bx engine[905e]block heater install

[escavader]

Ithought it was a freeze plug type,nope simply unscrew an allen screw.install block heater.Took me longer to get the camera and take pics then to do itYou need a large socket [1 3/8 ]and large allen wrench[brain cramp cant remember size]
Ihad the tractor apart replacing the lower water hose,[because i had unsuccessfully tried to fit a hose heater in aplace it wouldnt fit]so while i had it drained i installed this proper kit.7000073274.Takes about 5 minutes after you got your tools out.Kind of glad i didnt have to knock out a freeze plug.
ALAN

 

[escavader]

oops didnt get a pic of the plug in hanging from it --will do tommorow
Just push it on and tighten nut with fingers your done.
ALAN

 

[Riptide23]

You need a large socket [1 3/8 ]and large allen wrench[brain cramp cant remember size]

It's a 17 mm. I know this because I just bought an allen wrench to fit this plug tonight, at Sears. 10 bucks.

Hopefully, I'll get to it over the weekend...

 

[JoeL4330]

$10 ...I might have tried a hex head bolt and vise grips, or a welded-on nut first. ...but, the right tool can make all the difference

 

[dmacneil]

Certinaly sounds easier and quicker than the freeze plug type I just installed a few weeks ago in my BX. Doesn't help that when I tried to knock the freeze plug out it didn't twist and fell into the block. That took a good 30 minutes to get out dang nabbit. I think my parents should've called me Murphys-law...

 

[herringchoker]

Isn't that fun when the freeze plug falls inside the block? Having learned that lesson the hard way, whenever I have to remove a freeze plug I punch a hole in it first, thread in a self-tapping screw and twist a wire around it. Maybe I'm paranoid , but I haven't lost one since. I was happy to find my B7800 has the threaded plug, like Alan's.

 

[dmacneil]

Isn't that fun when the freeze plug falls inside the block?

I cracked a beer and did a Hank Hill... 'Yep...'

Stuff like that always happens to me. In one respect it has been good for me. That is how I learned to fix lots of stuff... almost anything I touch seems to break. So I'm somewhat used to it now. I know that when someone says 'installing the block heater should take 30 mins, 45 tops' that I should set aside an afternoon cause without fail, something unexpected will happen. Just glad I have a heated garage..

 

[escavader]

oops didnt get a pic of the plug in hanging from it --will do tommorow
Just push it on and tighten nut with fingers your done.
ALAN

HERES THAT PIC I PROMISED. The plug end hangs just below the side panel

 

[johnk]

At least the project went smoothly. The screw out plug sure seems a lot easier and leak free than beating on a freeze plug. Mine isn't leaking though but it sure took longer to press in than yours. Glad it worked out for you. Bring on the COLD...

 

[escavader]

At least the project went smoothly. The screw out plug sure seems a lot easier and leak free than beating on a freeze plug. Mine isn't leaking though but it sure took longer to press in than yours. Glad it worked out for you. Bring on the COLD...

YES,I looked at the guy at the parts counter like he was stupid when he tryed to sell me one with threadsAt least i got good advice on the freeze plug type ,in case i ever do that kind of install.You changed your picture -threw me offbase for a bit
ALAN

 

[devildog1]

Great photos of block heater installation, thank you! My BX sits in barn pluged in to a battery tender. So as of yet I did not need to install a block heater yet but who knows?
At least now I'll know how to do one.
devildog1

 

[escavader]

Great photos of block heater installation, thank you! My BX sits in barn pluged in to a battery tender. So as of yet I did not need to install a block heater yet but who knows?
At least now I'll know how to do one.
devildog1

HEY RICK,
Nice to see another bx-23 guy posting.May i ask what brand battery tender your using .Guys on my other thread recommended the harbor freight one.Nice bike in your profile pic too.
ALAN

 

[Bx 23]

I went to Sears today to find a 17mm allen wrench. What I came back with has six sides while the engine block plug has five. It say's hex wrench on the packge.....What do I need to install my block heater?

 

[escavader]

BX-23 ,I JUST SENT YOU A PM
ALAN

 

[bill in ny]

alan, did you have to drain the antifreeze before the install? could you post a picture of the instructions?

 

[escavader]

alan, did you have to drain the antifreeze before the install? could you post a picture of the instructions?

Icant remember it having instuctions,but it might haveJust take out the plug and install the new one with tape on it.
AS far as draining it,i had my hose off any way.Ithink all you would lose is the antifreeze in the block,and the bulk of it is in the radiator.Myself id just have a pan under that plug ,and have the heater all taped and ready to sCrew right back in,.
ALAN

 

[Stradbash]

In the directions for the freeze plug version it does say to drain the coolant. I can't see much reason to remove more than you have to in order to get it below the level of the plug, but how do you tell until you've removed the plug?!

It also says in the directions; "To avoid death or serious personal injury: Never energize heater in the air. If the heater element is energized in the air, it may burst."
As it happens, I have seen this sort of thing happen with an even lower wattage heater. It's pretty scary considering the potential for injury.

 

[sw03]

you guys love digging up old threads....Use a good synthetic and skip the heater.

 

[PILOON]

you guys love digging up old threads....Use a good synthetic and skip the heater.

At -25/30 deg synthetic won't help much.
Only a heater will assist starting at those temps.

Perhaps on a cold Florida morning it is the solution, but not in my part of the world.

 

[Stradbash]

Only a heater will assist starting at those temps.

And there is the warm up time once it is started to consider.
Hey!, maybe that is an argument for low quality oil?