would say it is an easy fix to heating the water.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I personally like the block heaters better, but that said, I've had to make my own fittings for the blocks on the last 3 I've worked on because the adapters that are available will not fit the freeze plugs on some older models engines.

So for the sake of simplicity I would get a hose heater, quick and simple install works just as good as the block heater version, and easily replaced when it meets its end.

 

[DrankTheOrangeKoolaid]

I personally like the block heaters better, but that said, I've had to make my own fittings for the blocks on the last 3 I've worked on because the adapters that are available will not fit the freeze plugs on some older models engines.

On another forum, I saw reference to Kat's Heaters. Don't know anything about them, but they seemed to have lots of options for sizes (both wattage and diameter of frost plug).

 

[85Hokie]

While true those heater have been around a while and work perfectly - as NIW pointed out - sometimes sealing the plug into the block and can be a PITA and you have to get creative - where as the hose heater is cut hose and clamp off - (assuming that you have the right size)

 

[jacksork]

All said and done, I ended up going the hose heater route, used a KATS 1-1/4" size, been in there for a few weeks and definitely helps getting her all up and going.

So a couple things to note worth referencing should some one else go looking....
-Kubota does not list a specific block heater for this year.
-Freeze plug diameter is 32mm (I measured ~32.3mm with my calipers). Kubota part # 15221-03380.
-There is only about 1/4" between the freeze plug and the cylinder wall/sleeve on the front/left hand side location. (If you or a "friend" does happen to drill into/through the cylinder trying to remove the freeze plug, the original JB weld will work to seal the hole assuming you prep and cure appropriately)
-The block heater (KATS) that NAPA says will fit and install location is for a 1402 engine, not a stock D1301A. I could not see a location on the D1301A corresponding to the 1402 location they said in the instructions so I tried the opposite side as that one there was "access" to. Diameter wise it would of worked, just needed an adapter bushing with the actual length of the element. ***Disclaimer: I'm going off of memory of a few weeks here, I'm pretty sure it was a 1402.***
-If you go the adapter bushing route, I believe one sized for 32mm should suffice.