Engine Block Heater

I have a Ford 3400 Diesel tractor. Block heater needs to be replace. Quite a job. Would an external tank heater work as well ? Take a Kats 13100. Which way does flow go, towards lower Rad. hose or towards block. Would be easy to install. Thanks ?
 
I would replace the in block heater. I always use those if available for an engine. I think they are more efficient and less susceptible to damage causing leaks, plus no added hose to worry about.
 
Generally with tank heaters, you want the hot water coming in near the top rear of the engine, and exiting back to the inlet side of the heater near the lower front of the engine. On a Ford, the top rear would be plug in the back of the intake manifold, and the lower front would be the plug on the water pump inlet housing. Both should be 3/8" NPT plugs.

See link below for more good info.
Tank heater install
 
Do a google for a magnetic block heater. I have seen them advertised. Just stick it on the block or pan and plug it in.
 

The magnetic heaters help engine starting some but not near as much as a coolant heater. There are some 300 watt ones but most are only 200 watts. They help on oil pans and tanks more than trying to warm an engine block casting. JMO
 
I assume you have a loader on that tractor which makes installing a block heater difficult?
If you hold your mouth just right it can be done.
I sure like the block heater on mine.
Plugging the heater in for an hour will make it start like it's September. 2 hours will make it start like it's July.
I never liked the tank heaters with extra hoses etc. To me it's a block heater or as the picture shows, not exactly...
P1010009.jpg
 
Most thermosiphon tank heaters are in the 500 - 2000 watt range. The wattage of the heater needs to be sized for the engine. Too big of a heater on too small of an engine will burn it up in short order.

Below is an example of a sizing guide for a thermosiphon style of heater.
Thermosiphon heaters
 

I have one like that on my backup generator, keeps the coolant at 100-120 degrees, stays plugged in year round.

Not a good location on the smaller chassis Fords to mount one of these heaters but I do like the thermostat control they have over a block heater.
Plug it in and forget it, anytime you need the tractor it's warmed up ready to go.
 
I decided to go with a 1500 watt tank type heater, a lot easier to install. will leave block heater in and cut wire. thanks for all the Help
 
1500 watt is a little on the large side for that little 3 cylinder engine. If it burns up, go smaller on the next one. I know a guy who put a 2500 watt on a 6.8L JD engine and that heater burned up in less than 6 months.
 
I called Kats today and they said no problem in using a 1500 Watt heater in fact they are going to do away with the 1000 watt heater. I'll give it a try. Easy to replace. Some $40 at Tractor supply.
 
As a point of reference....Ford used to recommend a single 600-watt block heater for the 3-cylinder engines, 1 or 2 for the 4-cylinder engines (depending on how cold it gets where you live), and two 600-watt heaters for the 6-cylinder engines.
 

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