R4041 Lower Radiator Hose Heater

[jgarzia]

Thinking of putting a lower radiator hose heater on my 2013 R4041. As everyone knows the manufacture (Kats) makes several sizes that only differ by fractions. The question is; has anyone installed one on this model? What size did you use? How did it fit? I measured the hose @ 1 1/2". Does that sound right?

 

[jgarzia]

Thought I would post some pics of the radiator hose heater install on my R4041. Looks like no one has installed one since I didn't get any replies to my post, maybe this will help anyone else thinking about a lower radiator hose heater.

Best spot looked like just past the frame rail before the hose turned up to the water pump




1" Cut out of hose



Heater installed



With the hood closed. Wire tied cord up hose than over the air intake and water separator to back of engine compartment.



Plug tucked in just above starter and out of the way from any snags.

 

[Underdog57]

Looks good! I was wondering about either a block heater or the type you have. So far my LS has started very good down to 10 Degrees F, but I do cycle the glow plugs twice before I start it. I know that it is way better to start diesels when they are warm. Does anyone know about the choices I have as far as a block heater? Is there a place in the engine block to bolt one in? I really don't want to punch out a freeze plug.

Where did you get your unit and how much was it?
Thanks, jgarzia

 

[jgarzia]

I have never had any problem with cold weather starts either. I just didn't like the rough starts and wear and tear on the cylinders that came with them. I studied the LS parts manual and the block its self to see if there was any place for a threaded block heater and could not find one. Like you I did not want to pop out a freeze plug. I did notice a coolant drain plug on the block and a plug on water pump that could possible be used with a circulation type heater but it just seamed easier a less intrusive to install the lower hose heater. I purchased the unit from our local NAPA, it was around $35.00 plus the cost of new coolant.

I have not had a chance to use the heater. The next really cold day I plan on plugging it in and seeing how long it takes to warm up the block and how perform a test start. Will post the results.

 

[Underdog57]

Thanks, I'll be watching

 

[buickanddeere]

It will take longer heating both the rad and engine together. Rather than just heating the engine with an immersion or a tank heater. As it is some people won't preheat and engine unless absolutely necessary because of perceived big bucks $$$.
What make of tractor is a R4041 ? What make of engine ?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

jgarzia thanks for the photos. Did your instructions state to point the plug in connection down or was that what worked be in your case?

Last night in the other thread on coolant heaters in the Zero Start catalog that was posted I learned our JD backhoe had a 1 3/4" hoses. When at first I could not find a Zero Start I looked at the KATS (nice but red clashed with yellow) but then did fine a new in the box Zero Start for $26.50 for part and shipping on Ebay.

Actually even if the Zero Start had been more expensive over the KATS I would have went it because of my Harbor Freight two cycle generator. The KAtS pulls 720 watts and the ZS 600 watts which is the max I can get out of the generator hour after hour of running without tripping the breaker.

Of course 720 is 20% more heat per hour but typically the backhoe is not parked near AC outlet.

It is the smoke and knocking that tear me up if temps are much below 40F.

buickanddeere last night I was thinking the same that the lower radiator hose would take longer to heat the block for the same reason but now I am not sure. The 265 MF came with a block heater going on 40 years ago and is awesome.

The heated water is going into the head first then flow to the radiator. The block heater would at some point I guess start heating the radiator (will have to test that some day if I can find our IR temp gun) since it is still an open loop and will draw in cold water from the radiator perhaps. When I get the Zero Start and install it I can see how it works.

I need to replace the antifreeze anyway. I know some 45+ years ago I ordered one for a farmer who had a 5000 Ford from the early - mid 60's for his lower radiator hose and he said it worked well. The 83 JD came with ether start system that is missing in part and the plastic line is broken and not place to screw on in. No way would I knock out a freeze plug and mess with that risk. If the Zero Start fails there is nothing lost because if the clamps are tight there should not be any leaking. If there was I would just go to the parts store and by an new radiator hose.

 

[jgarzia]

It will take longer heating both the rad and engine together. Rather than just heating the engine with an immersion or a tank heater. As it is some people won't preheat and engine unless absolutely necessary because of perceived big bucks $$$.
What make of tractor is a R4041 ? What make of engine ?

R4041 is an LS Tractor with a 4-cylinder Mitsubishi engine.

 

[jgarzia]

Finally had a chance to test the heater today, it was below freezing for the first time in days (20F). Had the heater plugged in for 2 hours and the lower hose was more than warm but not quite to hot to touch and the block at the goose-neck (T-stat) was warm. In the video you can see and hear there was no smoke and only normal knocking. So far very pleased with how the heater worked. Will have to wait and see how durable it is. @ Gale; there was nothing in the instructions about the placement of the plug, that was just what worked best for my application.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ETXZzUhqIc

 

[Bob77064]

Sounds good when it started.