So since as vanagon drivers we all do know about bleeding odd systems, I could use some thoughts (by pmail is fine) from smart folks.� My little Bobcat 443B is getting long in the tooth powerplant wise (a Kubota 3 cylinder diesel.)�� The end result�to�this is, that warm it still starts fine, but under 30F it is a bear, under 10F impossible.� Bobcat in their infinite wisdom blocked any possiblity of installing the intended block heater when they installed this in the Bobcat compared to a Kubota tractor or marine application.��2 years ago I siliconed on a 500W pad to the block, and for�1 season it helped to about 10F, but we have been having a long subzero snap this year, and this is what I plow with.� With big wind blown drifts, I've neglected keeping up because to start it I have to run an electric heater under a heavy sleeping bag for about 6 hours at the moment.
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So I started thinking alternatives, dipstick heater, etc, then sat there wondering why I hadn't thought about using a "lower" radiator hose heater.� Thing is that the Bobcat is a bit odd in that both radiator hoses basically exit their respective locations (pump and thermo port) make hard 90's then go straight up as the radiator is mounted horizontally about 2 feet above the engine.� So I don't think I'd have any issue with bleeding or air pockets, but I'm wondering if it would heat much as the lowest location I could install it�where the "lower" hose straightens out is probably actually at about the level of the upper hose leaving the thermostat flange.� I don't know how these really work (if they do) I presume in a sort of heat rises manner, and if it won't gain me much I don't want to mess with it.� Basically all the coolant in the block us well below where I could install it though all of the radiator is of course above it.� No real way to
 conveniently do a tank style (pumped) heater unfortunately, as no heater of course, and it would be even more of a PITA to install T's to get a pump type heater in.
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Any opinions greatly appreciated.
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TIA
John