BX magnetic engine heater

[allthumbs23]

Anyone have any brand suggestions or success stories for a magnetic engine heater that I can stick on before starting on the really cold days? Also, where do you stick it on? Thanks

 

[KYKub]

Hi, allthumbs23. Is there a reason you want to go with the magnetic heater as opposed to a block heater? I believe you would find the block heater much more efficient and it's a pretty easy install.

If you do go with the magnetic heater, I believe most folks attach them to the oil pan under the machine.

 

[RaydaKub]

I was worried about doing it myself and having leaks afterwards. The unit was about $70 and it took the mechanic about 20 minutes to put it in. Peace of mind for me. But with temps almost to 50 so far, I haven't had to use it yet. What I'm worried about now is having to put back on the mower!

 

[oldballs]

When new at tractor ownership, I bought a magnetic heater, sold at the dealership....cost about $35 bucks. In my estimation it is worthless. Go with a block heater or something else.

 

[PILOON]

In desperation, as my regular block heater failed (just old age) I tried a magnetic that I got in yard sale.
Now my block was the same wattage as the magnetic and normally needed 1- 1.5 hrs of preheat.
The magnetic unit would not heat enough even after 24 hours.
I finally started using a torch on the oil pan as a hair drier into the intake.

Is that proof enough for you guys?

Quire honestly a block heater is as little as 15 min install but probably 1/2 hr for most guys.
A hose heater probably just as fast as well.

 

[allthumbs23]

I asked the dealer where I picked it up and he said it was a few hundred bucks installed. And he said he didn't think I'd need one anyway. Maybe I don't. I figured a magnetic heater would be cheaper for the few times I might need it.

 

[ccsial]

When new at tractor ownership, I bought a magnetic heater, sold at the dealership....cost about $35 bucks. In my estimation it is worthless. Go with a block heater or something else.

I agree completely

 

[kuboman]

Magnetic pan heaters work great with a block heater. They will warm the oil for easy flow in cold weather. They are not much good for warming the block though on their own though.

 

[BigBoyToys]

I'm not sure if the BX block has a threaded plug hole for the block heater like the B series, but if it does it's a simple job!
If it does all you need is a 17 mm Allen socket to remove the plug. I had the heater ready with Teflon tape and simply switched them, loosing maybe a 1/4 cup of fluid. Took all of 30 minutes to install.

Works well too. Started it up the other morning, 26 degrees and I plugged it in for 30 minutes. Started like it had been running all day!

Finished product...


Swapping as quick as I could...

 

[davesl708]

My BX does have the port for a block heater. I would go with the block heater and synthetic oil for better oil flow in the cold.

 

[Greenfield Dave]

I tried the magnetic heater on mt L4400, and it wouldn't stick to the pan! It must be an alloy. You might check that first.

 

[RaydaKub]

I'm not sure if the BX block has a threaded plug hole for the block heater like the B series, but if it does it's a simple job!
If it does all you need is a 17 mm Allen socket to remove the plug. I had the heater ready with Teflon tape and simply switched them, loosing maybe a 1/4 cup of fluid. Took all of 30 minutes to install.

The mechanic used a punch and hammer to take my plug out, a socket around the electrical connection to tap it in.

 

[BigBoyToys]

The mechanic used a punch and hammer to take my plug out, a socket around the electrical connection to tap it in.

You obviously have a "freeze plug" style heater.

 

[bp fick]

When new at tractor ownership, I bought a magnetic heater, sold at the dealership....cost about $35 bucks. In my estimation it is worthless. Go with a block heater or something else.

Agree. I've got a couple on the shelf and nobody wants them. Free.

 

[lungdoc]

For those with unheated garages/sheds the parabolic dish style heaters can also be used (got mine from Costco, the same ones the checkers at entrances always use here). "Focuses" heat fairly nicely. Obviously not same as a block heater but does work. Have used on hydraulic reservoir too in extreme cold in addition to the block heater.

 

[AStanton]

I like the magnetic block heater that I purchased from Napa. The beauty of it is that you can swap it between vehicles and tractors.

 

[allthumbs23]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...9491-block-heater-install-project-bx2350.html

Charlie has a nice walk through on a block heater install. Does anyone have a pic on what the frost plug location looks like before I begin? I have the 2005 model with a D902 engine. Also, I am a little nervous on exactly how to remove the frost plug if anyone can give added info. Is the existing plug threaded or just pressed in? Thanks for any help.

 

[davesl708]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...9491-block-heater-install-project-bx2350.html

Charlie has a nice walk through on a block heater install. Does anyone have a pic on what the frost plug location looks like before I begin? I have the 2005 model with a D902 engine. Also, I am a little nervous on exactly how to remove the frost plug if anyone can give added info. Is the existing plug threaded or just pressed in? Thanks for any help.

On my D905 the plug is located in the center of the block on the right side. The plug is about 3/4" and looks like you need a very large allen wrench to remove it.

 

[buickanddeere]

Magnetic heater on the engine block only works in places where the engine would have clattered to life without heating.
The magnetic heater will add 10-20 degrees to an oil sump and zero to the combustion chamber .

 

[allthumbs23]

Dealer says he has one in stock for $45. The one I need apparently has a threaded insert that you pound in, then attach the block heater to that. Apparently it depends on whether your engine is a D902E or D902E2. Stand by for potentially disastrous installation by me. Any other doo dads I'll need for install?