Cold start aids for Perkins diesel

[Water Dragon]

I recently acquired a Perkins 4.108. It doesn't have the cold start aid installed (the flame plug that goes in the intake manifold). I'm in Alaska and I need this engine to start reliably even in sub-freezing temps. I'm considering two options:

1. Install a flame plug in the intake. Do the flame plugs have an internal valve that lets the fuel flow? That is, do I just need a small reservoir that gravity-feeds to the plug; no pumps or external valves?

2. Remove the head and drill/tap it to accept a glow plug for each cylinder. Anybody ever tried this?

[slowpoker]

Yes; The Perkins 4.108 have, as an option, a type of flame preheat using diesel fuel and an electric glow plug that you could add onto the intake pipe under the squirrel cage filter dome. Look online, on Perkins diesel sites, for this type of pre-heat for cold starts. Easy installation too.
Don't even consider tapping onto the head for glow plugs, heads are hard to find if you wreck the one you have and it will cost you 20x more $ to do, than the flame preheat I mentioned. Stay warm and safe.

[Excalibur5]

My father used Perkins flame preheaters on his 6-354's here in Juneau, and they did make cold starting easy. No idea how hard they were to install.

[Lepke]

I like block heaters better if you have shore power. You can put them on a timer, etc.

Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Bloc...2M-p1g&vxp=mtr
$35 + $8 shipping.

Also Thermocube on Ebay. Turns on at 35°F, will handle 1800 watts. Also works for heaters, heat lamps, etc. Farmer thing.

[bletso]

I just use a heat gun at the intake. Fires right up.

[Scott Berg]

Even a shot of WD-40 may do the trick!

[newhaul]

You could try an air intake heater like what cummins uses.
https://www.ebay.com/i/292257755399?...D1375695435209

[_andi_]

There is also a range of diesel heaters available, pricey but well worth the money if you want to heat the cabin at the same time. Just set the timer/hit the remote and arrive to a nice and toasty boat with the engine already warmed up...

Planar Heaters. Engine Heaters
Planar Heaters. Air/Engine Heater Combo