Putting a Block Heater in a 1984 MBZ 300D Turbo?
 

I decided to get a block heater installed on my 1984 MBZ 300D Turbo this morning. My buddy, who has been working on MBZ cars for about 30 years said he didn't want to do it because the plug is so hard to get out. I then called a radiator shop and was referred to a machine shop owner's son who does WVO conversions. The son grimaced and said he didn't want to do it either. His father explained the difficulty in removing the plug that has been in place since 1984, along with the possible damages that could happen -- stripped threads...

I have read many postings about block heaters, and even one about rigging up something to run the aux. coolant pump at the same time. BUT, I don't recall anyone complaining about the difficulty in putting a block heater on an old MBZ.

I need suggestions please. Any reputable mechanics in the SF Bay Area who do this?

I also see a couple lower radiator hose heaters:
http://www.dieselgiant.com/diesel_parts_for_sale.htm#Block%20Heater%20Kit
and
http://www.amazon.com/Kats-14400-Lower-Radiator-Heater/dp/B000I8TQ0O/ref=pd_rhf_p_img_1

What is the ID of the lower radiator hose on the 1984 MBZ 300D Turbo?

I had one of these hose heaters on a 1979 VW Rabbit Diesel in New England. I remember it used to get below 0*F and it worked just fine.

Thanks,
Paul

Do a search and check recent threads. I remember reading in a thread today that in the early 80's, MB shipped the diesels with the heater installed and all the dealer needed to do was install the proper power cord. Did the indy actually look at your block to see if the connection was already there?

You've got a point there. He did not because I called him with the request. The car came into LA from Germany and spent all of its life there until I got it. I suspect it did not have a heater installed. But it is definitely worth a look.

I read that a 5' breaker bar is required, plus heat, after days of soaking with WD40. But that freeze plug sure sounds good to me.

I just added a couple sources for lower radiator hoses to my original post.

Paul

Here's the thread I mentioned:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=240119

Thanks!

Paul

1 1/2" Zerostart hose heaters are available on Ebay for around $15. If you don't have a block heater already, don't bother installing one. Job of removing plug is risky and difficult. A hose heater will only take half an hour to install and it is almost as good as a block heater. Search on my name and hose heater to find a link to an Ebay seller I posted a few days back.