Block heater b7100 needed.

Thomas Abel · Dec 20, 2011

There are several on eBay, but none can tell me where it is mounted. I have several 25mm freeze plugs that I can use, but they are selling some with a pipe thread mount. I would prefer to mount to a pipe thread, but I can't find it.

Thanks for any input. Tom

NIdaho · Dec 21, 2011

I had a B7100 for many years and once I put the correct size battery in it, I never had a problem getting it to start even at temps approaching -20F (yes the tractor live outside). Some one (before I owned the tractor had created a battery holder that looked like it came from the factory but contain a small battery that is typically used on riding lawn mowers. At temperatures above freezing the tractor never had any problems getting started. However, the first few winters I struggled with getting the tractor to start -- running the glow plugs long enough, but leaving enough juice in the battery to crank it over. I attributed this as just the problems with starting a diesel in cold temperatures. I then saw another B7100 on a dealer's lot and I noticed it had a much bigger battery. My battery was starting to go bad (from the abuse) and so I removed the battery holder and installed a full size battery. WOW ! what a difference! I never had a problem from that point on with getting the tractor to start (I was amazed how much faster the starter turned the engine.

Thomas Abel · Dec 22, 2011

I just put a new battery in it this fall. It won't start even if I run the glow plugs for 5 minutes. I put a space heater under the front of the engine for 2 hours and still no good. What I haven't done is take a compression test. Mine is for a gas engine and fits in a spark plug hole and only goes up to 180lbs. It may even be in need of a valve adjustment, but I don't have a service manual, so I don't know what the clearance should be.

Baby Grand · Dec 22, 2011

Before you invest too much in checking the engine, make sure that new battery is good. I recall a miserable winter week I spent in Bridgeport, on the street (lived in the student slums), checking my alternator, voltage regulator, etc, only to discover that the brand new Die-Hard I had just installed wouldn't hold a charge.

-Jim

NIdaho · Dec 22, 2011

I will assume that you have checked your glow plugs and the wiring to them to verify that they are getting power and heating up. If not that would be the first place I would start.

How cold of temps are you trying to get the B7100 to start in?

Fuel treated? Filters (both fuel and air) clean?

If your battery is good I would think that it should start without too much of a problem.

KubotaSam · Dec 22, 2011

When I first got my B7100 I installed a lower radiator hose heater. It is easy and did not cost very much ($30 ??). My tractor starts very well I have not used it much but it is good to know that it is there if I need it. Another trick is that when my tractor was kept in the unheated shed I keep a float charger on the batter so I know it is always 100%.

Thomas Abel · Dec 22, 2011

I guess I should get that compression test. I'll have to buy the tester, but I have been having problems starting it when the temperature got below 40 above. I know this shouldn't happen with this tractor. I have owned a diesel Rabbit for 21 years and didn't have a problem starting until it got below 15 degrees above, but the block heater on a timer 2 hours before I would start it worked just fine. Tomorrow I am going to adjust the valves the best I can and try it again. The guys on eBay selling block heaters say there is an NPT 3/4" on the right front of the engine. I couldn't find it after removing the air filter and side panel. I may not be looking in the right place or for the correct thing. There should be something screwed into the port and the only thing I find is the injector pump. The glow plugs worked. I removed one and turned on the ignition to warm them up and it got hot. I am skiing in the morning, but I will go to Napa and see how much the compression tester is and maybe purchase it. I will check again on the right side for the NPT port. I did and there is a pipe looking protrusion on the front of the block in front of the injector pump. When I get back from skiing I will see if that is the port I need for the heater. I was looking on the side of the engine before and didn't even look on the front. The radiator drain is just in front of this pipe protrusion. I sure hope that is what I am looking for. Napa has a 400 watt heater for $39. I think I will try that if this is the port. I'll let you guys know after Christmas. Thanks again. Tom

BandDcabinet · Dec 22, 2011

I've had a B7100 since 1983. Sits for months some times. Always starts even in 0 deg F temps. Only problem is the need to occasionally charge the battery.

I would agree with the suggestions already offered. Never had a block heater. If the battery is down and I use jumper wires it has always started.

Great little tractor.

Thomas Abel · Jan 27, 2012

Well I may have resolved the problem without a block heater. I removed the 3 glow plugs. I put a couple of tablespoons of Risslone in the chambers a half quart in the crank case, Turned it over a couple of times with the starter, let it sit for a couple of weeks, reinstalled the glow plugs, went through the starting procedure with no heat. It started right up. I'm not sure what happened to let it start. It could be that the path to the glow plugs were plugged, It could be that the rings were stuck in their grooves giving it better compression. I don't know, but I am satisfied. Thanks for all the help.