Block Heater Install questions

Matthew_H · Dec 31, 2007

Yes, another block heater question. But with a couple specific questions.
First, what is this hose in the '3203 hose' picture? The one with the two spring hose clamps holding it on? It appears to be easily removable, but I would like to know what is inside before I just have at it. The removable section links two hard pipes, one comes from the front of the engine area and the other runs to the rear axle area. I'm pretty sure it is not a liquid in there, but I would like to be very sure.
The second question; do I need to drain the coolant from the block and radiator before removing the plug in the block? The plug can be seen in the '3203 plug' picture. How much coolant would I lose if I didn't and how much mess would it make?
I plan on doing this tonight because it is going to be below 0F and that just seems to be the way I do things. Garage door openers for instance, I've installed 6 of them so far and I think it hasn't been warmer than 35F for any of them. This heater install will be performed outside in the driveway, by the way, can't get the ROPS in the garage.
Thanks for your help.
Matt

IXLR8 · Dec 31, 2007

I don't know for sure, but it sure looks like some sort of radiator hose. In which case when you pull it you will likely dump at least 1/2 of your radiator coolant. That is my best guess without more info.
No idea on the plug. sorry.

easygo · Dec 31, 2007

Matt,

I hope you drained the coolant before doing the heater install. I'm sure you are aware that the active ingredient in coolant/antifreeze is highly poisonous. It apparently tastes sweet and animals and sometimes children do die from drinking it. So don't just drain it out into your driveway.

Iplayfarmer · Dec 31, 2007

I put in a block heater 3 times. I learn a lot from doing things. I learn a lot more from doing things wrong.

This thread has some of the details: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...k-heater-question.html?highlight=block+heater

I'm probably too late to help you out but just in case, here are two things that I learned...

1) Drain the coolant. You'll end up draining it all anyway. You might as well do it in a controlled manner.

2) Clean the hole out really good before you go putting the heater in. A little emery paper may even be in order. If that hole is good and smooth, you'll have no problem getting a good seal.

Matthew_H · Jan 1, 2008

Right, well, I forgot that I have tomorrow off, so I'll probably do the install during the daytime tomorrow.
Concerning draining the coolant, what I guess I really meant was how much would come out off the hole. Just a little bit that I could collect in a small container, discard and replace with new, or would most of it come out of that hole. Thereby requiring a more significant means of controlling and collecting the coolant. I do know where the coolant petcocks are on the radiator and block, I'll drain both before backing the plug out.
As for the plug hole, the JD plug and heater are threaded. You may notice in the picture showing the plug it accepts a 1/2" drive. I did get a service guy at my dealer to tell me that they just use Teflon tape on the threads for a seal.
I'll find out for sure tomorrow, but I don't think that hose carries a liquid. It is only secured onto the hard pipe sections with spring clamps, they don't look liquid tight to me, but if I knew exactly what I was doing I wouldn't be asking questions...
Metal constricts when it gets cold doesn't it? So at sub zero temps that plug shouldn't be to difficult to remove, right?

Later

easygo · Jan 1, 2008

When I installed my block heater a few weeks ago I was hoping I would not have to drain the coolant, but everyone here advised to do so. I can't speak for specifics on your tractor but I drained out close to a gallon from my small Kubota. The treaded plug was in pretty tight on my tractor and it took a cheater bar to get it loose. I also used teflon tape to seal the threads on the heater and it seems to be working just fine. Good luck.

Iplayfarmer · Jan 1, 2008

Matthew_H said:
Right, well, I forgot that I have tomorrow off, so I'll probably do the install during the daytime tomorrow.
Concerning draining the coolant, what I guess I really meant was how much would come out off the hole. Just a little bit that I could collect in a small container, discard and replace with new, or would most of it come out of that hole. Thereby requiring a more significant means of controlling and collecting the coolant. I do know where the coolant petcocks are on the radiator and block, I'll drain both before backing the plug out.
As for the plug hole, the JD plug and heater are threaded. You may notice in the picture showing the plug it accepts a 1/2" drive. I did get a service guy at my dealer to tell me that they just use Teflon tape on the threads for a seal.
I'll find out for sure tomorrow, but I don't think that hose carries a liquid. It is only secured onto the hard pipe sections with spring clamps, they don't look liquid tight to me, but if I knew exactly what I was doing I wouldn't be asking questions...
Metal constricts when it gets cold doesn't it? So at sub zero temps that plug shouldn't be to difficult to remove, right?

Later

Threaded? Neat concept. In a coolant system it probably won't matter as much, but it's still a good idea to leave the very end thread without any teflon tape on it. The point there is to prevent any of the tape from breaking off inside the system and plugging things up.

It seemed to me when I did my block heater that the position of the frost plug was such that most of the fuild would have to be drained. I'd plan on catching all of it.

