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.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

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.

__________________
98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (123k)
13 GLK250 (135k)
06 E320CDI (323K)
16 C300 (62K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)

That plug can be a bear to remove.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

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.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

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...

__________________
$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

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.

__________________
"Knowing is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do." Goethe

***********************************


1951 Chevy 3100

2003 Indian Chief Roadmaster

1983 GMC 1 ton Dually

1982 Chevy 1 ton Dually, service body (sold)

'90 GMC Suburban 6.2 "SS Veg-Burban"
(single tank WVO\diesel conversion) SOLD

'81 300D ~ Mama's car...my job (now my car)(but still my job) SOLD

'83 300sd ~ rescue car SOLD

2005 Ford Taurus (Mama's new car)(NOT my job!)

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

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

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

Kats makes several. (one company.)

__________________
1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

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

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=1303482&postcount=3