Get An Engine Heater!!

[jeffgreef]

thanks, guys for filling in this ignoramus on the basics of how they work. My only problem is I have no electricity on my property, so I guess if I go up in the winter and want to start the tractor I'll have to start the generator and burn 1/2 gallon of gas just to warm up the diesel block.

In this case, where the closest wall socket is 500 yards down the hill, do you think the charcoal-in-hibachi idea is realistic or just plain stupid?

 

[Glen Watkins]

Does anyone know if a block heater can be left plugged in continuously? Do they have some kind of an internal thermostat? Never a problem with starting but thought it might be better for the engine to stay toasty warm!Tia

 

[bp fick]

Does anyone know if a block heater can be left plugged in continuously? Do they have some kind of an internal thermostat? Never a problem with starting but thought it might be better for the engine to stay toasty warm!Tia

For me, winter means snow, and tractor use is snow related. When the weatherman calls for snow, I note the time. I plug in the tractor 3-4 hours before I plan to use it. It's just that simple. I don't have to clean stalls or such. If I did, I'd simply use one of the 110v timers my wife uses for the Christmas lights. Leaving anything plugged in all the time would use a wasteful amount of electricity, it seems to me.

 

[Duffster]

Does anyone know if a block heater can be left plugged in continuously? Do they have some kind of an internal thermostat? Never a problem with starting but thought it might be better for the engine to stay toasty warm!Tia

We have several trucks and tractors that stay plugged in 24/7 all winter long.

Except for the amount of time we are using them of course.

 

[Glen Watkins]

For me, winter means snow, and tractor use is snow related. When the weatherman calls for snow, I note the time. I plug in the tractor 3-4 hours before I plan to use it. It's just that simple. I don't have to clean stalls or such. If I did, I'd simply use one of the 110v timers my wife uses for the Christmas lights. Leaving anything plugged in all the time would use a wasteful amount of electricity, it seems to me.

Well not everybodys situation is the same. I don't live where my tractor is parked and used this time of year. So it is not that simple! If these block heaters have thermostats then they turn on and off as needed and would not waste electricity it seems to me!

 

[bp fick]

Well not everybodys situation is the same. I don't live where my tractor is parked and used this time of year. So it is not that simple! If these block heaters have thermostats then they turn on and off as needed and would not waste electricity it seems to me!

No, not everyone's situation is simple. Indeed.

A thermostat clicks off at the top and clicks back on when temps fall. Still, the point is that you would be heating that water jacket 24/7.

Think of it as running a small electric hot water heater. If the thing draws 400-800 watts, just think what 24/7 for 3 months would do to your electric meter. Hey, if that's what you gotta do, then it is just an expense to grin and bear.

 

[brt]

Those wireless switches can work for a lot of things. They are great for having a light on an outside shed away from the house come on before you get there or for turning on an electric heater in that outside building. Hit the wireless switch, have a cup of coffee, and by the time you get to the outbuilding it is nice and warm inside! I also use one to turn on the heater inside my dog's house. I know, spoiled rotten, but she doesn't have much fur!

 

[JB4310]

If you have to leave it plugged in 24/7 how about one of those timers with multi settings, have it on for 2 hours and off for 2-4 hours thru-out the day. I don't like the idea of on 24/7 I don't think they have thermostats, most of the ones I've seen are just heating elements.

For the poster with no utility electric access but has a generator, instead of the charcoal, how about the forced hot air, oil burning construction heater trick.

That would require starting the genny but would be faster than a block heater for sure, heats the all components from block to fuel system, even drive-train and intake air to a "degree" .

JB.

 

[jenkinsph]

If it is really cold I plug mine in for an hour before starting as most people have referred to.

About the thermostat control, there are several types available that could be used. One is a control which is used on heating systems where an immersion probe senses the water temperature to determine when to turn the heating element on and off. This is basicaly a small box with an adjustable thermostat and terminals for the electrics it has a copper tubing line with bulb sensor that mounts in a fitting (immersion well) on your engine to do the temperature sensing. These are available as simple mechanical or with digital temp. readouts. Properly installed these can be used to bring the block or water jacket up to a set temperature and hold it there.

 

[bp fick]

If it is really cold I plug mine in for an hour before starting as most people have referred to.

About the thermostat control, there are several types available that could be used. One is a control which is used on heating systems where an immersion probe senses the water temperature to determine when to turn the heating element on and off. This is basicaly a small box with an adjustable thermostat and terminals for the electrics it has a copper tubing line with bulb sensor that mounts in a fitting (immersion well) on your engine to do the temperature sensing. These are available as simple mechanical or with digital temp. readouts. Properly installed these can be used to bring the block or water jacket up to a set temperature and hold it there.

I agree.
Which still begs the question... why would one constantly maintain a warm engine in what amounts to a stored tractor? Would one maintain a warm engine if one was to use it once a week? Once a month? and why? What would be the supposed benefits?