Builder · Jan 1, 2008

Easygo,

I hope you don't mind me interupting this thread to say that you got one really cute little baby in that picture there!

diyDave · Jan 1, 2008

I know this is probably too little, too late, but that hose looks kinda like an air intake hose, is there a filter at the other end? Let us know how the project came out.

jamestaylor72 · Jan 1, 2008

Matthew_H said:
Yes, another block heater question. But with a couple specific questions.
First, what is this hose in the '3203 hose' picture? The one with the two spring hose clamps holding it on?

Hey Matthew, I looked up your machine in JD parts. After looking at the parts photo/schematic, I see it's listed as being a transmission/service line. I'm guessing it's a return line because of the size of the line and the lack of pressure fittings!! Hope this helps!!

JT

dirtworksequip · Jan 1, 2008

Mathew, IF you happen to run into any trouble getting out the plug. I DID!
I first used a 1/2 inch breaker bar to try and remove the plug. NOT!
Then I tried an 1/2 inch electric impact gun. NOT! Then I went back to the 1/2 inch breaker bar and added a 7 foot cheater pipe. NOT! I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to get the thing out. Then I tried a 3/4 drive breaker bar with a 1/2 inch reducer plus the cheater bar. NOT! I couldn't beleave that plug still won't come out. Lastly I used the 3/4 drive breaker bar, cheater pipe and heated the block around the plug with a torch. Finally............success! (lots of cussing on this one)
I didn't drain the anit-freeze and if you are quick you don't loose much. I would suggest removing your loader as this gives you more room and you can get closer to the engine. As far as the hose you are refering to you can loosen the clamp and slide it out of the way without removing it. I did not use any teflon tape or thread sealer on the heater as the original plug did not have anything on it. Although tape or thread compound may have made it a lot easier to get out. Good luck with your install.

Sincerely, Dirt

Matthew_H · Jan 2, 2008

Right, well JT you are right. I also was finally able to find that hose on the Catalog Parts website. It a manifold on the Transmission Oil Suction line. So I was wrong before, it does indeed carry a liquid.
I haven't got much in the way of mechanics tools, just bought a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter for my socket set the other day, so I'm going to wait until I see my neighbor tomorrow night and ask him for some help. He just rebuilt a Chevelle so I think he'll have the tools and know how, plus a heated garage.
Dirt, I'm a bit nervous about removing the loader. I will do it, I'm just a little worried because I haven't yet got a smooth flat area to leave it on. I'll just pick the best area I can find and hope it goes back on easily.
The new battery did get the engine started yesterday, of course the temp was pretty warm then, 4F.THey are saying 10F today.
I'll post back when it is finally installed. Thanks for everyone's help.

pat32rf · Jan 2, 2008

On my JD4300HST that is the line that brings the HST oil from the sump in the rear dif up to the HST pump. My dealer had installed the optional oil heater where the line leaves the dif. Right on the bottom, exposed to all branches and rocks, with a 6" power line hanging off of it. The power cord lasted about a week, the heater until the first oil change.
Find a rad hose heater and put it in the lower rad hose, so the heat will perculate up to where you want it, and/or a magnetic heater that you can stick on the oil pan. Then run both cords(with short extensions if needed) up to where you can reach them and plug them in while wearing mitts, in the dark....

Iplayfarmer · Jan 2, 2008

Matthew_H said:
...The new battery did get the engine started yesterday, of course the temp was pretty warm then, 4F.THey are saying 10F today.
I'll post back when it is finally installed. Thanks for everyone's help.

At those temps you'll be so glad you have a block heater. My tractor starts better in the winter than it did in the summer now that I have a block heater.

easygo · Jan 3, 2008

Builder,

Thank you for the comment. That is my little boy who gets to try all kind of silly stuff because it entertains my wife and me.

Matt - That heated garage sounds great!!! Make sure you are always nice to your neighbor so he lets you use it. When I installed the heater it was a mild day in the mid 30's and somehow the scraped knuckles aren't just a scratch when they are cold.

hydrovane218 · Jan 5, 2008

Mathew...
It appears as though we're in almost the same boat. I am new to this site and tractors and have recently bought a 3203(3 months ago). I was just staring down my unit the other day and looking at the same setup. I figured the molded plastic part you are describing was a hydraulic return line(due to the size and the fact it is only clamped on. ie. no pressure) If you look close, it appears as though there are two pumps driven off the flywheel and they are mounted opposite to each other. I guess the left being smaller in displacement(.9cc if I remember right vs. 1.1cc for the right)would be for the steering and implements(??) and the right for the tranny(??)
I keep mine in a heated garage so a block heater isn't in my future. None the less, let us know how it goes and how much difference it makes.
Best of luck and regards....hydrovane218

dirtworksequip · Jan 6, 2008

Yes, I'm sure Mathew will find that the block heater will make a World of difference when starting in colder temps. I know on my 3520 it will fast idle for several minutes longer if the block heater has not been plugged in. Leaving it plugged if we are expecting colder weather cuts the fast idle time way down or to almost none. I would also suspect that I can get heat in the cab quicker too.

Sincerely, Dirt