ck3510 do I need a block heater or fuel heater?

[NYCheese]

It was 15F all day here yesterday, and -9F overnight. When I bought the tractor this summer, the dealer (and other brands dealers I was looking at) said that the heaters weren't necessary here. But when I went to get the tractor out this morning, I checked the fuel tank, and it's definitely quite cloudy. I figured better safe than sorry, so I did not try starting it this morning. I'll be getting some additive for sure, because the fuel I still have is from the end of September (half a tank in the tractor, and another 8-10 gallons left in the drum). Just being cautious and doing some reading today before I proceed. Should I get a block heater and/or fuel heater installed?

 

[Agvg]

If my Google is correct that's -22, would get a engine heater, strange that you live in such cold climate and the dealer don't recommend a engine heater, does your tractor have a heated fuel filter?

That could be an good idea because after reading this forum for years I have learned that you in the US has a very variable quality on winter diesel.

 

[sehughes]

I double treat my fuel and use a block heater if leaving the tractor outside. It can only help having it plugged in. When plugged in, mine starts at 20 below just like it does in August

 

[NYCheese]

Thanks guys. I think my first step will just be some fuel additive, since what's in there now is most likely still the summer blend. Supposed to be 40F here this weekend, so I think I'll hold off on doing anything until tomorrow. I'll look into the block heater as well.

 

[xcgreene]

A good 5w 40 is always a big help in climates like that as well.

 

[jrskblx125]

I have always used the winter additive. My machine is in garage, but i live in mass and we had very cold weather yesterday and i started the machine to see how it was. The plugs went thru their normal cycle and it started normally. Battery tenders are always a good idea for outdoor storage. I dont think you need the block heater though. Certainly wouldnt hurt either...

 

[jrskblx125]

Might also note my dealer gave me a bottle of the winter additive in my care package... so it should be used up here in new england.

 

[VictorW]

My weather is similar to yours when the cold sets in. I use the 5W-40 oil that helps a good bit. I also use a fuel additive so the diesel doesn't jel. I don't rely on what comes from the pump even in the middle of Winter and their so called Winter blend. I don't have a block heater and never needed a fuel heater. This will be my 13th Winter with the CK. My tractor sits in an unheated shelter. Below 20F, I just run the glow plugs twice and it always starts. Even in negative temps, twice on the glow plugs, normal starter crank time it fires up, and maybe a few seconds of it rattling before it runs smooth. If you can power a block heater, it'll makes starts even easier but I don't think it's a must have. From numerous members' posts, who use a heater, a block heater seems to work the best but the hardest to install. Next is a radiator hose heater. The oil pan heaters seem to have the least effect and don't seem to really help much.

 

[holeycow]

“0” weight oil,Block heater,done

Yous don’t know much about machinery in winter. Every fall is the same on here; People arguing about using a block heater or not, how many hours to plug it in, yada, yada, yada.

Just get a block heater and use it. Plug it in the night before. Your motor will thank you. And let the thing warm up! Sometimes that takes 45 minutes in cold weather. Work the hydraulics slowly to move warm fluid through the system.


Just because a motor will start doesn’t mean that the motor liked it. Especially diesels.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

You want an automatic fuel heater that works below 30 degrees, and when the fuel is cloudy, you want to use a preheater wrapped around your fuel filter. A block heater is nice for getting the engine warmed up faster as well a limiting cold-engine wear. Here is a video I put together on the subject of cold diesel starting. Links to the heat wraps I use to preheat things are in the description of the video (which I just noticed, I havent set up as an Amazon Associate yet, which i will now go fix lol).