190xt Freeze Plug Block Heater Install

I thought I would document something new that I learned on the latest Block Heater install I did.  I recently acquired a 1968 190XT and I had previously installed a freeze plug style block heater in a 1967 190XT.  I thought the same Zero Start block heater plug would work for both tractors but I was wrong.  

After knocking out the freeze plug very easily with a hammer and punch, the 1 1/4 size block heater used on the 1967 was too small.  I measured the diameter of the 1968 block hole and it was 1 3/8.  It also had no inner lip on the block casting as the 67 had.  So, I now had to find a larger diameter block heater.  Zerostart and Katz wants you to pick your engine and then you are told what part number works.  Well, that doesn't work on old Allis tractors.  They aren't listed.  

Turns out that using a 35MM block heater meant for a 4 cylinder Perkins engine is the perfect match for the 1 3/8 inch hole.  Zerostart Item Number i used with great success is 310-0027 in case anyone runs into this size difference.  This model is 600 watts and it gets oriented at 3PM once inserted into the hole.  There were some 35 MM 400 watt versions that may have worked but I wanted the higher heat output.

Even using the manifold heater and waiting after counting to 100 before trying to start, I could not get the 1968 190xt to start in cold weather.  Now, after warming the engine for about an hour, it starts right up.  These casting holes obviously vary greatly.

The one kink I had in this process was the butterfly drain on the bottom of the radiator does not allow the antifreeze to drain out.  Seems to be plugged.  So, part  of the antifreeze ran out when the freeze plug was removed into a bucket below the engine.  Not sure what to do about the drain plug at this point.  I would like to get the pink anti-cavitation antifreeze in it at some point.  I guess I could remove the lower radiator hose?

Anyway, a success with the usual twists.   Hope this helps others that may want to install a block heater into a 190xt.  If you are in a cold climate and can't put it in a heated barn, it is better than  splicing a tank heater into your heater hoses.  It heats up faster than a tank heater too.

Great write up, excellent description

Thanks for posting

Block heaters save your battery and starter in cold weather starts, and with my 185 make the difference between starting and NOT 

I would like to add one checklist item .........some block heaters are a pressure fit thru the frost plug opening, and usually come with an expanding mechanism that locks the element into place with arms/tabs that rest on the inside wall of the block.  A tightening mechanism (usually a screw) with a tightening procedure and torgue for proper fit and heat transfer should be followed

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS - DO NOT OVER TORQUE

I had the unfortunate experience of a block heater falling out of the block (engine six years old) on the highway.  The coolant drained down onto the road, with no warning.  The exhaust system was on the other side of the engine, so no warning cloud of steam.  The temperature gauge could not respond properly because the probe did not have coolant around it any more.  To add to the situation, it was pouring rain, reducing the chances of warning signs.  The engine over heated, warped the head, valve damage.

We saved the bottom of the engine but a new head, valves etc were required

Follow up investigation showed the metal tabs from the tightening mechanism on the block heater had been over torqued and bent/cracked the arms.  The element stayed in for six years, then ..............

Also, I should have given the heating element a good shake/twist every time I was under the hood of the vehicle to ensure it was secured properly.  Several mechanics have shared that advice with me over the years

Hope this helps out block heater owners