OK, I've been through the search threads, but I need some advice. First, it sounds like it could be a bear to get the freeze plug out of the block. I'm trying to visualize just getting a tool up in there to get a pull on the darn thing. Next, what size allen\hex wrench do these plugs call for?? It looks huge!
The car came with a new zerostart block heater, unopened, and I'm now assuming that the previous owner didn't want to tackle it. Is there any way to find out if the part I have is matched up to the block threads before I attempt to remove it. (Key word here is attempt.) Anybody have any tips on the easiest way to accomplish this? What tools will I need for the job? How much would the dealer scalp, er, charge me to do this procedure? Thanks for any and all comments. I don't know which looks worse, the freeze plug or the block drain! Thanks in advance for the replies. Lee

__________________
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do." Goethe

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1951 Chevy 3100

2003 Indian Chief Roadmaster

1983 GMC 1 ton Dually

1982 Chevy 1 ton Dually, service body (sold)

'90 GMC Suburban 6.2 "SS Veg-Burban"
(single tank WVO\diesel conversion) SOLD

'81 300D ~ Mama's car...my job (now my car)(but still my job) SOLD

'83 300sd ~ rescue car SOLD

2005 Ford Taurus (Mama's new car)(NOT my job!)

I would not attempt it. A Zerostart 1 1/2" lower radiator hose heater is available for about $15 on Ebay. Takes about half and hour to install. Not worth the headache to mess with the original. I'd only consider it if the engine was out of the car and the heater readily accessible.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I have the lower hose heater from Dieselgiant and it works great. I also would not mess with the plug in such an old block. It's just not worth the hassle and risk.

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'81 300CD - 180K, cannot be killed by any conventional means
'99 Ford Escort - good MPG

That's all I needed to hear. My truck has one, as does my daughter's 240, which was probably factory. I figured just the tool to get it off wouldn't be worth it, as I'd probably never use it again. This, plus the idea of knuckle-busting something that could turn out to cause more problems than it's worth made it iffy, at best, to me. Now to get on craigslist or ebay to sell the zerostart. Thanks, guys.

__________________
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do." Goethe

***********************************


1951 Chevy 3100

2003 Indian Chief Roadmaster

1983 GMC 1 ton Dually

1982 Chevy 1 ton Dually, service body (sold)

'90 GMC Suburban 6.2 "SS Veg-Burban"
(single tank WVO\diesel conversion) SOLD

'81 300D ~ Mama's car...my job (now my car)(but still my job) SOLD

'83 300sd ~ rescue car SOLD

2005 Ford Taurus (Mama's new car)(NOT my job!)

I agree with the rest, a lower hose heater is a better option if you don't have a block heater.