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Topic: Power tech 10 block heater (Read 550 times) previous topic - next topic

Power tech 10 block heater

Does anyone know off hand if there is the option or even capability to put a block heater, like the big engine, in place?  In my climate it is an experience to get it started, even with cycling the unit on and off several times before actually starting it. I ALWAYS have to reset it because it gets a fault
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #1 –
They make an aftermarket heater that goes into the freeze plug. After researching this several years ago we went with a stick on oil pan heater pad.  Has worked down to -5 for us.  Going this way saved from having to drain and refill antifreeze.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #2 –
Have seen heaters you could attach to the oil pan,if it were mine I would use Amsoil 15w40 signature series oil,flows much better
then dino oil at low temps,have used it for years in mine.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #3 –
Peter Check your glow plugs. I have started my generator at -15 C with 2 glow plugs shot.
I found replacements at Lordco in Burnaby. At -23 my generator would start with 2 cycles
and if I am in -30 I would cycle 3 times. I count 9 seconds for each cycle.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #4 –
Oldguy
Maybe I am not letting the glow plugs cycle long enough.  I usually wait 3 or 4 seconds I will give that a try. I do run 15-40 amsoil. Love the stuff
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #5 –
3 or 4 seconds is not long enough....... especially in what we Florida Crackers call COLD (below 50*F)  ;D
 
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #6 –
Quote from: oldguy –
Peter Check your glow plugs. I have started my generator at -15 C with 2 glow plugs shot.
I found replacements at Lordco in Burnaby. At -23 my generator would start with 2 cycles
and if I am in -30 I would cycle 3 times. I count 9 seconds for each cycle.
Just to add a little more descriptive text. Initiate a start, wait 9 seconds before it starts to crank and cancel, repeat start wait nine seconds, cancel again, repeat start and let it continue threw to initiate start. By repeating the start sequence it allows the glow plugs to run longer and become more heat saturated. Absolutely need to make sure all your glow plugs are working. Also repeated glow plug cycles back to back will also shorten there service life. It only got up to 56 degrees today, I feel your pain

Amazon.com: Kat's Heater Dipstick 23" Part No: A-5B201 : Patio, Lawn & Garden
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Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #7 –
I run the Rotella full synthetic T6 5w-40 in the Cummins M11, Hydraulics for fans and power steering, and Kubota 4 cyl. in 10kw Generator. Never an issue.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #8 –
I believe the started comes on after 10 seconds so that's why 9 seconds. Down to -10 degrees C
my generator starts fine with out cycling. The Onan generator in my Monaco had a temperature
gauge so the colder it got the longer the glow plugs went before the starter turned the engine
over. At minus 15C the glow plugs were on for 18 second.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #9 –

The PT generator does not have quick glow plugs like a MBZ 300SD so you have to wait much longer in freezing weather. A dip stick heater works well. I have a magnetic block heater like this one Amazon.com: Zerostart 3400017 Portable Electric Heat Magnet Heater for...  and it works well on any smaller diesel. They are available in several wattages so look before ordering.

The glow plugs are wired in parellel so EZ to just use a multimeter or a test light to check them fairly quickly.

I went to a synthetic oil and the engine will turn over faster with a low vicosity synthetic.

I've seen a blow torch used in the intake on large diesels and a plumbing torch with MAPP gas used on smaller diesels while cranking. HF heat gun or even a hair dryer will work but slower. .You could rotate the engine until both intake and exhaust valves are open (overlap) and push hot air through the engine and out the exhaust pipe with a heat gun  but only one cylinder at a time.

Pierce

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Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #10 –
What fault are you getting?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #11 –
John
To be honest with you I have not really paid attention to which red light comes on. I believe it is the over crank light but can't be certain. The red light in the dash for certain  It usually is so fffffng cold that you just reset and go. I have tried old guys work around and it works ok. Next time it occurs I will freeze and make note and let you know!
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #12 –
Maybe try some cold weather diesel additive,if you do change glow plus change all of them.Overcrank should be the one you get for this problem.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I run the Rotella full synthetic T6 5w-40 in the Cummins M11, Hydraulics for fans and power steering, and Kubota 4 cyl. in 10kw Generator. Never an issue.
How long have you been using T6 5w-40?
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Power tech 10 block heater

Reply #14 –
Quote from: TGordon –
How long have you been using T6 5w-40?
About 5-6+ yrs.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.