Anyone ever install a block heater in a 240D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

strelnik · #1 01-09-2017, 11:12 AM

I bought a 1983 240D from a fellow forum member and the car runs fine. Yesterday I pulled it out to start it and run it for the winter.

It was 9 degrees.

At first I thought it had no block heater cord, so I bought one. Imagine when I looked underneath and saw no block heater!

I started it after changing the oil and cranking a lot with the new 0W40 oil in the engine.

But I want to put a block heater in it.

Has anyone installed one in the block? I could probably get one to fit the lower radiator hose, but would ultimately want one in the block.

Your thoughts on an in-line block heater and on the difficulty of installing a screw-in block heater in the side of the engine.

Thanks!

kerry · #2 01-09-2017, 11:51 AM

There are stories on here about having a very difficult time removing the plug to install a block heater. When I considered this option years ago, I went with a lower radiator hose heater. I was happy with the choice. Not quite as a good as a block heater but perfectly adequate down to about 20 below zero in my experience.

t walgamuth · #3 01-09-2017, 11:51 AM

The proper ones screw into the side of the block just in front of the starter. It'll likely take a four foot breaker and a lift to come up from below. The plugs are a biotch to unscrew.

jay_bob · #4 01-09-2017, 12:56 PM

Yup

THE Definitive Block Heater Coolant Plug Removal Thread

Hit Man X · #5 01-12-2017, 01:19 AM

If the 616 has a freeze plug bolt like the 617 Turbo, I sprung for a 3/4" drove, 19mm allen socket. Made the job a snap, ran about $40 I think. Made the job easy once I pulled the turbocharger and starter came out too I believe.

Sure, I live in Texas but it does drop into the upper teens at times in the winter. I plug it in usually under about 45°F as it is less wear on the motor and I like having heat when it first starts.

Maybe we can work a deal for you to borrow the socket. Drop me a PM

strelnik · #6 01-12-2017, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

If the 616 has a freeze plug bolt like the 617 Turbo, I sprung for a 3/4" drove, 19mm allen socket. Made the job a snap, ran about $40 I think. Made the job easy once I pulled the turbocharger and starter came out too I believe.

Sure, I live in Texas but it does drop into the upper teens at times in the winter. I plug it in usually under about 45°F as it is less wear on the motor and I like having heat when it first starts

Maybe we can work a deal for you to borrow the socket. Drop me a PM

Thanks for the offer.
I have two possible alternatives depending on what happens this weekend. I am off for 4 days.
(both will be done after using kroil and tapping the brass plug (and draining the cooling system):

Alt #1: Use a long extension on 1" drive 3/4 socket with Allen wrench inside. Power this with Makita 1" drive impact delivering 1024 lbs-ft break torque. That might loosen things up.

Alt #2: Use portions of set up in Alt #1. Remove starter . Slide socket + extension into place, heat with Mapp Gass (just brass) flex loose using 8' bar with assistance from second person.

Let you know next Wednesday

Alibi flash: Has anyone thought about drilling a hole in the center of the plug, then using a Sawzall or Dremel? You could make multiple cuts and pull it out piece by piece.

jay_bob · #7 01-12-2017, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

Alibi flash: Has anyone thought about drilling a hole in the center of the plug, then using a Sawzall or Dremel? You could make multiple cuts and pull it out piece by piece.

Sorry that just screams "BAD IDEA" to me...way too many chances for error here.

dude99 · #8 01-12-2017, 01:33 PM

Seems like a high chance of buffering the threads and having a leaky plug... I'd just have a shop do it.

tyl604 · #9 01-12-2017, 02:00 PM

Why not just put a drop cord under the engine with a 75 watt bulb?