990 question

[jrdellaratta]

Proud new owner of a 990, and I have put less than 10 hours on it since taking possession. I was poking around under the hood yesterday, and discovered (on the left side of the engine block) a dangling, three-prong power cord, a little less than a foot long, right by the filter.
Is this what I think it is: an "extension cord" that I can use to provide juice to appliances like a air compressor, etc.? I couldn't find a place for the plug to "go," so I'm a little stumped. The manual does not address it.

 

[djsch]

Is it a male or female end on the cord? Male end would indicate to me that its a block heater...

 

[jrdellaratta]

It's a male-end. So if it's a block heater, where does it "go"? I couldn't find anyplace nearby that would receive it.

 

[RobS]

<font color="blue"> It's a male-end. So if it's a block heater, where does it "go"? I couldn't find anyplace nearby that would receive it. </font>

It "goes" into your closest 110V wall outlet, but only in really cold weather /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif The other end of the cable most likely goes to a fitting in your engine block. That end you shouldn't have to worry much about /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[johnbilt]

Hi

That should be your block heater cord.

My 990 has the block heater on the left side of the engine just forward of the starter motor. The oil filter is on the right side.

I use it when it gets below freezing.

John

 

[jrdellaratta]

Thanks for the clarification.
Still learning my way around the big Green.
So, if I'm starting it in below-freezing weather, I run the plug to the wall.
How long do I wait before starting, etc.?

 

[Joe1]

Preferably plug it in the night before when you know it's going to get really cold.

Joe1

 

[RoyJackson]

"How long do I wait before starting, etc.? "

A couple hours will suffice.

 

[johnbilt]

Hi

I don't know what John Deere recommends. I usually find that 2 hours provides enough time to get the block temp elevated. Some people leave them plugged in all the time, and some use a timer.

Any wall outlet is fine. I think they are about 400 watts. I'm not sure where I read that though....

I also have the transmission heater in mine. If you get real cold, you may want to add that also.

It sure helps get the oil flowing, whichever method you choose.

John

 

[755inNY]

<font color="blue"> So, if I'm starting it in below-freezing weather, I run the plug to the wall.
How long do I wait before starting, etc.? </font>

Even if the tractor is capable of starting itself in cold weather by giving it a little extra cranking time, the block heater is good to use provided you have a convenient 110V source nearby. I have one on my 755 and it really saves wear and tear on startup.

I agree with the others. A couple of hours should be plenty even on below zero days. I find that even 20 or 30 minutes makes a big difference when the temperature is in the 20 to 30 F range.

Jeff

 

[RoyJackson]

"I have one on my 755 and it really saves wear and tear on startup. "

Yep, they start like it's in the middle of summer.

I've had a couple diesels in vehicles (trucks) over the years. If you run in the Winter, that block heater just makes 'em start so nicely. And, if you've a truck with dual batteries, they're a bear to jump start if you run the batteries down.

 

[yellowsocks93]

Why don't you tell us about your nice 990. Any attachments?

Nick
990 4x4

 

[jrdellaratta]

I found it in a classified ad, 40 hours, with attachments, selling for an unbelievably low price, and all of 4 miles from me. Drove it home. Attachments include a never used JD 513 rotary cutter, 12" phd, never used ballast box, and 430 FEL. Image attached, taken when I was dropping off the deposit check. I called a dealer to see if the offering price was a good one, and they joked, "What, is he getting divorced?"