can anyone give an experience on installation of a block heater for cold weather starting on a SD. If this is beyond a decent backyard mechanic is their other suitable options..heater circulator or magnetic oil pan heater. our winters are mild but still get in the 30s and high 20s. thanks for any suggestions

the best thing we ever did in nebraska where it gets rellay cold is putting a heater in the garage. just my 2 cents

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Dan Younes
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1985 euro 500sel 223k
1986 420sel 86k soon 2 be
1981 300sd 285k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 140k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 295k
1994 S500
(hopefully someday)

It should be in place from the factory.
Otherwise, there is a blank plug in the block which is removed and replaced with the heater.

Connecticut has a similar temp to you and mine starts like a charm after 30 min of heating. [Of note, I did recently replace the 5 glow plugs and the relay]. I have a switch to my garage in the house so I flip it on when I know I'm going somewhere.

good luck

Gregory Acampora
'83 300D-T 150k

Installing a block heater is a fairly simple job - even if you are not sure which end of the wrench to use :).

In your area I would not even consider a block heater. I do not use heaters on either of my diesels and have never had a problem. Last year I was able to glow the 240D a couple of times and start her right up on Christmas morning.... it was -9F at 7am. :eek:

Keep a good battery in the car and glow her an extra time or two before starting on very cold mornings.... you should not have problems.

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William
76 240D (W115) - 550K miles
78 300D (W123) - 200K+ miles

While this is a simple job, it is best left to a garage who can put the car up on a lift and use a LARGE cheater bar to remove the freeze plug. It's not gonna be an easy one to get out and the last one I put in took three of us wailing on the cheater to break the plug loose in the block. If you attempt it on your own, good luck! Hope you're a strong guy!


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo