Putting block heater in 4310.....questions

[4310]

Im in the process of installing a block heater and changing out the antifreeze on my 4310.....and by "in the process" I mean that I got my tractor out, looked at it, then decided that I better read some more before I start tearing into things. I have the tech manual but it says nothing about a block heater. At least I can't find it in all 838 pages.

A few stupid questions if you don't mind.

It looks like I have two "plugs" on the left side of the engine.The one in front looks like it will unscrew if I put a 1/2" drive into it, the other is just a flat plug about 1" or so. Does the block heater go into the front plug that unscrews? Thats my guess since the heater looks like it threads into the block.

The next Question I have is about the rubber hydraulic line thing that conveniently covers up the plug where the 1/2" drive would go into. Can I just take that off? Is it full of hydraulic fluid? How much fluid will I lose if I take it off? I haven't messed with it yet but it looks like it will be a chore to take off and put back on since it has to simultaneously (did I spell that right) slide onto two vertical lines and one horizontal line.

I bought some coolgard II at the dealer today after reading on here about diesel specific antifreeze. I figured I would change it out since I bought the tractor used a year ago and I'm not sure what is in it.

Thanks

 

[Katahdin]

I think you have the Yanmar 3tne84 engine. This block heater should screw into the threaded plug you're describing. Its the same model I'm using in my 4tnv88.

ZeroStart - 310-0003 - Freeze Plug Engine Heater , 400W 120V

The Yanmar block plugs are lock-tited in pretty good. You'll want to heat it up with propane torch, I used a couple quick taps of an impact gun to finally break mine loose. I'm afraid I can't help you with the hose, but if you get that out of the way you can swap the plug out with the block heater and only lose a few ounces of coolant.

Here's more info on my block heater install: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/258437-4tnv88-block-heater.html

 

[4310]

Hey thanks for the reply and the link to the heater...and the advice too!

Here's a pic of the hose that I mentioned.




I will only be able to get to the plug with a straight 1/2" extension after I take the hose off. I tried going around the hose using a 1/2" u joint ratchet but I've got some hydraulic lines in the way.

 

[Oldtink]

Yes, the plug in the front and behind the hydraulic suction line manifold. (rubber thingy)
I loosened all three clamps on the suction manifold and lifted it only enough to slide a 1/2" extension under it. It did not come clean off the suction pipe but it did come off of the rear most hydraulic pump and almost off of the front pump but they easily slid back in place.
When I did mine I had already drained the hydraulic oil, antifreeze.
The plug on my 3 year old was a bear! 3 foot cheater pipe on a breaker bar. I spread the ears on my breaker bar, basically trash it.
Best of luck

 

[4310]

Thanks!

I guess my only question now is how much, if any, hydraulic fluid am I going to lose if I loosen up/take off the manifold. Does the fluid drain back down into the transmission when you shut off the tractor or does it stay in the lines? Would it be under pressure?

I thought about draining some of the hydraulic fluid out (although I'm not sure where from) and then pouring it back in after I'm done but I'm not sure if that would even drain the fluid from the manifold.

Sorry for all the questions but I really have no idea about hydraulics or hydrostatic transmissions.

 

[beenthere]

Likely not much oil or pressure in the return line. But then I've not pulled one off.

For the location of things, I'd suggest you getting a CD of the tech manual that covers the 4310. It is great to have when working on your tractor.

Drain plug for hydraulic should be the low point just under the tranny and include a filter showing just in front of the tranny with the return line close to there as well. Also a screen to remove and clean if changing hyd. fluid. Unless you know when it was changed last, it would be on my list to getRdun at the same time.

 

[4310]

Well I think I'm just gonna go for it.....wish me luck

I've got the owners manual and the tech manual. Neither of which mention anything about a block heater or how to remove the block plug or what to expect when I take off the "Suction Tube Manifold". I've got my propane torch, impact wrench and breaker bar on standby.

I just had the hydraulic fluid changed and new filters last fall when JD split the tractor to work on the transmission.

I did learn something though when reading through the owners manual again. On the right side of the engine, below the fuel filter, is an "Engine block drain Plug". I guess I just assumed that the only way to drain the block was to remove the plug where the block heater would go.

Anyway here's a pic of the drain if it shows up

8. Position drain pan under engine block drain plug (C) at right side of engine. Remove drain plug and allow all coolant to drain.

 

[4310]

I may have hit a snag. I emailed the company selling the heater to see if it would fit and here's what I got back:

"Yanmar 3TNE84 is not listed in our application guide. If there is a 1 NPT port available, Zerostart 3100003 might work (it fits most of the other Yanmar 3 cylinder engines) but we cannot guarantee a fit. (FYI - if the heater fits into the engineç—´ water jacket without hitting any obstructions, it should work).
We recommend you use one of the silicone pad heaters instead. See attached flyer or look in our 2014 catalog on page 79."

Reading between the lines, it sounds like they're saying it will fit but the JD 4310 isn't listed on their paperwork so they can't say 100% that it will. At least that is my take on it.

I've looked at a pic of the OEM heater on a website John Deere Heater Kit AR87167and it looks identical but it's hard to tell from just a picture.

Any thoughts?

OEM heater:


Zero Start heater:

 

[PILOON]

The Deere heater is in all probability a re badgered Zero Start or Carter anyway.
Let price guide you.

 

[beenthere]

If there is a 1 NPT port available, Zerostart 3100003 might work (it fits most of the other Yanmar 3 cylinder engines) but we cannot guarantee a fit. (FYI - if the heater fits into the engineç—´ water jacket without hitting any obstructions, it should work).

Remove the plug and double check that it is 1" NPT and that there are no obstructions. If that checks out, then seems you are good to go.