BX2350: just installed a Kubota Engine Block heater; how long can I leave it on without burning the element?

[BX'r]

I wonder how many people are plugging in dead block heaters?
Possibly the space containing the coolant around the element isn't large enough and the element over heats and goes open.

 

[Kurtee]

BX2680 new 2019, I plug in the block heater when the first snowfall threatens and unplug when the weather is warmer. Basically the engine never cools off completely all winter. Unheated garage for storage. I always unplug before starting the engine. Old story which may be BS that the cold coolant hitting the hot element will cause failure.

 

[mikester]

My rule of thumb is the colder it gets, the harder it is to start, the more block heater preheat I need.

Get yourself a block heater timer and see how much preheat YOU need to make engine starting easier.

All heating elements have a limited life span, don't worry about them. I'm more concerned about the electricity costs to run a heater when I don't need it.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

It'd cost me $1.50 a day (24 hrs..) to have a 500 watt heater on around the clock.
If you do use a block heater, drape a heavy quilt over the hood to the ground to help keep the heat IN

 

[lynnmor]

When calculating electricity costs, don't just use the "price to compare" since there is much additional cost. My truck has a 900 watt block heater and the cost to run it would be $116 per month if I was dumb enough to run it all the time. When searching for the electricity costs in your area, you will be bombed with the price to compare and the real cost will be difficult to find. It is best to use your monthly bill and do your own calculation so that all taxes and fees are included.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

In really / really cold climates (I have lived my life where we start our diesels on occasion down to the -40's but very often in the -20's and -30's) so for what its worth a well tuned diesel, in an unheated shed with door so no wind, a block heater on for 3-5 hrs is sufficient.
Any more doesn't seem to make a difference.
Any less and the struggle factor goes up.
When more than -20, a 2 amp trickle charger on the battery for a little heat there as well for same amount of time to warm up the battery also really helps.

 

[6869704x4]

Scientific research.
Get a clipboard, timer, a 12 pack, a stool, and one of these

Set stool next to tractor, plug it in, take a temp reading and record, hack your timer and crack a beer.
Record time and temp after each beer. When the temp stops increasing there's your base line. Of course you will have to this for every 5 degrees OAT.
Happy researching!
Your welcome

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I plug mine in for about an hour before I start it when temps drop below 40F'ish, unplug it, then give it "8 Mississippi" count with the glow plug, and he fires right up.

But I have been caught by surprise and just relied on the glow plug for a "13-15 Mississippi" count and it works but smokes a little more.

 

[mikester]

It'd cost me $1.50 a day (24 hrs..) to have a 500 watt heater on around the clock.
If you do use a block heater, drape a heavy quilt over the hood to the ground to help keep the heat IN

$2/day, you forgot to add the service fee, connection fee, delivery fee, debt retirement fee, and HST.

In 2025 it will become $4/day when the former liberal government hydro subsidy goes away.