Block Heater Installation on B3030 Cab Tractor

moship · Nov 25, 2017

Installed Kubota Block Heater 7000-73274 on a B3030 Cab tractor and thought I would document in the event it helps anyone.

The installation was very straight forward requiring minimal skills.

Before attempting to remove the pipe plug, applied penetrating fluid to threads starting 24 hours in advance followed by a number of reapplications. Not certain it was necessary but figured it would not hurt.

Removed electrical box from bracket by prying on locking tab while lifting the box upward. This was done to gain greater access to the pipe plug.

Using a 17mm hex wrench socket with 1/2" breaker bar and 12" extension, made certain the pipe plug broke loose before draining the coolant.

Drained coolant and proceeded to remove pipe plug. Applied Teflon pipe sealant (paste) on the brass heater threads and installed into block.

Installed electrical cord and used wire ties to secure in place.

Refilled coolant.

The most time consuming part of the job was draining and refilling the coolant.

Have not had a chance to test yet as it was on the warmer side here today, but will do shortly.

Other comments:
1. Did not use the supplied hose plug and hose clamp
2. Part cost approximately $65
3. 35mm deep socket to install the threaded heater
4. Other tools: 17mm hex socket, breaker bar w/extension, drain pan for coolant, funnel, wire ties and thread sealant

Below are a few pictures to help clarify.

moship · Dec 8, 2017

Update.

Did some preliminary testing and thought I'd provide some feedback.

Conducted testing in the mornings when temperatures were in the upper 20's to low 30's (25 to 35F).

1. It takes about 3 hours to see any movement in the temperature gauge on this particular B3030 and I'm talking very small movement. It would remain in the large black portion of the gauge near 0% of scale. No idea what the actual temperature reading was as the Ohm output of the temperature sensor is not specified in the WSM for colder temperatures. It only lists the values for much higher temperatures.

2. The water jacket near (2" to 4") the heater begins to warm in about 1.5 to 2 hours. This means the block didn't feel cold, it was just warm at best and by no means hot.

3. It takes 3+ hours for the block to feel any warmth on the other side of the heater.

4. Do not touch the brass heater itself. It will feel very hot and you can get burned.

5. After 3.5 hours the block never felt hot. I could easily hold my hand on the block (water jacket area) for extended times and never feel any discomfort.

In reading other block heater reviews it sounded like these would heat the block to 150F or higher in an hour or two, but this is not the case with a 400 watt heater and considerable metal mass to heat.

Will the heater help in cold temperatures? Yes, as any additional heat will help in getting the combustion process started. For very cold temperatures, I'm guessing 4-5 hours of on-time will be needed to really get any appreciable heat into the block.

Will it make starting easier due to a cold battery or thick oil. No. It doesn't preheat the oil or battery so they will be in an unfavorable condition when starting. Once started the water preheat will help the oil reach a more favorable temperature quicker.

I plan on testing this further as temperatures drop and the snow starts to fly. It will also be interesting to see how fast the heat starts blowing inside the cab.

It would be really nice if they offered an oil heater for the hydraulic fluid.

I'm still glad it is installed and available for my Dad to use on those cold snowy days.

Added pictures in edit:
First picture is the initial temperature and last picture is after 3 hours of on time. (Sorry the pictures are rotated)