Engine Block Heaters

[taterpicker]

I am wondering if electric block heaters on tractor engines during repeated warmer and colder temperature swings will cause condensation to build up in the motor.

 

[oldnslo]

If left plugged in continuously should be less temperature swing than with out heater so less condensation concern.

 

[RjCorazza]

I can't imagine any significant condensation occurring due to intermittent block heaters use. What's getting heated is coolant anyway, and to a limited extent oil passages that may or may not have oil in them.

 

[ruffdog]

Short run times not getting the engine nice and warm would probably cause more of a problem than using a block heater.
Using a block heater would then help getting the engine up to operating temperature quicker helping this.

 

[TractorTYMe]

It's a non issue, a block heater only needs about an hour to ease starting conditions, I now have upgraded to a wifi controlled power outlet for my tractor. So when I wake up and see snow, power on 1st thing, then off to wake up, coffee breakfast and out and git sum work dun.

 

[deserteagle71]

Short run times not getting the engine nice and warm would probably cause more of a problem than using a block heater.
Using a block heater would then help getting the engine up to operating temperature quicker helping this.

^This!
I bought my old John Deere 25 years ago with a block heater already installed; I use it all the time when the temps are below 50 degrees.

 

[Thomas]

Yet to hear anything about it,I'd be more concern diesel tank cap see how much frost.

 

[Jerry/MT]

I am wondering if electric block heaters on tractor engines during repeated warmer and colder temperature swings will cause condensation to build up in the motor.

The ambient temperature swings will cause condensation problems not the block heater. The quicker warm up with block heater use will help evaporate off any water condensation. As one poster said, short usage cycles of the engine will cause more problems.

 

[RjCorazza]

The ambient temperature swings will cause condensation problems not the block heater. The quicker warm up with block heater use will help evaporate off any water condensation. As one poster said, short usage cycles of the engine will cause more problems.

Nothing worse than not getting an engine up to temperature. When I need to move my tractor and don't have any real work to do, I go for a spin around the neighborhood. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

 

[ray66v]

Every time you warm an engine and allow it to cool off in the winter, there is a chance of collecting some condensation in the oil pan.

As stated, it's important to try and run it long enough to evaporate any accumulated condensation. Otherwise, you will continue to accumulate it.

On aircraft engines, the general rule is, if you are going to start it, run it at power for at least an hour. You can't always do that with a tractor in the winter. But, you should run it as much as you can, when you do.

Also, Idling doesn't count very much toward running time, if it's a diesel. That mostly cools it off.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have block heaters in all my diesel rigs. The dodge is 28 years old, still going strong. I dont think it can harm motor.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Years ago I had a VW diesel Rabbit pickup. I just put a trouble light with 60W incandescent bulb in it under the oil pan a few hours before starting it. I did same with diesel tractor. Anything around it, either side to block wind (cardboard or quilt). Heat rises and it really worked well.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I'm not sure I'd worry about it.

I use my block heater all winter long, can't say I've ever seen evidence of any condensation issues.

 

[Oaktree]

I just put a trouble light with 60W incandescent bulb in it under the oil pan a few hours before starting it. I did same with diesel tractor. Anything around it, either side to block wind (cardboard or quilt). Heat rises and it really worked well.

That's what I do too, I'll throw an old blanket over the hood to help keep the heat in. No easy way to keep it in place under the pan, but inside the engine compartment does the trick. Obviously not as good as an actual block heater, but it does help on cold mornings.

I'd bought one of those magnetic heaters, then discovered that the pan was aluminum, pot metal or something else that was non-ferrous.

 

[deezler]

Block heater usage is definitely a net benefit for engine health and longevity, not a detriment. Of course, only use it when you actually intend to start the engine, and try as best you can to only start the engine when you know you'll actually get it warmed up fully. Internal combustion engines are made to run at full heat soak; get em hot.

 

[ray66v]

My GC has always started fine, in fact easily, without a block heater. And, given the only one I can use is over $200, I'm not getting one.

Before you imagine long cranking times, and an engine chugging out billows of smoke while it tries to gain momentum, none of that happens.

Others with the same tractor have had different results.

Perhaps fuel quality is a bigger factor than imagined.

 

[nyone]

If left plugged in continuously should be less temperature swing than with out heater so less condensation concern.

I would hate to see what KW useage a 200-250w heater uses 24/7 for 4-6 months of the year.

 

[grsthegreat]

I would hate to see what KW useage a 200-250w heater uses 24/7 for 4-6 months of the year.

I agree. Mine is on timer, 2 hours a day in morning, plugged in when snow is predicted. My truck heater also on timer, set 2 hours a day, 8am, m-f.

 

[bearthebruce]

I would hate to see what KW useage a 200-250w heater uses 24/7 for 4-6 months of the year.

its 6kwh per day for the 250w unit and so for 6 months it would be 1095 kwh.

 

[Jstpssng]

My old L275 was a bear to start in warm weather. Below freezing, it wouldn't start with a heater. I used to buy them to go into the lower radiator hose never could keep them working, however.
My 3301 came with a block heater. I used it once, then the darned thing stopped working.

FINALLY I asked about it here and found out what I was doing wrong. I used to start the tractor while the heater was still plugged in, and apparently they don't like that.