M35A2 Cold Weather Starting problems

[greenjeepster]

What's the military block heater?

"swingfire" heater

 

[MasterChief]

In reply to Heavysteven:

I may have used the incorrect term for "Military block heater". If so please excuse me.
It is a heating element ( looks like one from a domestic electric water heater).
The unit fits into the multi fuel engine block water jacket and plugs into 120 V.A.C.

Eastern Surplus www.easternsurplus.net/ part number MA3-600
( I find them to be a good honest company to deal with.

 

[MegaMetaMech]

I am new to "posting" so I hope errors will be overlooked...
I agree with"joec" that the JATONKA setup is good.
I live in northern Maine and plow with my Deuce.

1967 multi fuel turbo diesel.
I have no cold ( and I mean COLD - like minus 20) starting problems.
My procedure is an ass pain but works well:

Clean those fuel filters of water - just like in the manual!!
Use a quality diesel fuel aditive
keep ALL electrical conections sterilzed clean - not just at the batteries , all the way to the starter!
(special note: check the ground cable from the starter to the frame)

Watch the fluid level in the battery cells - refill with distilled water.
Only do so above freezing!

I use the military "block heater" for the water jacket
And a (U.S.A. made) Wolverine brand oil pan heater.
And a (U.S.A. made) heating blanket around my batteries.
All three heaters are hard wired into one plug that is controlled by an automatic temp. sensing outlet that prevents unnecessary use.

Some may call this "over-kill". Hey- call it what you want!
My Deuce works for a living!
I need dependable starts in ANY weather.
I have had NO problems starting even at minus 20F!

I can provide details and part numbers if it would help anyone.

I have the same truck, same temps (currently -30) and my stupid self is running half waste motor oil which is probably solid at this temp. Trying to get it to start, but I would very much love to see those part numbers so I can copy your work. Hopefully you’re still around in 2026!