Let's Wire Up the Block Heater! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carrameow · #16 01-03-2005, 12:20 PM

from the cord to the heater, because as time goes on the heater gets tarnish and the connection goes bad.
I do this a lot on my connectors on both my Volvo and Mercedes..

mgt83300D · #17 01-03-2005, 04:08 PM

are block heater normally installed in older models too? I'm wanting to put one in my 83 300D. Where is the element located or where would I have to install it? In a freeze plug?

Pete Burton · #18 01-03-2005, 04:17 PM

there is a threaded hole in the block above the starter which the block heater can be screwed into. "All" you have to do first is remove the threaded plug

mgt83300D · #19 01-03-2005, 04:19 PM

thanks for the reply. I'm "on the hunt".

dieseldiehard · #20 01-03-2005, 04:55 PM

Needed some blue wrench, right? I just learned that my '85 300TD doesn't have a Block Heater. My '79 does and I wish I had driven it to Texas and back, it was pretty rough starting one day last week when it was down to 25 degrees. I tried once to install a BH in a W123 300D, I had a big hex wrench in the plug and with a long extension pipe I was able to lift the engine up off the mounts (including tranny) but it never broke free. I figured it wasn't worth busting my back in order to install a heater I probably never needed. What a job! OTOH if I lived in colder climates I would have gone for the torch. Still, a terrible job! I am happy that MB is installing them at the factory now, have one in my '87 300D in case I ever drive back in the cold belt.....Brrrrrrrr!
1971 220 (gas) 4-spd manual 106441
1979 300TD w/ ’85 turbo engine 296650
1983 300D 243280
1985 300TD 223470
1987 300D 262300

#21 01-03-2005, 05:35 PM

I would almost say don't even try this job without the following:

-A good allen wrench (19mm) and a cheater bar (lenthen's the handle lenght of the allen wrench
-A reasonably hot torch
-Perhaps some ice?
-A BFH (Big f'in hammer)
-Perhaps some penetrating lube.

When you put the heater and adapter in, do us a favor and put a dab of anti-seeze on it

aklim · #22 01-03-2005, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris W.

When in doubt, just call or email to Phil. He's superbly responsive, and the price is always competitive, IMHO.

Rgds,
Chris W.

I would advise against using Phil under certain CIRCUMCISIONS tho.

Mainly when it is a prophylactic part order. For instance, if I think one of the 5 hoses is leaking and so I order all 5. Well, I am a cheap bastard and if I can get away with changing 3, I will return the other two. It would probably cause more problems to do than going to your local shop and buying all 5 and later returning 2. Not sure what his take on it is but I would think it would be an inconvenience for him.

bullwinkle · #23 01-03-2005, 07:52 PM

I'd put some grease on/in the connector at the block heater-mine was getting a little corroded looking (%$#! road salt!); I'd be tempted to anti-seize the element if I ever had to take it out.

Jadavis · #24 11-19-2006, 04:07 PM

Thanks again for this document!

It has been two years since you put it up, but it is still helping people out. I looked up and thought I saw the plug cover, but after doing a quick search, finding your thread, then reading/looking I was sure that I was in the right spot.

Thanks again!

-Jim

Jadavis · #25 03-22-2007, 11:07 AM

Bump and a little info.

From what I just read on another thread there is a good reason for the different prices on the cords.
$70 at the MB dealer - extra heavy wire, with heat shielding insulation, with retaining screws.
$32 at the MB dealer - heavy wire, no heat shield insulation, with retaining screws.
$14 from fastlane - regular wire, no heat shield insulation, no retaining screws.

I have the one from fastlane and it works fine for me. If I was going to do it again the only change I would make would be to put some silicone sealant around the plug to seal out junk and help act as a retaining screw.

-Jim

Bio300TDTdriver · #26 03-22-2007, 10:26 PM

Here is the cord with the retaining ring, insulation and plug cover. I didn't get it from the dealer.

Chris

Bio300TDTdriver · #27 03-22-2007, 10:31 PM

Here it is installed.

Bio300TDTdriver · #28 03-22-2007, 10:33 PM

I wire tied mine as well.

Bio300TDTdriver · #29 03-22-2007, 10:39 PM

All done.

Bio300TDTdriver · #30 03-22-2007, 10:42 PM

Mine had quite a bit of corrosion after 20 years. I sprayed it out with brake cleaner and let it dry before I hooked it up. How did I know if it worked? I could here it running almost as soon as I plugged it in.

Chris