Need info on lower hose engine heater - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

showme · #1 12-11-2008, 12:50 AM

I've been scouring the search tool for awhile, plus other sites on the web, and I'd like to know if anyone has used a universal lower radiator hose type engine heater. If so, what size hose is it? I read on one post that it's a 1 1/2" diameter, but when I looked up some Katz heaters on Amazon, it said the 1 1/2" size won't fit an 81 300D. ?? Also, do these types of heaters have thermostats in them to cycle them, or are they on continually? I saw the one at dieselgiant, but as someone said, $90 is pretty steep when a guy can buy one and install it himself. Is there something better about Dieselgiant's that makes it worth that much? ONe more question...What wattage is usually used in these heaters? I've read everything from 200 to 1500. What's enough for an occasianal 0 degree night, and usual 20+ nights?

pizzachef · #2 12-11-2008, 07:48 AM

Mine is from NAPA, however I've never been able to find them on their website by searching. I had to put in the part number to get it to show up. And now I don't know what the part number is...I looked around a bit, can't find anything.

I think it is 1-1/4" (but could be 1-1/2", you'll have to measure) and its a tight fit. Its thermostatically controlled and works pretty well. I think its in the area of 500 watts. I can plug it in for an hour on a really cold morning (low 20's - teens) and starting is noticably easier, although I usually just leave it plugged in all night.

Someone just had a thread about a tank type heater that circulates the coolant. It taps in the lower hose and the hose leading to the heater near the oil filter. If I was to do it again, I put in one of those.

Sorry, I know I haven't given you any definite answers, but its all I've got this early in the morning.

TchTchr · #3 12-11-2008, 09:30 AM

I got mine from Diesel Giant a couple of years ago. It does not have a thermostat that I know of. I put mine on a timer to turn for about 3 hours before I go to work. No need to heat all night long. That equals $$$$$$$ gone.

kerry · #4 12-11-2008, 09:56 AM

1 1/2. The hose is slightly smaller but 1 1/2 works. Search on my name and lower radiator hose heater. I posted a link to an ebay seller a few days ago. Around $15.

showme · #5 12-11-2008, 10:32 AM

Thanks for your help, folks! I appreciate the info.

Jeremy5848 · #6 12-11-2008, 12:52 PM

The Diesel Giant kit (my '85 has one) comes with an already-cut new lower radiator hose, power cord, etc. It does not have (none of them have) a thermostat. It's "ON" all the time when plugged in. BTW, the factory block heaters draw about 400Watts while the radiator hose version draws about 600. When I use mine, I set a timer to turn on about four hours before I plan to drive the car. With a warm block, the car starts instantly and as a bonus the heater is already warm enough to throw some warmth into the passenger compartment.

pizzachef · #7 12-11-2008, 01:05 PM

I thought the box for mine said it had a thermostat, but I'm not positive.
I spend the extra few cents of electricity every night to not have to go out in the cold in my PJ's to plug in the car.

Looks like I was also wrong on the 1-1/4" diameter

I'm on a roll today. I should probably avoid doing any critical calculations today.

Graplr · #8 12-11-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzachef

I spend the extra few cents of electricity every night to not have to go out in the cold in my PJ's to plug in the car.

That is what a timer is for. I plug mine in every evening when I get home. It automatically turns on at 5am. A few cents a night will add up to the cost of a timer over the winter season plus you are not wasting electricity.

showme · #9 12-11-2008, 04:38 PM

Ok, I've narrowed it down to a few. I know Zerostart is a good brand that will last. I found one on the web for about $35 +shipping. I beleive it's the same one on Dieselgiants set up that he sells for $90. The Katz 1 1/2" model 14600 is down at the local Tractor Supply Co for $22. My question is, has anyone ever had any problems with either type? I noticed the Katz doesn't have a replaceable plug in line, like the Zerostart does. (Pull it off and it might be scrap) Plus the Zerostart looks like it would fit in a tight spot better. Doesn't have the T shape that the Katz does. Last thing is, who usually sells Zerostart lower radiator hose heaters? (What stores or places that would be local everywhere?) THanks for the input! Lee

Jeremy5848 · #10 12-11-2008, 04:52 PM

Start with the better auto parts stores – NAPA or equivalent in your area, then try the home mechanic auto parts stores – Kragen or whatever is in Missouri.

strelnik · #11 12-11-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by showme

Thanks for your help, folks! I appreciate the info.

Guys,
I just talked to Roy HUnter, who is the Master Mech on this list and saw the power train he put in a new 126 rust free body. The engine included a lower radiator hose heater. PM him and ask what he's got. He can probably also get you a deal.

My 240D has a block heater-- slow but ok. Three hours makes it start like spring at below zero temps.

S

showme · #12 12-11-2008, 08:00 PM

I just got on the Zerostart information site http://www.zerostart.com (neat site! The application guide and product catalog in the 'engine block heaters' section is a big help) awhile ago, and it said that it will shut off at a certain temp so as not to damage the engine. I think it would be great if they would kick in about 32F. Or maybe I could rig a temp control switch at the outlet. Anyway, I appreciate your help and input. I'll see if I can get Roy's attention. Thanks!

davekaro · #13 12-11-2008, 09:15 PM

Thanks for all the info! It's helped me to find a local auto parts store that carries the 1.5" zerostart hose heater. The store is called Decker Auto Parts ( deckerautoparts.com ). Will have it installed this weekend hopefully.

whunter · #14 12-14-2008, 04:12 AM

Post# 1. link #1. and post# 4. may help you.
You should be able to get a new one for under $35.00

Cold weather starting links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=137674

showme · #15 12-14-2008, 12:38 PM

Thanks, Roy. I think I"m going with the Katz down at the Tractor supply company for $21. The zerostart, which is what I'd rather have, is at a store that isn't in Missouri (Autoparts 2020), and as far as I can tell, they don't have shipping on their site, so close and cheap beats not at all by a mile. We're supposed to get hit by an ice storm tomorrow, but right now it's 50+ out, so I think I'll get to it. Thanks, guys!