Help installing ZeroStart Heater
 

'79 300D

OK, I purchased a ZeroStart coolant heater, but am unsure where I hook into the coolant system. Below are pics of the unit I purchased and the area where I'm guessing I need to hook in. I think I've got where it comes out of the block and into the heater but I don't see a real good place to come out of the heater and back into the block. Or do I have this backwards?

Should I pickup before the thermostat and go into the block???

See attached pics. Thanks in advance and any references to posted pics of units already installed greatly welcomed.

Bill

its always to the lower hose.

And as close to the block as is practical (to minimize heat loss)

Good luck,
Jim

That is a weird looking unit. The best heater goes in the lower radiator hose and is easy to do. I like simple as long as it works.

I have a Zero Start similar to the one pictured except round. It does not go into the lower hose.

This is what I did on my 82 300SD.

Zero start sells a fitting that screws into the block drain. Take the drain out, screw the new fitting in. Mount the heater on the frame directly across from the fitting. Connect a hose.
Along with the heater came a plastic "y" fitting. The "y" fitting goes into the hose on the driver's side of the engine that comes from the heater valve. The top of the "y" is connected to that hose, and the the other top leg gets connected to the top fitting of the zerostart. The lower leg of the "y" goes into the hose leading to the cylinder head. I simply cut the hose to install the "y".
You have to be careful in the hose routing. The hose can not have a loop - it must always travel flat or uphill from the zerostart. The zerostart heats the water, and the hot water rises.
Mine works great. I have a full voltage timer hooked up to turn on the heater 1.5 hours before I leave for work. It was minus something this am, and the zerostart coupled with my battery heater, the car started as if it were summer out.

Pictures of drain plug location on '79 300d
 

Hey guys,

Does anyone have a pic of where the drain plug to put the adapter for the zero start heater unit is on a 300d? I think I'm with the directions and the de-bugging y'all have done so far, but just can't find the dang plug. :) Sorry. Know its a stupid question.

Hannah C.
Christiana, TN

no so stupid, it hard to spot from the top, easier to see from underneath.

Its simply a bolt head sticking out of the passenger side of the block... below the airbox mount, above the motor mount, towards the rear of the block. Bee :D careful, even after youve drained the radiator, fluid will still come roaring out of that drain hole and splash you in the eye.



As far as this type of heater, it sounds more logical than one connected to the radiator, but it also sounds like a longish run from the passenger frame rail to the drivers side rear cylinder head area... one might consider insulating this hose.

I'd seriously consider a cooling system flush and fill b-4 installing a heater. I would think it would contribute to the longevitity of the heater.

I maybe wrong but isn't that bolt the timing chain tensioner?
I think that I would tie it inline with the hose at the rear of the head.
Otherwise, I would get the heater that goes right into the passenger side of the block.

The directions with zero-Start are specific.

From the drain hole, up to the heater, up to the block inlet above the injection pump using a y pipe, mounted in such a manner that the two tops of the wye point toward the block. Hose should always be going up or level.

Works great on mine. Used the Zero-start block adaper and wye. Mounted the block heater inlet just above the horizontal level of the block drain, right next to the battery box. Ran the outlet hose up and around the back of the valve cover.

I posted some pics here:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/203048-recommendation-oil-heater-617-turbo.html

Maybe that helps. It wasn't that hard and it works great.