Anyone using Kat's or Zerostart lower rad hose heaters? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Zacharias · #1 09-21-2013, 11:12 PM

The Kats is the red unit that DieselGiant shows on its site in its how-to/sales promo. The Zerostart unit is a different shape, larger with an aluminum housing.

I ask particularly as the Kat's is the better size for a w123, but on Amazon there are way too many reviews that say the units only last from a matter of weeks to months. Sort of bizarre for a simple heating element in T fitting. So I am interested if folks here have experience with them.

Though Zerostart is a Canadian company their product isn't commonly sold up here. I mainly ask about them as the unit looks a bit too large and I'm wondering if anyone has installed one.

kerry · #2 09-21-2013, 11:26 PM

I have a ZeroStart in my 85 TD. Works fine (at least the last time I used it) and fits fine. Bought it for like $8 on Ebay.

ROLLGUY · #3 09-22-2013, 12:47 AM

I got my Kats lower rad hose heater from Amazon as well. I have not installed it yet, but my neighbor bought one and his works great. I also bought a Kats core plug heater (same element in the rad hose heater) for my Mitsubishi, and it has been working great for 2 seasons so far.

Zacharias · #4 09-22-2013, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

I have a ZeroStart in my 85 TD. Works fine (at least the last time I used it) and fits fine. Bought it for like $8 on Ebay.

Thanks for mentioning eBay. For some reason I only turned up a couple the first time I searched, all too large. Now I just found more.

Do you remember any installation issues?

kerry · #5 09-22-2013, 10:10 AM

Used existing hose. Had to put dishwashing liquid on hose to get it to slide over heater. Not a big deal.

funola · #6 09-22-2013, 10:20 AM

Why not a block heater in the freeze plug? Besides being more efficient, it is less of a fire hazard.

1project2many · #7 09-22-2013, 10:20 AM

We used to install Kats heaters in MT when we couldn't get an OE version. Never had a problem unless they were plugged in in hot weather or when the coolant level was low.

I actually saved the working KATS lower hose heater from my 116 and the OE block heater from my last 126. They're probably looking for a home.

kerry · #8 09-22-2013, 11:06 AM

Because removing the plug is a PIA and installing a lower rad hose heater is a cinch.

4x4_Welder · #9 09-22-2013, 01:03 PM

I ran a Kats brand in my Courier when it was still gas, and it worked fine for two years. Don't plug it in all the time, I just ran mine for about an hour or two before heading out in the morning. Best would be to have it on a timer, it also saves on electric use since those things do draw about 600w.

ROLLGUY · #10 09-23-2013, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

Why not a block heater in the freeze plug? Besides being more efficient, it is less of a fire hazard.

What Kerry said, and it is lower in the system than the one in stock location. The lower, the better (more efficient).

ROLLGUY · #11 09-23-2013, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4_Welder

I ran a Kats brand in my Courier when it was still gas, and it worked fine for two years. Don't plug it in all the time, I just ran mine for about an hour or two before heading out in the morning. Best would be to have it on a timer, it also saves on electric use since those things do draw about 600w.

Agreed on the timer. Just set it to go on a couple hours before you leave in the morning (or whatever time of day). I attach a cord to something so when I back up, it unplugs itself (both ends tied to something stout).

charmalu · #12 09-23-2013, 12:43 AM

Since the Block Heater has been mentioned, here is a thread on what is involved in removing the Plug.

The Thread.

THE Definitive Block Heater Coolant Plug Removal Thread

The DIY Wikki

PeachPartsWiki: Block Heater Removal

Charlie

funola · #13 09-23-2013, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

What Kerry said, and it is lower in the system than the one in stock location. The lower, the better (more efficient).

Easier to install yes, more efficient as far as heating the engine, no. It is more efficient at heating the radiator and heater core though. That's why lower radiator hose heaters are twice the power of block heaters, since it has to heat the block indirectly.