Engine block heating - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ATATEXAN · #1 09-25-2003, 06:44 PM

I have a very cold one car garage with an attached carport. Does anyone have any suggestions of an overnight way to keep the engine relatively warm? I have a 1986 190E 2.3-16 and a 1994 E420 but can't drive both at the same time! I believe that only diesels were sold with an engine block heating set up. What about these "gas" cars?

myarmar · #2 09-25-2003, 07:47 PM

There was a coolant pre-heater available for E420. It replaces drain plug in the engine block. It is 500 Watt and 220 or 115 VAC.
Not sure if it would work for 190E. Ask you dealer.
Reg. Mike

neileg · #3 09-26-2003, 08:39 AM

The old way was to use a sump heater. This was a very low output parrafin (kerosene) burner that you put under the oilpan overnight. I threw one of these away when I cleared out my father's garage a few years ago.

ATATEXAN · #4 09-26-2003, 08:43 AM

I am very grateful for the help as well as the creativity! The new oil-filled heaters may be the modern substitute for Mike's referenced parafin sump heater.

When I remodel my house, Priority 1 is a two car heated garage.

blackmercedes · #5 09-26-2003, 08:50 AM

There is an engine block heater for EVERY MB sold. Every car sold in most parts of Canada is so equipped. They're usually about $50 and install in about an hour. They work VERY well. Even at -35 my car makes heat before I back out.

#6 09-26-2003, 09:09 AM

What black mercedes says is true. Pretty much every manufacturer makes a block heater for every car (gas or diesel)-we (as consumers) just don't know about it. Many parts dept. employees at dealerships don't know it exists either. Your finding out is dependent upon their scope of knowledge of their parts. The best thing to do is to call a dealer in Canada (in this case MB) and ask the same question. Ask them for the part # and order it through a local dealer, or order it through Canada. I had to do that with an Audi 100 gas engine sedan a few years ago. I do know for a fact that MB make a block heater for a 1992 300E, for what that's worth.

jim16671836 · #7 09-26-2003, 09:15 AM

I think you can also buy a heater that is 110 that goes into your
system between the block and the radiator and is sold at all the car parts such as Napa, Autozone and others...

finn · #8 09-26-2003, 09:27 AM

I have block heater (Defa) in my 380SE, it will reduce fuel consumption and it saves engine in cold weather. With cold I mean ambient below +6 C. Above this temperature there is no point to use block heater as it will only increase your electricity bill.

Jackd · #9 09-26-2003, 10:00 AM

Block heater in Canada is almost as popular as tinted glasses or A/C in the US.
Any auto-parts store or car dealer have them in stock for most cars.
For a 103 engine, retail price at Benz dealer is $Can42.50.
I had one installed on my 1989 260E about 10 years ago. I also have a temperature activated electrical switch and timer(110Volts) that will activate the block heater if
a) temperature falls below the predetermined temperature (in my case, I choose -10C) or
b) at a pre-determined time of the day/night.
There is no reason to use the block heater at higher temperature or all night. 2 hours before start-up is enough.
jackd

ATATEXAN · #10 09-26-2003, 10:13 AM

I think I need to hire Jackd as a consultant/buyer for all the parts and system design he speaks of in the email. My local M-B shop are scratching their heads over this one....

Indy is plenty cold enough in winter to have these devices but everyone acts like it's relatively balmy in winter.

myarmar · #11 09-26-2003, 10:31 AM

Ask you dealer to search for this document number in the WIS:
EA20.01-P-B3ES-00X

This is installation instruction for the pre-heater.
Mike

Jackd · #12 09-26-2003, 10:41 AM

And the block heater is available from FastLane,
Part No.: Z6002-105690, $60.19
jackd