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Heat block for cold starts

D

Don McCullough

Member
Recently I posted a message about the pros and cons of starting fluid. I use it but I really don't like it. No question, heating the coolant with "heater attachments" is the way to go.

Just wondering though if my light on a stand with two 500 watt bulbs up close to block for aobut 30 minutes would do about as much good as a conventional heater attachment? It puts out a fair amount of heat and can see where this heat would get trapped, to a degree, by the hood.

Anyone tried this? Of course possible to spend about 25 bucks for same lights on opposite side and I know that would combine for quite a bit of heat.

Grinding and grinding starter on cold days, along with starter fluid, is something I really don't like.

Don
 
I've used 2 250 watt infrared heat lamps, on the JD 2010 dozer, one light on each side of the block. It works, but takes about 4 hours to heat it up enough to start in the cold.
 
I think the infared bulbs, 250w, would do better (used for warming poultry ro caves, etc if you are looking through a fleet & farm supply store).

It works, but you are looking at a few hours time to do any good.

--->Paul
 
Look at a "Tank-Type" engine heater. 1500w. $60 +/-. Easy to install. Quick engine warm up. Ideal for after market installation.
 
Just an aside - i went through my farm supply store yesterday, and - there was 1 1500 watt tank left, 3 1000 watt tanks, and that was it. No magnetic units at all. They start fallw ith a whole shelf full, piled up. This year I think sales have been brisk; if you need one, make tracks tot he stores!

--->Paul
 
Before Id waste time and effort on using "heat lamps" to warm up an engine block. I would spend the 25 bucks for a regular block heater or a lower radiator hose block heater. Take 30 mins to install it once and then be done with it. There safer, cheaper and simple.
 
I agree with just getting a soft plug or tank heater. A softplug heater is usually about a 600 to 800 watt and very efficient. For a tank type I would suggest a 1500 watt tank heater and a correctly sized timer. I put a 1500 watt tank type heater on my 806 and in 1 1/2 to 2 hrs at -15 temps.it is ready to go. Two 500 watt heat lamps would actually use more energy in the same amount of time as the soft plug type and be far less effective. Just a thought, later Dan
 
No, they won't work as good. I'm guessing you have halogen work lights? They could melt wires and/or start a fire. If the tractor is out in the open and there was even the tiniest bit of wind, they wouldn't do anything. The magnetic heaters would never warm up an engine but could warm up the oil a little bit. You didn't say what kind of tractor you have but there are a few different types of heaters that can be installed. It's a lot easier on everything when the engine is warm. Dave
 
You're right, the heater is the way to go. We all know what ether can do to an engine. I have always plugged in the old 1086. I've maybe ethered it a half dozen times during it's 15000 hour life. If the starter only runs for a couple of easy seconds every time the tractor is started it's gonna last a long time. I've had the starter out of it to replace the brushes once, otherwise it has never been worked on.

The block heater conked out the other day and I replaced it right away. It only took ten minutes and a couple of quarts on anit-freeze.It's cheap and simple.Jim
 
Here this and do it right instead of burning the machine/building down.
Warmer engine in less time with less $$$ too.

http://www.phillipsandtemro.com/coldStart/engine_block_heaters.asp
 
I have a 600 watt block heater on a 6.2 diesel in my old PU. Use it when temps are below 10 to 15 degrees. 2 or 3 hours will get top of water line on engine warm to the touch, (to cold hands!) Starts much better warm!
 
Thanks for that link. I tracked down the rad hose heater on my new toy (TAFE 35) and figured out from the catalogue that it's drawing 375 watts when running. That's about 5 cents per hour around these parts, and probably a good way to use the hydro. The block heater on the Massey 35 draws 400 watts. Both work well.
 
Hello Don Mccullough,
Get a block heater, end of problem
Here is a picture of some. We used this type at work, excellent units. Available in many wattage and many applications.
Guido
a8628.jpg
 
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