TM310 block heater

[mrmikey]

Has anyone put a block heater in an Iseki TM3160?
There's a 3/4NPT plug on the left side of the block behind the starter that I can use but it's partially covered by the starter and I'm a bit leary of the clearance. I'd have to remove the starter to install it which looks like it might be a pain as the bolts thread into the starter base from the backside of the bellhousing. Not a deal breaker but I don't want to take it off if it won't work.
A hose heater is not an option as there's not enough straight hose to install it as well as absolutely no clearance............Mike

 

[suntreemcanic]

I have one of the smaller 2 cylinder Izeki tractors (17 horse diesel) and it is impossible to start in cold weather with out a block heater. On my tractor the lower hose of the block heater is attached to the coolant block drain. I removed the engine temp sender and attached the upper block heater there. I drilled and tapped a hole in the thermostat housing and installed a Stewart Warner electric temp gauge. I used my block heater yesterday, the shop temp was 15 degrees and in 30 minutes the valve cover was warm to the touch and the engine started without the aid of glow plugs. Both the upper and lower taps into the engine were 1/2 NPT.

 

[mrmikey]

I never delved into it that deep yet but I think I'm going to. It'll start when cold with the glow plugs but I figure if it's easier with a block heater why not use on.
I had a hose heater on my Jinma and it was great, 1-2 hours when cold it was just like starting it on a summer day. Can't use a hose heater on this Iseki as the rad hose has a straight section of 2" at the most not to mention it's maybe an inch away from the fan if that. I thought the 3/4 pipe plug would be the cats ***** when I noticed it on the parts list but as I said it's partially covered with the rear of the starter.
The frost plugs on the left side look to be 3/4" diameter and the ones on the right side are larger but behind the injector pump.
What I do now to help it a bit is put an infrared heater aimed on the block for an hour or so..............Mike