BX 25 "Block" Heater Question

Stradbash · Mar 18, 2009

Hi Folks,

I've had my BX 25 for about 10 days now..., but with the ground thawing as it is I've restrained myself from messing up my yard and have had to be content with installing my Bro-Tek skid plates etc.

One problem I've run into (and it could well be simple ignorance) is that I've not been able to figure out where the "block heater" that Kubota specifies for the BX 24 & 25 (part # 70000-73595) is supposed to be installed. The directions say to remove the "front plug located on the front side of the cylinder head, next to the air intake breather". I see no freeze plugs on the cylinder head near the air intake. I do see one on the front of the cylinder head, but there is not enough room for the upper end of the heater and connector between the head and the muffler. There are two freeze plugs on the left side of the -block- near the air intake, but they are 25 mm or so in diameter and too small for the heater to fit into. The diameter of the heater I have is 30 mm, the diameter of the freeze plugs on the left side of the block are 25 mm or perhaps 1".
My dealer is looking into this but the poor guy injured his knee, is being harassed by his ruthless coworkers and should not even be on his feet let alone at work so I'm hoping to help him out...

Any insight would be appreciated!

sw03 · Mar 18, 2009

easy to find out since all (engines) are the same as others...But #2 is why do you think you need a BH? When I used a good synthetic it will start -25 below 0 without issues....

peterc38 · Mar 18, 2009

sw03 said:
easy to find out since all (engines) are the same as others...But #2 is why do you think you need a BH? When I used a good synthetic it will start -25 below 0 without issues....

IMO, it's true it will start but it won't be as happy. My tractor runs a lot smoother during the initial warm up in below 0 weather when I use the block heater vs. not using. For $50 or so it seems like cheap insurance.

Hedgy · Mar 18, 2009

Digging around online I'm beginning to suspect you have the wrong kit (though I can't quite pin it down to the BX25)

Messicks site shows the following for your part number...

70000-73595 This Part Fits at least the following tractors.
BX1830 G1800 G1900 G2000 GF1800 BX1800

But they also have ...
70000-00771 This Part Fits at least the following tractors.
BX1500 BX24 BX2350

And for the same part number KellerKubota.com says this ...
70000-00771 BLOCK HEATER 400W 25MM w/12" CORD

(Note that it says 25mm as you were suggesting)

Finally (not BX25) but if it's any help there are pictures of installation on a couple of TractorByNet threads - there are links to both of them on the Block Heater page at bxtractors.info.

Stradbash · Mar 19, 2009

Hedgy said:
Digging around online I'm beginning to suspect you have the wrong kit (though I can't quite pin it down to the BX25)

And for the same part number KellerKubota.com says this ...
70000-00771 BLOCK HEATER 400W 25MM w/12" CORD

(Note that it says 25mm as you were suggesting)

Thanks Much Hedgy!
I too am suspecting that I have the wrong kit (or a miss-labeled kit), but reinforcing my uncertainty is the fact that I saw on the dealers computer a Kubota parts listing saying that the part I have fits the BX 24 & 25. It is good to know that there is a 25 mm one available. I'd be happy to know too if I do have the right part and what I'm missing about where I should instal it.
Is anyone who has a BX 25 with a block heater willing to tell where theirs is installed and what size it is?
With spring approaching I'm not in a big hurry..., but look forward to sorting this out.

radioman · Mar 19, 2009

stad- IMHO , just because spring is approaching and you are not in a hurry, you need to jump on this. IF by any chance you need to return it, the dealer you got it from may ask you why you waited for long till winter and might make it harder to return?

Minotbob · Mar 19, 2009

My dealer installed one before delivery at no charge, with out being asked.

Stradbash · Mar 29, 2009

radioman said:
stad- IMHO , just because spring is approaching and you are not in a hurry, you need to jump on this. IF by any chance you need to return it, the dealer you got it from may ask you why you waited for long till winter and might make it harder to return?

Thanks Radioman.

I am nudging the dealer from time to time..., in fact this post might well serve as a nudge..., he reads these forums. I plan to visit him in the next few days to see about a few other things.
It is clear that the 25 mm heater that Kubota sells would work in my block, but I would prefer to use the 30 mm one if indeed there is a place for it that I've simply been blind to. I like the screw clamp retainer that is part of it. The 25 mm block heater relies on good fit and a bit of sealant. I would be more comfortable if there were more to hold it in place.