Sorry for this newbie-type question. I have a 1985 300TD turbo wagon but Euro grey market version. It came with no engine black heater, or for that matter, no frills. Its manual everything (vs. power windows for US version).

Anyway, I've owned this wagon for a good 4 years now, pretty much living with no engine block heater while living in New England. The car of course won't start up when the temperature dips below 25 degrees F, even with brand new glow plugs and proper diesel, the car just refuses to start.

By contrast, I also own a 1983 300SD. In the middle of last winter, when it was below 10 degrees outside, because of the block heater, the car started at first crank even when the glow plug fuse went, and one of the plugs was bad as well.

I see that block heaters can be bought really cheap, and that they are supposed to replace the radiator plug. Am I right? Do I need to drain all the radiator coolant first? Are there any installation instructions/tips/tricks I can follow?

IanMB,
Though you should do a search on this subject, like you, I am going to install a block heater in my MB.

From reading several other threads on the topic, the block heaters that go directly into the block are the best. This would require draining the cooling system first, since the point of installation is about as low in the system as there is.

I will probably take it on for the experience though from what I have read, it will be a tough one. Not complicated but rather hard getting the freeze plug out.

Do a search and I will do likewise again. Place the links to the threads/posting in here.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=84332&highlight=block+heater+installation

What part of NE are you located?

__________________
Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.