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?

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1984 300D

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

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

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.

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

He already bought a Block Heater.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

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...

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82 300D 225k

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

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82 240D Manual 277K and still rolling!
02 Volvo S60 AWD For Sale

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.

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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

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?

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1984 300D

?? 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

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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

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

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Regards,
Ian White

1995 E300 Diesel w124 OM606
2014 E550 w212 M278 biturbo

2001 BMW 740i E38 M62 (past)
1981 300SD w126 OM617 (past)

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.

Aftermarket block heater

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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

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.

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1981 300SD, 270K, two tank wvo system
1985 300D, 288K, california version
1985 300DT wagon, 315k, broken odo

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.

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82 240D Manual 277K and still rolling!
02 Volvo S60 AWD For Sale

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

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1981 300SD, 270K, two tank wvo system
1985 300D, 288K, california version
1985 300DT wagon, 315k, broken odo