engine blanket material

[case685]

Hi I'm having ongoing fuel gelling issues with my tractor even though I've added anti gel additives. The tractor runs good once its well warmed up but if I am using it with the nose pointing into the wind (wind chill was around -24C) it will start dying out on me. I was thinking of putting a blanket of some kind around the engine to help with this and am wondering what material would be good for this. Thanks. Gerry

 

[dirtworksequip]

You might try one of those emergency space blankets. Not the thin cheap one, but the heavier insulated one. Becareful not to get your engine too hot by enclosing it with the blanket. I think if your having that much trouble with gelling even after treating with anti gel, I'd add 15 to 20% Kerosene to your fuel and that should help a lot.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[Egon]

Consider partially covering the radiator to help keep the engine running at proper temperatures. This used to be a very common practice for equipment running in winter conditions. It's a trail and error method so you must be careful not to overheat the engine.

 

[Thumper & Buttercup]

Hi Egon,

On my IH1066 I've got to cover the whole radiator
to get any heat. On my Jeep TJ a piece of cardboard
about 12"x8" gets her warm.

I'm experimenting on the T2220 tomorrow, I've
added a piece of cardboard that covers almost
70% of the HYD Cooler. I added a piece about
9"x12" on the lower half of the radiator. I work
in temps from 32 degrees to -20 degrees in the
winter up here. I don't worry about taking stuff
off until we get above 30 degrees, and on the
1066 I keep her still covered in them temps.

Hope this helps.

 

[JoeL4330]

I've mentioned this before, but RACOR, among others, makes filters that have heaters ...if it's a fuel gelling issue.

You should be able to find #1 diesel there, try running a tankful of that, ...power will be down a little, but that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[case685]

Thanks for the replies, will try them out, especially the radiator. I was noticing that the temp gauge wasn't moving very much when it was that cold. The cold snap is over for now. Looking forward to sleet and rain for the morning commute.

 

[herringchoker]

Did you purchase your fuel in the summer? Around here, the fuel suppliers change to a winter blend during the fall. It is less prone to gelling. I also add Howes Diesel Treat to the fuel...it has got me out of some fuel troubles in the past.