L3901 Heater Block Install Issue with EGR

[aje417]

I purchased the heater block kit to install on the L3901. Instructions and forum write ups all indicate to install on the center freeze plug directly left of the starter. Upon inspection the center freeze plug is already taken up by what I believe to be the EGR. Has anyone else had this situation and found the correct work around? The most accessible and available plug is the farthest to the left. I'd hate to knock out the far left plug to only discover there is not enough clearance on the inside of the block to install the adapter busing. Thanks

 

[JRHill]

Picture please.

 

[aje417]

Picture please.

photo added to original post. Thank you

 

[JRHill]

Your precaution is warranted but at least you do have plenty of access space. Worst case is having to tap a new plug back in if the heater won't fit. But I'd bet you'll be OK. Please post back on what you find out.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I'm pretty sure that's not EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation ) since you're into the 'water jacket'.
It'll be interesting to here from someone that knows what the 'plumbing' is for though !

 

[mcmxi]

I'm pretty sure that's not EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation ) since you're into the 'water jacket'.
It'll be interesting to here from someone that knows what the 'plumbing' is for though !

The EGR on both of my tractors routes the exhaust gas through a heat exchanger before sending the exhaust to the intake. The heat exchanger plumbing on an MX is shown below.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

hmm, sounds like the 'EGR heat exchanger' is heating the water(coolant) then ? Is there some thermostat to control the flow ?

 

[mcmxi]

hmm, sounds like the 'EGR heat exchanger' is heating the water(coolant) then ? Is there some thermostat to control the flow ?

The EGR system is fairly complex and controlled by the ECU. It's an insidious thing but there are options.

 

[JRHill]

What is the purpose of this complexity? To heat the coolant or cool the exhaust? This setup would seem to be added to a list of things to delete.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Use the other freeze plug location that you see in the picture.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

hmm, sounds like the 'EGR heat exchanger' is heating the water(coolant) then ? Is there some thermostat to control the flow ?

Exactly the opposite, the water is cooling the exhaust air that is being recycled.

 

[mcmxi]

Exactly the opposite, the water is cooling the exhaust air that is being recycled.

I almost wrote the same thing and I know what you mean, but technically coolant temperature is increasing and the exhaust gas temperature decreasing. The increase in coolant temperature is a necessary artifact of reducing the intake air temperature, but not the objective ... ... which is the point you're making.

 

[mcmxi]

What is the purpose of this complexity? To heat the coolant or cool the exhaust? This setup would seem to be added to a list of things to delete.

My F250 (7.3L) has an exhaust back pressure valve (EBV) after the turbo that closes when the engine is cold to keep heat in the engine and not let it escape via the exhaust. The EGR system is part of the emissions system and serves to reduce emissions by directing some of the exhaust gas to the intake after it's been through the heat exchanger.

What is an EGR System, and why remove them?
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is a method that is used to control Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions. The purpose of this system is to return a small portion of exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber through the intake manifold. Lowering combustion temperature, resulting in a reduction of NOx emissions. The issue with EGR systems is that the valve can stick open due to carbon deposits. A worst case scenario is that the EGR becomes completely blocked, this will result in poor fuel mileage and a loss of power. When this occurs, it results in engine warning lights and the equipment going into limp mode. The vast majority of exhaust gas recirculation valves power off in the closed position. This means that once they are de-energized, they are in the shut position. On a few select applications, we offer block off plates. These plates are used as a fail safe, to ensure that there is no exhaust coming back into the intake system.

 

[TheOldHokie]

What is the purpose of this complexity? To heat the coolant or cool the exhaust? This setup would seem to be added to a list of things to delete.

By all means delete that useless piece of crap. The engine will run much better without it.....

Dan

 

[aje417]

I contacted the local dealer this morning to ensure the proper install of the busing. According to their internal documents, if the EGR is utilizing the center plug, install heater bushing on "rear" plug located on the "left hand side" of the tractor. I believe this to be the plug directly behind the starter. Thank you everyone for the feedback. I'm going to move forward with the install. I'll follow up with everyone after install.

Update! The supplied bushing with the heating element installed protrudes to far out. It's impossible to reinstall the starter. I suspect this bushing needs to be machined down to allow proper clearance when using the rear plug. To late now... bushing is set. I'm going to stop by the dealer tomorrow and ask the guy who provided the modified instructions if he left out an important detail. I located another thread on here (different model) that requires the bushing to be machined down to allow the starter to fit. Probably the same for the 3901.

I'm not attempting to remove the bushing (It's set with permatex green 6400). I found and installed a3/4 brass plug. I'll add a Silicone oil pan heater like Fido reccomended.

Ugh....

 

[Fido Farms]

I would just put on a Silicon oil pan heater. Easy and they work great.

 

[TheOldHokie]

According to their internal documents, if the EGR is utilizing the center plug, install heater bushing on "rear" plug located on the "left hand side" of the tractor.