Block Heater for MF 1250

[deezs]

I purchased a 1999 MF 1250 tractor with a front end loader and 700 hours on it earlier this year and so far it has been a great tractor for me. With winter approaching I knew I had to get a heater on the tractor, I contacted my dealer and they said that there is a block heater available for the tractor, so I ordered it. I got the part and read the instructions which stated to remove the frost plug on the left side of the engine block, however the plugs on that side are to small, I contacted the dealer and they said to install the heater on the right side of the engine. I pulled out the rearward plug on the right side, and the size of the plug is correct, but there is not enough clearance between the engine block and the water jacket to install the heater. I found another plug farther forward behind the fuel pump and removed that one and found the same problem. I can't see anymore frost plugs on the tractor, the dealer says that I have the right part, (AGCO #3605408M91) but I am not so sure. I looked at the possibility of putting a heater on the lower radiator hose, but the hose makes an immediate turn straight up and there is also clearance issues. I could get a magnet heater, but I don't think that it is very effective. I would really like to get a block heater in, does anyone know if there are any additional frost plugs or a different heater that would work? Snow is in the forecast for tomorrow!

 

[irvingj]

deezs, sorry none has come to your rescue yet! But have faith, I'm sure there are 1250 owners out there who will get your call for help.

Saw your original post in the "GC" section, sorry I can't help. I do know that the rather pricey block heater I got from M-F for my 2310 fit like a glove and works very well. Hopefully you'll be able to get yours figured out. ijk

 

[Kenneth S]

If your tractor has any 5/8" heater hoses you could put one of these on it, it will even circulate the coolant Tank Type Engine Coolant Circulating Block Heater 850W Diesel Kats Brand | eBay

 

[Kenneth S]

If you have a place on the block with 3/4" pipe thread Engine Block Heater Element w Cord 400W 3 4" NPT Kat's Brand Oliver White New | eBay

1/2" pipe thread 5B357 New 400 Watt Engine Block Frost Plug Heater with 1 2" NPT | eBay

 

[radioman]

I havent responded to this thread because my dad been talking about installing one this year in his 1250, but he hasnt done it yet or havent seen it yet. strange timing. he been using the tractor for years without one but be been talking about a block heater this year after a unusually cold snap last winter.

 

[deezs]

No new news on the issue yet, the dealer is doing some research for me and are suppose to let me know today (Tuesday). I will let everyone know what happens, otherwise I will have to go with a tank heater or lower radiator hose heater. We are receiving our first snowfall of the year, and I am out of action until this gets resolved.

 

[ray66v]

No new news on the issue yet, the dealer is doing some research for me and are suppose to let me know today (Tuesday). I will let everyone know what happens, otherwise I will have to go with a tank heater or lower radiator hose heater. We are receiving our first snowfall of the year, and I am out of action until this gets resolved.

You may not be out of action.

My GC starts all winter, without a block heater.

It's mostly a matter of figuring out how much throttle, and how much glow plug time.

 

[Kenneth S]

Figure out how to park it the living room

 

[deezs]

The dealer finally came through, they called the MF tech line and they gave them a different part number (3605426M92), it was way more expensive but it installed clean and pretty fast. It came as a kit, with mounting hardware and the heating element. If the element ever fails I will be able to replace it at a more normal price.

 

[irvingj]

Yep, that sounds like the pricey M-F heater! Notice the similarity in part number.

If yours is similar, with a removable electric plug, a standard garden hose cap will fit it; I put one on in the summer to keep it clean, and put the electrical cord away so it won't get caught on stuff.