I want to install a block heater on my 2021 M5660 tractor. I cannot find the plug that needs to be removed from the engine block so that I can install the heater plug. I have watched several videos (other Kubota models) and checked engine diagrams (on Messicks), but I cannot find an Allen head plug to remove from the engine block on this 2021 M5660SUHD tractor. The engine has sealing plugs (part number 15221-03380 ) but these are the wrong size and are not removable or threaded. Can anyone point me to the place on the engine block where I would install a block heater? Thanks.
Installing Block Heater for M5660 SUHD
- Thread starter greenpasturesharvest
- Start date
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
That is probably what I will end up doing if I cannot find the block heater plug.
If you do find a plug, be very careful if it is the push fit rather than a threaded plug. There was a nightmare story here of a guy that tried drilling a hole into his plug in order to remove it, and ended up drilling right through the cylinder wall, which was a very expensive and unfortunate experience for him.
just a heads up…
There is no reason to drill into a press-fit freeze plug. Just tap it on the edge with a blunt instrument and a hammer (make that a registered and licensed hammer and user) and the plug will swivel enough that you can then grab it with a pair of pliers and pull it out.
Here are pictures of my factory engine block heater on my M5660.
Mine looks like a pressed in bushing, press fit O.D. and pipe threaded I.D. and the block heater screws into it. Mine is installed forward of the starter.
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Thank you so much. That helps a lot. I was looking for an Allen wrench type plug like I saw on a YouTube video, but I see now that the block heater goes in place of one of the freeze plugs. I did not know what a freeze plug (aka core plug) was when I started this journey
Green pastures harvest,
Did you get the plug heater installed without any problems? I have a 2017 M5660 and am getting ready to install the 70000-00297 Engine Block Heater too. After last weeks winter storm, I’m not getting caught again without one!
Can you confirm that the part number above is what you installed? I had a really hard time researching the correct part number to buy for my tractor. I just got it in the mail today. I plan on installing this weekend but I am a bit intimidated with knocking out a freeze plug…no going back at that point. I just installed a threaded block heater on my JD tractor and it was simple. This one seems a bit more complicated. Appreciate any other tips in advance.
Did you get the plug heater installed without any problems? I have a 2017 M5660 and am getting ready to install the 70000-00297 Engine Block Heater too. After last weeks winter storm, I’m not getting caught again without one!
Can you confirm that the part number above is what you installed? I had a really hard time researching the correct part number to buy for my tractor. I just got it in the mail today. I plan on installing this weekend but I am a bit intimidated with knocking out a freeze plug…no going back at that point. I just installed a threaded block heater on my JD tractor and it was simple. This one seems a bit more complicated. Appreciate any other tips in advance.
I did not install the plug heater yet. I still plan to do it, and even started, but then chickened out. Knocking out the freeze plug is a little intimidating to me. I ordered the part on Amazon (Kubota 70000-00297 Replacement Frost Plug Heater for Tractor) , and just for a backup plan I ordered an extra freeze plug from Messicks (15221-03380-620). The Kubota dealer assured me that was the right part number for the block heater. Plenty of YouTube videos on the subject. I also plan on draining the coolant beforehand to limit the mess. I am due for a coolant flush anyway. My solution in the meantime is just to keep an eye on the weather and get everything done/preloaded before any cold-spells like last week. I live in a temperate area, so that works for me. We got down to -1 F during the cold spell but are at 60 F today. I did not have to run the tractor until the temps were back in the forties. Let me know how it works out for you.