When is block heater needed?

[dhglaser]

When is a block heater needed? I live in New England and I don't expect to use the tractor in frigid weather (less than 20 degrees F).

So, as long as I stay above 20 deg F, would I need a block heater?

 

[Will_C]

Alot will depend on if you keep the tractor inside or outside. I have been able to start my tractor down to 5 degrees, but it is stored in a unheated garage, save from wind, etc. I know that brother will use a block heater on his backhoe anytime the temp. gets below 30.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

I live in New Hampshire and I used my tractor all last winter for plowing the yard. I never needed to use my block heater, the glow plugs were all that were necessary.
Now this winter may be differant. If I get that worried about the temperature I will plug my block heater into one of those thermostats that you can buy for your kereosene Reddy Heater, Salamander, Shop Heater or whatever you want to call them. That way the block heater will only kick on if the temp. drops below what the thermostat is set for.

 

[John_Mc]

The main reason to use a block heater, IMO, is to help prevent damage from cold starts. The vast majority of wear on an engine happens during start-up and in the next few moments after starting, until the oil is flowing freely throughout the engine. On a cold start, this high wear period is greatly extended, since even multi-vis oil takes longer to start flowing to all the little nooks and crannies when it's cold. It's even more of a problem since clearances are reduced in very cold temperatures: the very time you need lubrication the most is the time you have it least. You will probably never notice the effectsa of a couple of cold starts, but over time it adds up to something very significant.

Yes, a block heater helps you get a deisel started when it's cold, but don't forget that it also adds to the longevity of your engine. For about $60, it's cheap insurance.

John Mc

 

[Egon]

If you live in a place where your tounge will freeze to the pump handle when it gets cold you should have a block heater.

Egon

 

[dlabrie]

I have my block heater pluged into a remote control outlet along with the outside light to the barn. I picked it up at Radio Shack for 15-20 dollars. It's about 200' from my kitchen window. I can turn it on while having my coffee. The outside light lets me know it is on. My tractor would start with out it, but I feel much better starting a warm tractor than a cold one.