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Heating the TO-30 Engine for WINTER!

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Mark Hendershot

11-14-2001 08:17:33




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Hello; What is the best method for heating the TO-30 Engine for winter? Is heating the oil better than the water? Do you use a heater in the lower radiator hose? It gets down to 0 to -10 deg. below around here but mostly 10 to 20 above zero during the winter. Should I put 20 wt. oil in the engine if it is heated? I do keep it in the garage and will be using it for snow removel around the house. Thanks, Mark H.

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drizler

11-20-2001 20:02:35




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 Re: Heating the TO-30 Engine for WINTER! in reply to Mark Hendershot, 11-14-2001 08:17:33  
My TO 20 is 12 volt and starts better than anything else I own. You might be better served by using multiweight oil though which will get oil to the friction components quicker. The 3 point is slow to warm up when its below 0 but that doesn't seem to harm anything either. I think the coldest I ever plowed was around -20 and never missed a beat.



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Ian

11-14-2001 20:27:02




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 Re: Heating the TO-30 Engine for WINTER! in reply to Mark Hendershot, 11-14-2001 08:17:33  
I have had similar experiences as Roger, here in Northern Ont. But we usually stay inside when it gets too cold and that way it isn't a problem. But seriously it's only -20 and below that I've ever had problems with my TO 35 and that was the tranny oil was too thick to lift the front end loader or the back blade.
If your tractor is well tuned, with a good charged battery and clean fuel you shouldn't have a problem. By clean fuel I mean with a brand name treatment that removes moisture and maybe also cleans deposits/stablize the fuel system or if you are using it and adding fresh gas regularly.
Most of the time they seem to sit around so when you need them any of the fore mentioned items can bite you on the *ss.

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Ray,IN

11-14-2001 17:52:14




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 Re: Heating the TO-30 Engine for WINTER! in reply to Mark Hendershot, 11-14-2001 08:17:33  
All H.Ferguson tractors will start unassisted at -20F.-if- you have properly maintained the 6V charging/starting system, use 20W oil, and maintain the ignition system. A new radiator thermostat will warm the coolant and cause the engine to run properly. Now if you desire to climb on a warm tractor, a coolant heater is the better method; about 2 hrs. will warm the coolant and the engine enough for summer-like starting. A side note- for winter(<30F.)use a 40W mineral oil in the hydraulic/trans system. It won't hurt the hyds and will greatly improve the hyd response. Be sure to switch back to the 80/90W mineral oil in the spring to avoid problems.

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Mark Hendershot

11-14-2001 19:16:17




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 Re: Re: Heating the TO-30 Engine for WINTER! in reply to Ray,IN, 11-14-2001 17:52:14  
Well it seems that a engine heater is not needed for a Ferguson. I do know that my 79 Chevy Truck sure likes starting alot better warm than very cold. Isn't much harder on the life of the starting and charging system when cranking a COLD engine on these older tractors? I was thinking that it would haft to be started every outher day to clear snow for about 4 months of the year and it might save the starting system alot of wear and replacement costs compaired to the elect. used to pre/warm the engine and oil befor hand? Still any comments on the part of wear? Thanks, Mark H.

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Ray,IN

11-14-2001 19:53:28




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 Re: Re: Re: Heating the TO-30 Engine for WINTER! in reply to Mark Hendershot, 11-14-2001 19:16:17  
Like I said Mark,it is not necessary, however, if you desire to preheat the tractor a coolant heater is the prefered way. Most it not all of the diesel engine mfgrs. use coolant heaters, this warms the coolant which in turn warms the entire engine except the crankcase oil. Even though the engine will start much easier, you will still need to avoid working it hard until everything is warmed to operating temperature. Personaly, my TO30 is parked in an unheated pole barn yearround, and I've found that in subzero weather starting it once a week is quite beneficial. Allowing it to sit for a month does cause starting difficulty, due to condensation,and corrosion on the points and in the dist. cap. While we're on this starting topic, be sure to use "O" gauge cables. The small 6 gauge cables for 12V systems will not carry sufficient current for the 6V system, especially in subzero weather. I'll put away my soapbox now, happy tractorin.

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Roger

11-14-2001 12:43:39




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 Re: Heating the TO-30 Engine for WINTER! in reply to Mark Hendershot, 11-14-2001 08:17:33  
Hi Mark;
I found your question interesting because I'd
never considered doing something for my tractor
that I don't ordinarily do for my cars and trucks. When I lived in Maine for nearly forty years, we
usually didn't do anything special- even for those
vehicles that lived outdoors. On cold nights (say,
-20 or so) we'd might plug in a cooling system
heater- mostly to have heat in the cab sooner. On
especially cold nights (say, -30 or so) we'd take
the battery inside the shed overnight. I've heard
that a light bulb under the hood is also effective.
Good luck and have fun.
Roger

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DunerWi

11-14-2001 09:03:00




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 Re: Heating the TO-30 Engine for WINTER! in reply to Mark Hendershot, 11-14-2001 08:17:33  
I use a 1500 watt tank heater on my TO 20. Usually only takes 30 minutes to warm it up enough
to start on the coldest days. 20 wt. oil should be fine. I have also used a 100 watt magnetic heater that sticks to the oil pan . You would need to leave it plugged in for hours to do any good but I like it for some applications, mainly air cooled.



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