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Date:         Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:17:25 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coolant bleeding and radiator hose heater question (NVC)
Comments: To: John Anderson <wvukidsdoc@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <1327693214.79077.YahooMailNeo@web112003.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

The best solution would be to install a block heater in one of the "freeze out" plugs. This would put the heat right where it is needed. A synthetic Diesel engine oil like the Mobil Delvac 1 or Rotella-T 5w-40 will also help it get going. Make sure the fuel is treated to prevent it from gelling or dilute it with some kerosene to keep it liquid.

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Anderson Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 2:40 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Coolant bleeding and radiator hose heater question (NVC)

So since as vanagon drivers we all do know about bleeding odd systems, I could use some thoughts (by pmail is fine) from smart folks.  My little Bobcat 443B is getting long in the tooth powerplant wise (a Kubota 3 cylinder diesel.)   The end result to this is, that warm it still starts fine, but under 30F it is a bear, under 10F impossible.  Bobcat in their infinite wisdom blocked any possiblity of installing the intended block heater when they installed this in the Bobcat compared to a Kubota tractor or marine application.  2 years ago I siliconed on a 500W pad to the block, and for 1 season it helped to about 10F, but we have been having a long subzero snap this year, and this is what I plow with.  With big wind blown drifts, I've neglected keeping up because to start it I have to run an electric heater under a heavy sleeping bag for about 6 hours at the moment.   So I started thinking alternatives, dipstick heater, etc, then sat there wondering why I hadn't thought about using a "lower" radiator hose heater.  Thing is that the Bobcat is a bit odd in that both radiator hoses basically exit their respective locations (pump and thermo port) make hard 90's then go straight up as the radiator is mounted horizontally about 2 feet above the engine.  So I don't think I'd have any issue with bleeding or air pockets, but I'm wondering if it would heat much as the lowest location I could install it where the "lower" hose straightens out is probably actually at about the level of the upper hose leaving the thermostat flange.  I don't know how these really work (if they do) I presume in a sort of heat rises manner, and if it won't gain me much I don't want to mess with it.  Basically all the coolant in the block us well below where I could install it though all of the radiator is of course above it.  No real way to conveniently do a tank style (pumped) heater unfortunately, as no heater of course, and it would be even more of a PITA to install T's to get a pump type heater in.   Any opinions greatly appreciated.   TIA John


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