Another block heater cord thread

[OM617YOTA]

PHOTO ADDED BELOW.

Howdy folks! I checked the cold starting links at the top, didn't see this mentioned.

I have a stock factory MBZ block heater in my engine, it came without a cord. Bought the Kats replacement block heater cord. If I push very very hard, the cord will insert into the block heater and as long as it's inserted as far as it will go(which does not appear to be as far as it SHOULD go, the plug does not appear to seat), it will turn on and heat. Wiggle the cord or the engine ever so slightly(like a cat jumping up on the fender) and the plug backs out a teensy bit, looses connection, and stops heating. Wiggle the truck a little more(like the cat jumping off the fender) and the plug comes out entirely.

I don't trust this thing to keep a good connection and operate unattended. If the worst it would do is maybe not heat the block, I'd say OK no big deal. I am afraid it would burn my truck down.

What's the best source for an OEM heater cord, and who could I beg or bribe to post a good photo of their block heater plug? I would like to compare how far the plug goes into the block heater on a good solid working model vs. my intermittent issue.

Any other ideas or tricks? Thanks all.

[JB3]

Id like to x2 this post.

Unfortunately nothing useful to ad as far as getting one, but im in the market for a new cord as well

[Chris W.]

There are a number of threads on this. The fancy OEM heater cord has a screw on cap which secures the connection very nicely. But that cord is quite expensive. I used the cheap cord and silicone rubber sealed it in place, which seemed to work OK.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 412K

[OM617YOTA]

Yup, went with the inexpensive cord myself. The cost of an OEM MBZ cord was greater than the cost of an entire replacement block heater, with cord. That would be the next step. I really want to stay with an in-block heater, vs a lower coolant hose heater.

I don't think my block heater has anything for a lock nut on a cord to screw to, I'll have to take a closer look tomorrow morning. Supposed to get snow, I'll be taking the truck to work tomorrow.

[whunter]

Here are the two types of cord used by MB.


$14 W210 diesel block heater cord solution.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/313575-$14-w210-diesel-block-heater-cord-solution.html


This looks suspiciously familiar.

Replacement Block Heater Cord, 251919, Fleetguard Cummins - Ryder Fleet Products

https://www.google.com/search?q=Fleetguard+Replacement+Block+Heater+Cord+251919&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a


.

[jay_bob]

The cord whunter linked to works, vstech had a few and hooked me up. Well he watched while I got under there and plugged it in...it is a snug fit but it will seal down nice and tight with the locking ring.

I would not use silicone here, it can trap moisture and cause problems.

[OM617YOTA]

Thank you Whunter. I'll have to get pictures - my block heater plug is more rectangular/squarish, with no lock nut. I found the Kats number here on the forums, will have to dig out my receipts when I get home from work and find the exact number.

I may just have to replace the block heater. I understand that's quite an adventure in these engines.

[Simpler=Better]

Originally Posted by OM617YOTA

Thank you Whunter. I'll have to get pictures - my block heater plug is more rectangular/squarish, with no lock nut. I found the Kats number here on the forums, will have to dig out my receipts when I get home from work and find the exact number.

I may just have to replace the block heater. I understand that's quite an adventure in these engines.

It's not too bad if you already have an aftermarket heater installed-which means it's been out before. If it's the stock one, a hammer to tap the head and a torch to preheat is necessary. Try and level down so you don't rip the motor mounts.

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

It's not too bad if you already have an aftermarket heater installed-which means it's been out before. If it's the stock one, a hammer to tap the head and a torch to preheat is necessary. Try and level down so you don't rip the motor mounts.

Rent a heavy duty impact wrench.

I bought one in an auction that cranks out 1000 ft lbs and it's pulled apart everything off a bulldozer that I needed done.

[OM617YOTA]

Here we go, pic of block heater and gratuitous overall view of truck w/ a dusting of snow. Another 5" of snow expected today.

Obviously I don't have the stock block heater.

[funola]

Originally Posted by OM617YOTA

Here we go, pic of block heater and gratuitous overall view of truck w/ a dusting of snow. Another 5" of snow expected today.

Obviously I don't have the stock block heater.

Looks like a stock block heater to me per #31 in this thread

engine block heater

If the pin spacing is the same, you may be able to cut down a round cord end to rectangular and it may just do the trick.

[MBeige]

I have a similar issue. Tried to reinstall the plug after removing the cord for cleaning. (looks like I have an identical problem - same cord, same plug, same problem)

The reinstallation did not feel confident (like it could fall off any time). In fact during my wrap up (did other things) I snagged the cord ever so slightly the the plug just came off.

[OM617YOTA]

Originally Posted by funola

Looks like a stock block heater to me per #31 in this thread

engine block heater

If the pin spacing is the same, you may be able to cut down a round cord end to rectangular and it may just do the trick.

Good eye! Yeah that's it, and that's exactly the cord I have, also from Napa. Just ain't working. I think I'm going to try and remove some of the rubber material from the cord to get it to plug in better without interference, and some zip ties across the points of the hex nut to hold it on. Failing that, it will be time for a magnetic block heater.

[OM617YOTA]

Going to go with a couple magnetic heaters. I'll put it off until the next cold spell is upon us and by then I'll probably be wishing I had bought while there was time. An added plus is that the magnetic heaters will work on other stuff too. My gas vehicles would appreciate a block heater when it's seriously cold out.