1982 240d block heater cord disintegrated - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

petecooke · #1 10-14-2018, 08:18 PM

I have 350k on my 240d and my block heater no longer works. I removed the cord and it crumbed in my hand.

Not sure if I need just a cord or cord/element.

Does anyone know the hole size in millimeters? I've seen different posts about 38mm, 34 mm and 33mm.

I would think all the w123's would be the same but I guess I'm wrong. I'd rather not pull mine out until I have a replacement. I was going to buy both the cord and the element just in case the element is also bad.

Thanks,

pete

Sugar Bear · #2 10-14-2018, 08:24 PM

Try the cord first, it is likely the problem. Changing the element can be tough if the fittings are seized. FWIW, those small factory block heaters are quite effective as they get the heat where it needs to be.

Are you running the original timing chain at 350k? Seen a few of them fail.

Good luck!!!

jay_bob · #3 10-15-2018, 09:10 AM

The cord is readily available at NAPA.

If it is the original cords from the 80s, it is no surprise that it crumbled. It is in a very hostile environment.

Measure resistance of the heater terminals with a meter, should be a few tens of ohms if good.

strelnik · #4 10-15-2018, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petecooke

I have 350k on my 240d and my block heater no longer works. I removed the cord and it crumbed in my hand.

Not sure if I need just a cord or cord/element.

Does anyone know the hole size in millimeters? I've seen different posts about 38mm, 34 mm and 33mm.

I would think all the w123's would be the same but I guess I'm wrong. I'd rather not pull mine out until I have a replacement. I was going to buy both the cord and the element just in case the element is also bad.

Thanks,

pete

This happened to me on a 1983 240D. I then replaced the cord, all is well. Depends how they routed the cord and whether they put additional plastic covering on the cord to protect from corrosion and salt like we have in Michigan. The cords are about 12.00 should be easy to find.

petecooke · #5 10-15-2018, 10:02 AM

I just ordered the cord. I should have it tomorrow. I'll let you know if it works. If not, I'll buy a new heater.

I'm not the original owner so I'm not sure about the timing chain. I'll have to measure the stretch to see if needs to be replaced.

What kind of plastic covering do you recommend putting on my new cord? Maybe heat shrink wrap would add additional protection.

Thanks,

pete

jay_bob · #6 10-15-2018, 01:39 PM

Polymer chemistry has greatly improved since the 80s. As long as you route it away from heat sources you should be good for another 30 years.

Most anything you can add to the cord will be less heat resistant than the insulation on the cord itself.

petecooke · #7 10-15-2018, 02:36 PM

Good point. I'll do my best to keep it away from the exhaust manifold.

I hope the car is still around in 30 years but I think that is highly unlikely given that it has some rust and I don't have garage.

pete

jay_bob · #8 10-15-2018, 03:27 PM

Just be careful to secure the plug. I failed to do that and one day my cord resembled the dog leash in National Lampoon’s Vacation.

vwnate1 · #9 10-15-2018, 11:53 PM

Will someone please post links to the part #'s at NAPA and anywhere else ? .

I've been looking for this power cord for a few years now and would like to buy three of them .

TIA,

petecooke · #10 10-17-2018, 08:55 AM

I bought this off amazon for $20.24 and it works perfectly. Unfortunately it doesn't come with the end prong cover like the original did.

Zerostart 3600001 Auto and Light Truck Replacement Cordset for Freeze Plug, Engine Block, Oil Pan, and Transmission Heaters, 5-Feet | CSA Approved | 120 Volts

The block heater now seems to work. I used my infrared thermometer and aimed it at the connection to the block and within 10 seconds it when from 60 degrees to 90 degrees. It's not really needed right now but I will be using it in a few months.

I need to also adjust the valves and check the glow plugs. I'll do a compression test when checking the glow plugs.

vwnate1 · #11 10-17-2018, 09:27 AM

? Are you sure ?.

I found it but application chart says " This doesn't fit a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Base Coupe 2-Door 3.0L 2998CC l5 DIESEL SOHC Turbocharged" .

I need three and don't want to get the wrong one .

I appreciate the help ! .

TIA,

petecooke · #12 10-17-2018, 11:05 AM

The cord fit my 1982 240D perfectly. ******** AZ list the same part number for the 2:40 and the 300cd.

I would be surprised if the court was different on a CD versus a D or a 240D.

If you have Amazon Prime, order one if it fits order two more.

If you have your old cord, post a picture of the connection. Maybe someone on this forum can verify that it will fit.

Pete