Block heater

Slowpoke Slim · Dec 18, 2023

We still don't know what temps you're dealing with. That would determine many of these answers.

Here, we use "winter fuel" and still treat it with Power Service. Never an issue.

IF you get *real* cold, I would NOT use anything like a heat blanket or a heated fuel filter to try and keep your fuel above a certain temp. Reason for that is, sooner or later you have to unplug everything and actually go out and use the thing. Outside. Where it's "cold".

Treat your fuel for your local ambient temps and you will be fine.

grsthegreat · Dec 18, 2023

Well, we get real cold here, and if I didn’t use block heater in dodge, ford and tractor, the vehicles might not start at all.

when I don’t use block heater, I have to cycle glow plugs 4-5 times to get rigs started if I forget to plug them in.

but I’m in north idaho…near canadian border

Slowpoke Slim · Dec 19, 2023

I was responding to the OP there, grs

grsthegreat · Dec 19, 2023

Ya, I figured that. I have no idea where in country he resides.

RHiebert · Dec 28, 2023

Replacing the petroleum based engine oil and transmission fluid with quality synthetic will protect the engine from premature wear as it will remain fluid in extreme cold temperatures.

MichiganIron · Dec 28, 2023

We recommend against running a block heater for an extended period of time when the tractor is not going to be used. For extended periods of heating, the heated block accelerates the oil run from the cylinder walls causing a dry start. If you are using a block heater, have a way to control how long the block is heated before starting to minimize the oil runs on the cylinder walls.

Second on the Synthetic Oil and Diesel Fuel Treatment. The full synthetic Rotella T6 15w40 is what we use, after break-in, for cold weather runs. We also use the Power Service (white bottle) Diesel Treatment year round in all of our tractors.

MROlson86 · Dec 28, 2023

MROlson86 · Dec 28, 2023

I have used block heaters, radiator hose heaters, battery warmers and the like. My favorite package is a combination block heater and battery warmer that was a factory option on my 2005 Ford Ranger. I like radiator / heater hose heaters the least and use them only as a last resort or as a supplement to aid in warmups. Combine your block heater and battery warmer with a heavy duty electromechanical timer that can handle the amps you use. The timer saves money in the long run, you don’t need to power up all night and the timers last, mine is from the 1980’s.

tommytaz · Dec 28, 2023

You can buy an cheap out door time set it to go off hour or so before you need to use tractor we have a magnetic block heater set up that way other wise having heater constantly plugged in heater will burn out after a while

Lee plows · Dec 29, 2023

Lee plows · Dec 29, 2023

Lee plows · Dec 29, 2023

If

Lee plows · Dec 29, 2023

Plug the tractor in as required, plug it in the night before using and use fuel conditioner.

coldsteelva · Dec 29, 2023

In addition to the block heater, you may consider pre-wiring an SAE connector to your battery terminals. Depending on how cold cold is, you can easily quick-connect a battery tender/trickle charger to maintain the battery during times of non-use. Pair this with the block heater when you will need the tractor, and you will have a fully juiced battery ready to turn over that pre-warmed diesel.

Robin Veerman · Dec 29, 2023

Use Block heater an hour or two before use. Constant heat creates condensation inside the engine…..corrosion, not good.

howardjohn · Dec 29, 2023

My dad used a block heater on his truck and he had it hooked up to a timer so it would kick on a n hour or 2 before he was going to leave. My only concern with leaving plugged in all the time is a fire.

Robin Veerman · Dec 29, 2023

Yeppers, fire is a real concern. This week, An area Farmer lost his machine shed/shop and all contents the day after Christmas due to a tractor heater catching fire. $500k damage or more. Firefighters were able to prevent the dairy barn from burning. Coulda been real bad….

daveinnh · Dec 30, 2023

I only connect the block heater when temperature forecast is 10 deg-F or below. Our block heater heats the engine to start easily in about 1.5-2 hours; any longer and you're just wasting kw money

Hill Billy · Dec 30, 2023

I'm in Canada and I only plug it in 1/2-1 hour before use. Wyze wifi switch makes it easy to switch on from anywhere.

Robin Veerman · Dec 30, 2023

I’d really like to see what all you guys would do if the hydro grid shutdown unexpectedly. My 2014 tractor sits in a cold dry barn, although on a battery maintainer 24/7, and it will start whenever I need it to. My 50 year old David Brown would (sold though) too.
Understand how your tractor behaves in all kinds of weather, maintain it to the highest degree possible, and treat the fuel as if your life depends on it because your tractor certainly does.
Certainly any “helps” are beneficial but be prepared for the unexpected when all you can really rely on is the quality of care/maintenance that you’ve given to it…
My 2cents