Engine Block heater

[chrpmaster]

Has anyone used one of those magnetic engine block heaters to get your tractor warm during cold weather? I am considering one for my 1941 Case SC and also my Gravely with the snow blower. Do they work well? any pointers or other options you would recommend?

Thanks
Andy

[USN_ED]

I have one I use on my GT5000 on the really really cold days and when heavy snow is predicted so as to ease starting. It works well.

NAPA Block Heater (Part # 745 1073). A little pricy (can't remember exactly how much) but worth it in my opinion.

[Dachshund]

:ditto: The one I have works great.

[chrpmaster]

Thanks Ed for the part number at NAPA. thats the other question I had was does anyone have a good source for these?

Thanks
Andy

[Mickey]

In stead of using one of these I think I would look at one of the models that splices into the radiator hose. Heat directly heats the coolant. Much more efficient than an indirect style like you discribe. Just my opinion.

[Jim_WV]

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=430&PartNum=7451073

[glenn27]

Can get the in-line water heater at any truck repair shop (K/W, Intern., etc.), and it works really well-but draws quite a bit of current....usually has a little bracket to mount on firewell or whatever.....usually about $20 +.. :Makes it nice when u get in that truck in the early a.m., and water temp hand is on 150/160 deg. :fing32:

[chrpmaster]

I was thinking the magnetic one would be best for me since I don't use the Case that much in the winter and I didn't want any cords hanging down to get caught in the weeds etc while working with it. Also I wanted to use it on my gravely walk behind which has no radiator.

Andy

[simple_john]

i have one but never used it... no power to the shed, plus when its cold, my throttle/choke cables tend to freeze up not the block so i end up snapping the cables before i get the need to warm the block...
The tractor is now in the garage till spring.. so this should be the 1st year i dont break a cable...

[HydroHarold]

My two Gravely "Ls" always had 75w "bulb" heaters in Winter. An hour and a half before I wanted to start up I put a clip light with reflector right up against the side of the crankcase and lit 'er up. Always started right up with the gen-u-ine nylon strap with the brass grommet and wooden handle!

[chrpmaster]

My two Gravely "Ls" always had 75w "bulb" heaters in Winter. An hour and a half before I wanted to start up I put a clip light with reflector right up against the side of the crankcase and lit 'er up. Always started right up with the gen-u-ine nylon strap with the brass grommet and wooden handle!


Harold

thats a great idea. any pics of this at "work". I'm curious how you get it against the crankcase. From the side or the bottom?

Thanks
Andy

[HydroHarold]

Andy,

Been about 12 yrs since I sold my L's but on them I used a plain ol' clip on light that they sell in just about any hdwr, home center, etc. They have various clamps but you are after the proper reflector. At the time I used them the reflector was about 10" in diameter but lately Ham Dupa had some that had 6" ones made out of some soft bendable (adaptable) metal.

I just clamped the light so the reflector was as close to the block as possible. If I recall it clamped on the side rail of the rear hitch frame and shone it onto the side of the lower aluminum crankcase. I generally had 75watt "rough service" bulbs in those lights and if it was real windy I had a tarp to throw over it (which I really don't think it needed). Good thing about an L model there's nothing flammable or meltable on the side of the engine. Putting the light under and shining up probably will work an ounce or two better what with heat rising lately!:D

Disclaimer: These two Grande Dames of mine had the original "T Head" Gravely engines and not the later Kohler or whatever came next... In any case 75watts is plenty in this area. I wouldn't be afraid to go 150watts on those engines for a "quickie" or in Northern climes.

Now if I was going to do this with my Deere Kawi twin I would see which side of the engine has the clearest area for the light as I can't get under it. I think a side mount will heat it enough but I don't need a heater, it starts better than I do. Keep the bulb non-melting distance away from any rubber or plastic engine stuff. Some of the halogen spotlight bulbs direct some real good heat in a narrow band with their own reflector and might be a good try.

I started using light bulbs on a '51 Ford pickup but only to heat the battery and increase cranking power. Worked on my VW Microbus also.

Let us know what happens...

[chrpmaster]

Thanks HH!

I will take some pics of the heater in action when I get it set up. I also have the "real" Gravely T head engines on mine and I always did think they were the best ones made for the rough duty I use them for.

I wonder if this would work for my 1941 Case SC. I suppose I could use an inline radiator hose heater but would hate to catch the cord on something when using it in the woods. Maybe one or two of these lights against the oil pan would work. will try it and let you know.

Andy

[HydroHarold]

Andy, I think I'd try one on that Case, shining straight up against the ckcase. I'll bet it will heat that oil fine. I just used the "Shining Light" today as a grease gun heater. I wanted to grease the snowthrower and the grease was mighty ssssllllloooowwww. I layed the gun down on the bench with the light on top for fifteen minutes and at the same time heated the blower shaft with another light... Poifect! Grease out both ends of the shaft and I could feel the same low resistance on the handle just like July! I don't want to mention how much a "grease gun heater" is in Gempler's catalog.:D

(BTW, I'm working on a 15w hardhat heater but I'm having trouble dealing with a cord problem.)

[chrpmaster]

Now I gotta see pics of that! The first image that popped into my mind was of the old tv showes that had the drunk at a party wearing the lamp shade. ROF

Andy