Opinions on the best type of heater assist in cold temperature starting for a quick install.
Magnetic or Oil Dip Stick for a new tractor?
Magnetic or Oil Dip Stick for a new tractor?
Engine Heaters to assist cold weather starting. Which type?
- Thread starter Gus1957
- Start date
Wanna boil the oil in the immediate vicinity of the dipstick…? …or the oil in the sump …but leave that iron engine block still cold…?
Get a block heater and keep the entire engine warmed.
Get a block heater and keep the entire engine warmed.
Get BOTH a block heater( or inline rad hose type ) AND a battery warming blanket.
Bingo.
OEM block heater is far and away the best. Second best probably coolant heater, remote type best but radiator hose type acceptable depending upon application.
I've had a block heater in my M6800 since new 21 years ago and still works.
My neighbor bought a new 30hp Kubota in the summer and nobody mentioned a heater to him. 1st time in years it's been down to -10F/ -35F with wind chill. We even got 18" of lite snow at 10F that was unusual a week ago.
He needs a heater he can use quickly.
Last time I used a dip stick heater was my wife's 1980 Diesel Rabbit that sat outside. Back then VW recommended putting up to 20% gasoline in the car diesel fuel tank. It worked and got 53 mpg.
My neighbor bought a new 30hp Kubota in the summer and nobody mentioned a heater to him. 1st time in years it's been down to -10F/ -35F with wind chill. We even got 18" of lite snow at 10F that was unusual a week ago.
He needs a heater he can use quickly.
Last time I used a dip stick heater was my wife's 1980 Diesel Rabbit that sat outside. Back then VW recommended putting up to 20% gasoline in the car diesel fuel tank. It worked and got 53 mpg.
If it's in a building or they can put a wind block around it, try a buddy heater or similar near it. They don't have an open flame and can warm a small area pretty well. I've used one in a pinch in my unheated shed to get some work done.
Of course, he should order the proper block heater, but also, it may be there and is just missing the cord. I know Ford Trucks came that way from the factory years ago. In other words, block heater was in the block, but the cable was not there.
Of course, he should order the proper block heater, but also, it may be there and is just missing the cord. I know Ford Trucks came that way from the factory years ago. In other words, block heater was in the block, but the cable was not there.
If I needed a quick Rube Goldberg engine heater, I would use a magnetic oil pan heater until I could find a better solution. About as simple as possible.
IR chicken heater is pretty simple !
FYI just because the engine is kinda warm doesn't mean the tractor is 'ready to go' ! You've got very,very cold hydraulic oil, diff oil, axle oil and some very,very cold steel parts, here ,there, everywhere.Also 1 or more 'computers',alternator and other electronics.
FYI just because the engine is kinda warm doesn't mean the tractor is 'ready to go' ! You've got very,very cold hydraulic oil, diff oil, axle oil and some very,very cold steel parts, here ,there, everywhere.Also 1 or more 'computers',alternator and other electronics.
All my "Spiddy Senses" are going off!!! Danger Will Robinson!!!
I personally would not mix gas and diesel in my tractor even if others say it's OK.
That was the method then to get the engine going in extreme cold weather. I think it was 10% maximum though.
That’s the standard for Cummins in a Ram pickup. Every Cummins has a block-heater installed…. leaving it up to the owner to add the cord to plug it in or not. (Mine is…. plugged in tonite…have no plans to drive it for a few days..but if I need to…it’ll crank instantly and be already warmed to hit the road.)
If it won’t start with the factory block heater running, then it’s too cold to use the tractor anyways.
Go back inside and stoke the fire.
Go back inside and stoke the fire.
Donystoy
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Block heater is the way to go. Many years ago on the farm we would cover the entire engine area with blankets and put a 200 watt light bulb under it for the night while in the barn. I can remember farmers building a small wood fire under the engine to get it heated up. No hydraulic hoses etc. in those days to get destroyed.
Fortunately my tractor is in a heated shop. The only issue I have is the time it takes to mop up the melted snow after clearing the driveway.
Fortunately my tractor is in a heated shop. The only issue I have is the time it takes to mop up the melted snow after clearing the driveway.
The diesel cloud point for most #2 is about 14F. Hot Shot anti-gel is good to 20F below the cloud point, so about -6F OAT. I use it and have not had any problems lately even at -15F. Pick your favorite flavor of anti-gel, add it, and be happy. Doesn't do anything to warm up the engine block or associated fluids but it's got to be better than adding gasoline to the diesel fuel. JMHO, YMMV.
I do wish I had a block heater especially with the temps we're seeing currently. I gotta believe it would be better on the engine overall.
