installing a block heater on a BX25D for winter

[bearskinner]

unsure about this procedure, but a quick and easy install. heres the part and freeze plug location.

 

[bearskinner]

popped out the plug with a slide hammer. tapped in the heater element with a socket and extension. ty wrapped the wires from moving, plug sticks out below the shroud for easy access.







I was a little paranoid about messing with a new tractor (only 28 hours so far) but its easy to get to and a quick and easy install. If I can do it anyone can. no leaks, topped off the antifreeze, ready to go

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Your Kubota will thank you for it all winter long!

 

[08quadram]

I picked up my heater today. Will be a Saturday morning project.

 

[bearskinner]

Your Kubota will thank you for it all winter long!

you always speak of how easy this stuff is to do, and you are right,it was. I can cut a car in half and section in another half, but I hate going under the hood!

 

[Pepsiboy]

unsure about this procedure, but a quick and easy install. heres the part and freeze plug location. View attachment 13472

View attachment 13473

View attachment 13474

bearskinner,

Good job on the install. BTW, what was the cost of the frost plug heater ? Was it from Kubota ? I've been thinking about that for my BX2350 also.

Dave

 

[08quadram]

Pepsiboy, I picked mine up at the Kubota Dealer yesterday and with tax was just a few pennies under $89.

 

[Pepsiboy]

Pepsiboy, I picked mine up at the Kubota Dealer yesterday and with tax was just a few pennies under $89.

WOW ! ! ! Kind of PRICEY isn't it ?? I think I'll get what is called a 'Tank Heater' 750 watts that recirculates the coolant around the engine for about $45 - $55 at O'Reilly's instead. Thanks.

Dave

 

[cerlawson]

Mine is in the lower radiator hose. Dealer installed. I trust that location better as to leak possibilities and fixing them.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

WOW ! ! ! Kind of PRICEY isn't it ?? I think I'll get what is called a 'Tank Heater' 750 watts that recirculates the coolant around the engine for about $45 - $55 at O'Reilly's instead. Thanks.

Dave

Dave,
$89 is not that spendy for a purpose built heater, you can get them for cheaper off EBay, just have to wait for shipping.

Look real carefully before jumping into a Tank type heater as most require that you hook up to a heater (3/4", 5/8") hose and I'm betting you don't have that on your Kubota!

 

[Leyland]

Nice job on the install. I checked the "block heater"option when I ordered my BX25D living up in the great white north it's the right way to do it. Never thought to ask any details though, was actually amazed it wasn't a factory installed option on Canadian tractors. My dealer said the shop has to install it though as part of their prep to get the tractor ready.. I will have a look to see what they did when it's delivered.

 

[bearskinner]

bearskinner,

Good job on the install. BTW, what was the cost of the frost plug heater ? Was it from Kubota ? I've been thinking about that for my BX2350 also.

Dave

yes its a Kubota part, and it was $80.00. when I called the parts dept they quoted me $45, but that was for a small thread in one, not this one. It is a heavy duty unit. I plugged it in this morning for 1/2 an hour before starting the tractor. It was 18 degrees outside when I put my hand on the engine to see if it was warm, and it was HOT. I already feel good about adding it, the engine fired right up and idled smooth and no black smoke. If it cuts down on wear and tear, and helps keep it alive longer, that's $80 well spent.

 

[Pepsiboy]

Dave,
$89 is not that spendy for a purpose built heater, you can get them for cheaper off EBay, just have to wait for shipping.

Look real carefully before jumping into a Tank type heater as most require that you hook up to a heater (3/4", 5/8") hose and I'm betting you don't have that on your Kubota!

Wolfman,

I got it yesterday at NAPA for $46.96 including tax. Install kit has everything I need except for 1/2" hose. Neighbor has some of that left over from when he put tank heater on his B3030. Said I could have it for FREE ! ! Will let you know how it goes when I put it on tomorrow or Monday.

Dave

 

[bearskinner]

take pics or you never did it!

 

[08quadram]

Put mine in this morning. Would have gone faster had i taken the loader of first. That and why can't they design the side panels to be removable without having to remove the grill guard.

My plastic parts are going to need some tlc this summer. Few cracks showing up.

Can't wait to play.............. Work in the snow. Supposed to get 1"-3" tonight

 

[Wrencher2423]

Ordered my today and do you guys leave them plugged in all the time or just a little bit before you ready to use it?

 

[bearskinner]

I plug mine in a half hour or so before I want to start it. It does make a NOTICABLE difference in ease of starting, idle, and black smoke upon start up

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Depending on temp, I like to do at least an hour.
And yes 100% difference in the starting.

 

[84cj]

My early BX uses a freeze plug at the front of the engine, behind the muffler. I purchased one for about $40 about a year ago and did not install until last month. I used it for the first time today, plugged it in for half an hour and than started it. Fired right up! Just like it was 80 degrees out.

 

[bearskinner]

I have used my heater three times now, and I get a warm/fuzzy feeling about it every time. The little tractor fires right up and idles great right off the bat. It makes you feel good to take care of your equipment. last day today with the FEL, than Ill take it off and put on the snow plow, and "get ready for it!"