Any use a block heater "just for the heck of it?" - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kerry · #1 01-24-2013, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graplr

Really? I've never had a lower radiator heater but I really haven't noticed faster heat in the cab using any block heater I've had. It helps with starts but it is not like the coolant ever gets close to operating temperature. I was never scientific about it but it always seemed to me to be no difference in getting heat in the cab. Now the Webasto's, that is a different story.

That's interesting. On my 77 300d, you could hear the block heater boiling the coolant--it sizzled--and the vents would produce warm air immediately. Not fully hot, but warm. The temperature gauge would jump up once I turned the key on. It doesn't do that with a lower radiator hose heater.

Zacharias · #2 01-25-2013, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

That's interesting. On my 77 300d, you could hear the block heater boiling the coolant--it sizzled--and the vents would produce warm air immediately. Not fully hot, but warm. The temperature gauge would jump up once I turned the key on. It doesn't do that with a lower radiator hose heater.

If the block heater is working you should hear 'sizzle' as it gets hot within about 10 seconds of it being plugged in (assuming the surroundings are quiet).

I agree that it makes a huge difference to the starting temp on the gauge. I as soon as I start up, the temp gauge needle my 300d is about on the lower bar. However, I don't feel the air coming out the vents is warm for a while.

I never had a rad hose heater but my w116 SD had the circulating Zerostart tank heater installed. That was the cat's pajamas, nice warm air right away.