Though I love to tackle all things on my '87 300TD I have read enough forum threads on the block heater installation that I am having second thoughts about doing it myself.

It appears "heat" and "four-foot bar" have been mentioned more than a couple of times. Though I have access to a lift, torches and already have up to 3/4" drive with plenty of bars/cheater pipes, I am wondering if this is one of those jobs I should let the shop do.

From those that have been through it . . . opinions please.

__________________
Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.

Steve,

I saw a post recently that mentioned that all the 603 engines already have the heater installed. However, if it was not a northern vehicle, the plug may not be attached to the heater.

I'm going to take a look at the SDL for this because it was a Florida car. Maybe your 603 is the same?

Pardon my ignorance, but looking up in there doesn't look to me to be all that discouraging!

Granted, there is not a lot of space for a breaker-bar, but all I would think you need is enough space to move the breaker 1 inch in order to free it, then you can take small ratchet movements to get it off the rest of the way!

Or, is there something I'm missing here?

Brian,

Now you have me wondering and I am about to grab my trouble light. The car was not a northern car until I adopted it (maybe the other way around). I have had the sound panels off 3-4 times and never saw any sign of a block heater. One problem is, I was never looking for it I just knew I had not noticed it.

Nothing I would like better than to be able to come back in to my computer and say, "whoops . . . I must have had one eye closed."

Be back soon . . . and thanks for responding.

__________________
Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.

I'm going to do my own....now where in the heck can I get the wrench I nned to get the block plug out. Got a good deal on a gasket set I will pull manifolds off to clean the intake out well, will clean all the grease off and will have all the room in the world to do it from on top. If I can get the stinkin wrench.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

n
I hadn't caught the part about "not being a northern car" so now I understand your situation!

I too was not aware that all 87 300D's came with a block heater and if true, it is up in there and should make it's presence obvious as it appears in plain view on the 124. Brian's 126 (same location) but may be obstructed by view more.

Also, I should have mentioned that under the exhaust manifold and towards the rear of the engine block, looking up just forward from the exhaust to manifold connection, (on the side of the engine block) you should see a large brass nut, maybe 2 inches wide, and in the middle of the brass nut you will see two metal pins (AC electrical connection) 1/16" dia. spread apart 1/2" and a threaded surround to recieve the power cord w/screw bezle.

If not, you enter a whole new ballgame!

Brian (and the rest),

Guess I have to state, "whoops". The block heater exists. Now I just need to order a cord from Fastlane to make certain it works.

Never (knowingly) having had a vehicle with a block heater I envisioned it as larger than it is. Additionally, I wasn't aware that the cords were seperate items. Should have thought that one through since it would be like handling a dead snake if the cord had to match the rotations of the block heater while being threaded in.

Whew . . . if that wasn't a no-sweat job.

Thanks . . . what are the odds of my soon to arrive '84 300D Turbo having a block heater? Not that it will be run this winter but I do like to start my non-winter driven vehicles weekly.

Boneheaddoctor,

Though I am not certain because I didn't check it but I think it is a 19mm. That should mean you could use a 3/4" in a pinch (if you were nearby I'd loan you one of my many 19mm wrenches/sockets). You'll have to check the size though to make certain.

__________________
Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.

I love it when a plan comes together.

I've got to look at mine tomorrow.

The SD was a Florida vehicle as well and it did have a block heater, so, you might just luck out twice!

I know yours isn't a 124, but this thread may help.

Rgds,
Chris W.
author of the thread.

Let's Wire Up the Block Heater!

I've got the block heater installed on the 603 as well. Almost impossible to see it from the top. All I need is the cord. Follow above directions!

One beer job? How about a three Dalmore job? One before going under. The second after coming out from under. Saving the third for after the nitrile gloves come off and the work shirt is hung for the next project.

Cheers.

PS Did you happen to see my WTB for a used cord? Cheap or what? Figured if the block heater doesn't operate I will have saved myself some of the cost since a cord comes with the block heater . . .

__________________
Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.

What did you use to test the heater, to ensure that it works?

Does anyone have a picture of the block heater location? I have a 1983 300 SD but unfortunately my resources and especially time are very limited here at school. My car's already giving me cold weather problems though ie not starting and I have no idea when I will have time to tackle it.

__________________
W126 1983 300SD 286,000 miles and ticking
Baby blue exterior Grey MB tex
Recent work:
Replaced air cleaner mounting brackets and heat shields
Replaced alternator, fan and power steering belts
Replaced positive battery terminal
Replaced negative battery terminal and cord
New Duralast Battery

My car needs work.