Lower Radiator Heater element

[Pkugler]

Has anyone every used one of these? I guess they are also called block heaters. I had dealer install one on my 3525, but he could not tell me much about it. Im wondering how long one needs to be plugged in on a cold cold day(in the teens to below 0)? Can I leave it plugged in over night? On my massy 235 I have a tank heater which can take about 45 minutes to ungel on the cold days. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

ps Im not sure how exactly one of these work either? how do they get to the fuel when the tractor is not circulating the coolant?

Pat

 

[xlr82v2]

If it is the same style that I'm thinking of, it is just a heating element that is either mounted in the engine block, or in one of the radiator hoses. Convective circulation will cause the coolant to flow through the system. The heater does not heat the fuel or fuel filters.

Yes, you can leave them hooked up overnight, but usually if you hook it up an hour or 2 before starting the tractor is sufficient to get enough heat into the engine to get things going easier.

There are also magnetic heaters available that you stick to the bottom of the oil pan to heat the oil. I suppose you could stick it to the side of the block as well. I've got one of those, but have never used it, so I can't testify to it's effectiveness. Got it at an auction for $1... brand new, never used.

 

[billbill1]

I installed a lower radiator hose heat on my tractor that I purchased from NAPA. 30 minutes is usually long enough to help out a great deal. I have had it on a timer in the past that started the electricity flowing at 5 am and shut off at 8am. They use a lot of electricity if plugged in 24/7.

 

[Deleted member 41266]

I am going to help my buddy this Friday install a mahindra block heater on his 7520. As I understand it, it is a block heater that heats the coolant. According to our dealer, we just unscrew a block plug and screw this thing in; shouldn't lose more than 1-2 cups of coolant.

Has anyone ever installed one of these and is there anything else that I need to know or should be warned about before I do this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

The plug is located above the starter almost a little behind the starter. Have your block heater all preped with some kind of thread sealant, then just remove the plug and quickly screw in the heater body. How much coolant you lose depends how quick you are. Really you shouldn't lose much. Then just install the cord and route it to where you want it on the tractor. I usually locate it just below the cowling by the left side step and don't forget to tie strap your wiring. I hope this helps and good luck with it.

 

[Deleted member 41266]

Hi Galen,
Thanks for the info. Would Permatex 1a or 1b be ok? That's the stuff that I use for thermostats, etc on cars.
Peter

 

[George2615]

Has anyone every used one of these? I guess they are also called block heaters. I had dealer install one on my 3525, but he could not tell me much about it. Im wondering how long one needs to be plugged in on a cold cold day(in the teens to below 0)? Can I leave it plugged in over night? On my massy 235 I have a tank heater which can take about 45 minutes to ungel on the cold days. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

ps Im not sure how exactly one of these work either? how do they get to the fuel when the tractor is not circulating the coolant?

Pat

I use an in-line lower hose heater on the tractor and the truck has a block heater. I use a HD appliance timer. I have two settings programmed on the timer. I have the timer set for 2 1/2 hours before I go to work and 2 1/2 hours before I get home. I plug my truck in at night and the truck is warm when I leave for work. I then unplug the truck and plug in the tractor lower hose heater so it is ready to go if I need it after work.
I went with a timer because leaving it plugged in all the time raises the electric bill about $40-50 a month. My tractor coolant warms to 140 deg F with the lower hose heater. Since it is mounted in the lower hose convection circulates the coolant up the hose as it heats through the engine and back down through the radiator.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Peter,
That sealant would be fine, I use teflon tape, as it is only a common pipe thread. Good luck with it.

 

[bkheur]

How much does a block heater cost for a 2615? And is it hard to install?

 

[Deleted member 41266]

Galen,
Almost a piece of cake, just had to shorten one of the legs on the dust cover (over the starter) so it would not interfere with the hot plug leads. I went with teflon tape as you suggested, it was a little cold for sealant. It is kind of a tight fit working in there, thankfully the plug was not overtightened.

Thanks everyone for all the help.
Peter