block heater install
 

trying to install block heater,what size is the the allen to remove the plug also size of wrench for heater element thanx in advance chris (617-912)motor

There are a fair number of people here who think it is better to install a lower radiator hose heater rather than try to get out the block plug. I've done it on 2 MB's. Radiator hose heaters are almost as good as block heaters and only take about half an hour to install.

already bought part :(

I actually witnessed a guy that cracked the block of an OM615 while trying to remove the hex plug to install a block heater in the early 1980's.

He couldn't get the hex plug to budge and kept adding extensions to gain leverage, IIRC he finally added six foot pipe extension to a 3/4 inch ratchet for the ultimate in mechanical advantage... and broke the block!!

Sorry for the hi-jack, I'm not sure of the size of the allen hex bolt, I'd guess its 30-40mm.

That plug can be a bear to remove.

I use an oil pan heater which worked very well last winter. Just adheres to the bottom of the oil pan and it cranks and starts right up in the dead of winter here in Wisconsin. Don`t have room for a lower radiator hose and don`t see how they can work good being on the closed side of the thermostat.


`85 190D

When I did a search, several folks mentioned 19mm in the posts. Also, Autozone seemed to be the source for a set of 15,17 & 19mm allens. There were several techniques referred to for easing the removal.

Thanx blue wil try, and post results.

Does anyone know the thread size and pitch of the plug/block heater? I've got a spare one that came with the car but I can't tell if it's the right one to use...

lowflyer, where'd you get your oil pan heater? I have a brand new, still in package block heater that came with the wife's 300D, but after hearing the general populations opinion of an install on an older motor, I'm NOT putting it in. So, where'd you get yours? How much are they? Is it stationary or do you have to remove it every morning? Thanks.

I put a lower radiator heater (the Diesel Giant kit) in my '85 and it works well. There's enough flow and heat transfer through the thermostat to warm the block. It's not as efficient – the radiator heater has a 600 Watt element while the factory element is 400 Watts but it does work.

I have also heard that the factory plug is a bear to remove. Warming the block with a propane torch might help. My California version with the trap cat means you can't even see the plug much less get at it.

You might consider installing a radiator hose kit and selling the factory heater on eBay – that's what I did a couple of years ago.

Jeremy

there are magnetic and adhesive mounted heaters for oil pans available.

Kats makes several. (one company.)

19mm was the right size for the the plug. and yes it was a bear to remove!! I had to use heat and leverage to break it free (and luck) but I did get it out. wouldnt want to do that again. one more question does anyone know the wrench size for the heater element

where does the block heater go in on the motor? i have a 82 300d
any pics?
thanks