Advice on installing a block heater
 

I've recently purchased a block heater and want to install it before winter comes. Does anyone know of a good tutorial / walk-through guide? I'm wondering if it is better to install it from under the car or above? Also, what size is the hex wrench I need to remove the cold-plug on the engine wall?

First check...
 

I'm not sure they all come with plugs but I know some of them do - even if they don't have the wire plugs connected.. .so first check on the Passenger side (I believe) for any plug sticking out with terminal connections, the go from there. Check out www dot dieselgiant dot com - he may have a pictorial on it... can't rememeber.

Edit: just checked and yes - here you go: http://www.dieselgiant.com/mercedesblockheaterinstall.htm

James

I'm assuming you have already double checked your car does not have a block heater? Sometimes they are installed but the cord is missing. Then it is just a simple matter of installing a cord.

Also, I'm assuming this is an OEM block heater that will fit in the plug?

If you were sure you didn't have one and hadn't purchased one I would advise you to buy a radiator hose heater. I've never installed one into the block but from what I've read, it seems it can be a bit tedious.

I don't think there is much to it, but just has limited space. You will probably want to remove the air filter housing and perhaps other things to get as much access as possible. Use a long breaker bar maybe even extend the bar with a length of long pipe and use heat if needed.

He already bought a Block Heater.

I put in a block heater a couple months ago with no problems. i happened to have the turbo and manifolds off because i needed to put another turbo on my car. that made it real easy to get to. I think it would be difficult to access from below. I believe a 3/4 hex fits in the plug nice and snug, and i used a 4 foot steel pipe for leverage and it came loose no problem...

The "linky" explains installing a aftermarket in hose heater . . .my preferance, but not much help if you want to put in an original!

My advice is to get your money back on the block heater and buy a lower radiator hose heater which can be installed in 20 minutes.

Well, the cost of the traditional block heater is much less than the radiator hose heater, although the labor involved is probably greater with the traditional block heater. Eyeguy, did you get the freeze plug out from under the engine or over?

?? I've bought a number of lower radiator hose heaters for my MB's on Ebay in the $15-25 range.

http://cgi.ebay.com/KATS-Lower-Radiator-Hose-Heater-Fits-1-1-2-Hose_W0QQitemZ370282772598QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item563692b876

Looks good, what is the I.D. of the MB diesel lower radiator hoses?

Not sure but I believe the 1 1/2 works. I've posted the size I used in other threads on lower radiator hose heaters.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/1687314-post5.html

anyone know the wattage rating on the oem block heater vs. the coolant heater? i'd be more concerned about the energy usage than the purchase cost.

ive read about block heaters that install through freeze plugs, has anyone attempted this? it seems a freeze plug might be easier to get out than a stuck block heater plug.

I believe I have read that they are 400w factory . . .I have a 1500w lower hose heater . . . on a cold day (25f+ for me) it is 60c in 1.5 hrs.

Sounds like the lower radiator type is the one to get. What size is everyone using? Is it 1 1/2"?