Hi,
How hard is it to install a block heater in my 1984 300SD without using a torch to heat up the threaded block plug? I don't have a touch.
A local mechanic told me He used heat and a 4' cheater pipe on a breaker bar on a customers car and gave up, He said He was afraid of breaking the block? Are these really this bad?
Thanks for any input on this.
Jim


1990 350SDL 248,000 Daily
1984 300SD 241,000 Daily
1983 300SD 220,000 Parts car

Yes, its really that bad, and you do risk cracking the block if its really in there. At this point the plug has essentially fused/welded itself into the hole.....so its a real pain to try to remove. Another option is a magnetic lower oil pan heater, or a lower radiator hose heater. Do a search on the forum and you will find info on them. Those are way easier to install and generally do the trick by adding enough heat to a cold engine to allow it to start easier.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Ok, I will take it into a GOOD MB shop, MBI in Portland Oregon, I have tried the hose type heater and it only lasted about 6 months.
If they ( MBI ) Can't get it out then I will look into the Magnet style.

I am near Toronto, Canada. It can get really cold here. I put one of these on my 85 300TD. I am not that mechanical, but I found it easy to install. It smokes a bit the first time you use it each the winter, because I have the typical oil leaks. I gave me a bit of a scare until I figured out what it was

http://www.padheaters.com/index.html

I think it's the way to go.

Peter

DieselGaint has them.

Have you given this model a try?

http://www.dieselgiant.com/coolingsystem.htm#Block%20Heater%20Kit

__________________
Professional greasecar installer
Austin TX


98 Jetta TDI with grease car kit + veg-therm (totaled)
87 MB 300SDL running on B99 / greasecar kit + 30 fphe
www.austingreaseguys.com