JD 4020 Block heater testing?

[SamV]

Group, I have an OEM block heater on my 1968 model and I was testing the Ohms and it tests out at about 35 ohms google says 5-40 is good. I don't trust it so I am just confirming here. Also is more Ohms better or less?

Sam

 

[Jim.ME]

35 ohms would be about right for a 400 watt, 120-volt heater I believe.

 

[ss55]

Group, I have an OEM block heater on my 1968 model and I was testing the Ohms and it tests out at about 35 ohms google says 5-40 is good. I don't trust it so I am just confirming here. Also is more Ohms better or less?

Sam

Is that the oil pan heater or a coolant heater? Warm oil helps once you get the tractor running, but will not warm up the combustion chambers or do much if anything to improve starting. A 1000 or 1500 watt coolant heater will help starting a lot more than the oil pan heater can.

 

[Jim.ME]

Location of a block heater can affect the size element that will fit in the block. 400 watts is not an uncommon size for in block heaters, as many are located between cylinders, and there is no room for large elements.

 

[matthies]

Location of a block heater can affect the size element that will fit in the block. 400 watts is not an uncommon size for in block heaters, as many are located between cylinders, and there is no room for large elements.

On a 68 4020, it would be an external heater as the block doesn't have frost plugs. JDParts lists 240 watt oil pan heater and the external 1500 watt coolant heater.