white smoke on a cold day during 8V71 Detroit diesel engine start

[witold933252763]

Need to install block heaters on my Detroit 8V71 diesels.
Any help with where to install them and what heater elements to use will be greatly appreciated
Wit- 58' Yachtfisher.

[jim rosenthal]

Google Kim HotStarts...

[witold933252763]

Thanks Jim
Problem solved!

[Bob Quinn]

I don't know if that is the same company as Hotstart.com?
anyways, they seem pretty helpful, I'm trying to upgrade mine now.
I believe these two spots is one option on where to hook them in.
One is a heater, the other a temperature sensor.
I don't know if I like this setup as the sensor is very close to the heater, and I think I have read it should be on the opposite side of the motor.
Unless you are not using temp controlled units, then it probably doesn't have a sensor and that would be irrelevant.

This is where mine is currently hooked in.
20221110_152803.jpg

[madhatter1]

I do building controls so have access to many sensors and controllers. This winter as part of my engine room upgrade I am going to add temp sensors and control to block heater circuits to keep the engines set at 90 degrees. Perfect temp for starting but not too warm. Hot temp control is for generators that need to start and switch to full load right away.

I'll post what I come up with. Will keep it very simple. Could come in handy for boats up north in the winter. If power goes out better to start with a block at 90 degrees than in the 30's or 40's. Thermal mass will give at least more time to get to the boat and take care of it.

[Bob Quinn]

I do building controls so have access to many sensors and controllers. This winter as part of my engine room upgrade I am going to add temp sensors and control to block heater circuits to keep the engines set at 90 degrees. Perfect temp for starting but not too warm. Hot temp control is for generators that need to start and switch to full load right away.

I'll post what I come up with. Will keep it very simple. Could come in handy for boats up north in the winter. If power goes out better to start with a block at 90 degrees than in the 30's or 40's. Thermal mass will give at least more time to get to the boat and take care of it.

Would you have any suggestions to be able to have a dual temp capable system? Like lower temp for storage and moisture control and high temp for pre-starting?

[Captain Ralph]

I don't know if I like this setup as the sensor is very close to the heater, and I think I have read it should be on the opposite side of the motor.
This is where mine is currently hooked in.

I do question that installation. Don't think the rest of your engine ever gets any heat.
On our 12V71TI Detroits, the heater is down near the oil coolers and the thermostat is on the far water manifold,, THE other side of the engine.

I know your picture is a Detroit, just can not recognize the model. ??

[jim rosenthal]

I use Wolverine oil pan heaters on my Cummins diesels. So far, so good.

[Bob Quinn]

I do question that installation. Don't think the rest of your engine ever gets any heat.
On our 12V71TI Detroits, the heater is down near the oil coolers and the thermostat is on the far water manifold,, THE other side of the engine.

I know your picture is a Detroit, just can not recognize the model. ??

8v71ti's
Yeah I don't like the setup, the coolant tank ends up pretty hot, at least in the summer.
I think I might take a laser temp gun and see what the opposite side reads.
Ironically the setup on there has only a very short connection for the temp sensor. So a different cable setup would be needed.