Installing a block heater in an L245DT

[tomasaur]

I'd like to install a block heater in my L245DT, but am running into a pretty big problem: Space.
I've popped the crankcase freeze plug on the left side of the engine, but there is barely 1/4" between the inner wall of the case and the outer piston (?) jacket.


So, no heater's going to fit in there.
I saw a youtube with a guy who had a heater installed in this exact same opening, although it almost looked like he had an extender of some sort involved?



It was hard to say how he worked it out.

Here are my questions:
1) Is there another location where one installs a block heater? I haven't found much on this particular tractor online.
2) Is there some sort of extender one can install to make this work? I kind of doubt it, particularly since the hole is threaded.
3) Lastly, is there anything special I need to do to replace this freeze plug? RTV sealant, or just tap it back in carefully?

Thanks in advance!

 

[85Hokie]

For all the reasons you listed ...........

A lower radiator hose is the better solution............ hot water will rise and heat all those nooks and crannies in the block and head, as the water cools it will lower itself back into the lowest point........ where it will get heated again and again.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The proper block heater has an adapter that drives into the block then the heater screws into the adapter.

Here is the proper heater:

Kubota #70000-00297 Block Heater Kit

Not for the BX2230

www.messicks.com

Or you can do like 85 Hokie suggest and get a radiator hose heater, will work the same way.

 

[JerryMT]

The proper block heater has an adapter that drives into the block then the heater screws into the adapter.

Here is the proper heater:

Kubota #70000-00297 Block Heater Kit

Not for the BX2230

www.messicks.com

Or you can do like 85 Hokie suggest and get a radiator hose heater, will work the same way.

+1

The block heater is the best bet, in my opinion.

 

[tomasaur]

The proper block heater has an adapter that drives into the block then the heater screws into the adapter.

Here is the proper heater:

Kubota #70000-00297 Block Heater Kit

Not for the BX2230

www.messicks.com

Or you can do like 85 Hokie suggest and get a radiator hose heater, will work the same way.

Thank you so much!

 

[tomasaur]

For all the reasons you listed ...........

A lower radiator hose is the better solution............ hot water will rise and heat all those nooks and crannies in the block and head, as the water cools it will lower itself back into the lowest point........ where it will get heated again and again.

Thanks, that's good to know.