Block heater question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TnBob · #1 03-17-2010, 04:07 PM

Ive got a 300DT and wondering if a non turbo heater from an OM 617 300CD will fit mine.

I would think it would being a 617 but thought I'd check.
Thanks

Chas H · #2 03-17-2010, 07:53 PM

I've installed block heaters in both and they were, IIRC, the same part. I remember the turbo models had easier access. But I must warn you that an engine as old as yours may not take kindly to being disturbed. If the coolant has been changed regularly you may have a chance of removing the plug from the block without damage.

TnBob · #3 03-17-2010, 08:50 PM

Thanks for the input !

vstech · #4 03-17-2010, 08:53 PM

yeah, I've read here that removing a block plug is akin to lifting a bulldozer with your bare hands... I'm sure with enough of a lever it can be done... but where are you gonna swing that lever under the hood of a car?
propane torch heating the block to an unhealthy temp can help...
is the heater in the car bad or is there no heater from the factory?

kerry · #5 03-17-2010, 09:47 PM

Lower radiator hose heaters are your friends.

b2948kevin · #6 03-18-2010, 12:54 AM

Agreed. Kerry has the right idea. You can get an inline radiator hose heater that will do the trick. DieselGiant sells these.

I've always wanted to rig a system that would plug the block heater in automatically. I was thinking of some contacts that hung down under the license plate and mated up to some stationary contacts on a contraption on your garage floor which were plugged into the wall. Anyone ever think of anything like this?

Chas H · #7 03-18-2010, 01:01 AM

A friend had a short cord to plug in the block heater. If the driver forgot to unplug, the short cord did it when the car backed out of the garage.
As far as anything automatic, if plugging in the block heater is beyond the capabilities of the driver, I suggest moving to a place were a block heater is not needed.

TnBob · #8 03-18-2010, 01:02 AM

Im starting to think the lower hose heater is a good idea.
Had a shot a the block heater but it went too high.

Chas H · #9 03-18-2010, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TnBob

Im starting to think the lower hose heater is a good idea.
Had a shot a the block heater but it went too high.

I also think the lower hose heater is the best choice for your car.

bluebird · #10 03-18-2010, 01:26 AM

I tried for 3 days to remove the plug in the block. Then I took it to a shop. The mechanic at the shop removed a steering link to have room to swing the lever. He used a L shaped Allen wrench long end down and put a 7 foot long pipe on the Allen wrench and pushed with all his weight, it didn't work on the 1st try but it did work on the 2nd try. Watching his face while trying to move that pipe was interesting. I thought he was going to explode. That was $100.00 for installation only I already had the heater. I felt very good about it as it couldn't have been done on Jack Stands. During the 3 day attack I tried 3 different impact guns 2 different hoses and 2 dirrerent compressors to no success. I moved the vehicle to the different locations to try the different compressors.

Chas H · #11 03-18-2010, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebird

I tried for 3 days to remove the plug in the block. Then I took it to a shop. The mechanic at the shop removed a steering link to have room to swing the lever. He used a L shaped Allen wrench long end down and put a 7 foot long pipe on the Allen wrench and pushed with all his weight, it didn't work on the 1st try but it did work on the 2nd try. Watching his face while trying to move that pipe was interesting. I thought he was going to explode. That was $100.00 for installation only I already had the heater. I felt very good about it as it couldn't have been done on Jack Stands. During the 3 day attack I tried 3 different impact guns 2 different hoses and 2 dirrerent compressors to no success. I moved the vehicle to the different locations to try the different compressors.

That sounds right. I have a dedicated 3/4" drive 19mm hex that I use with a 6' pipe and a pencil clenched between my teeth. I do it from the topside.

vstech · #12 03-18-2010, 09:03 AM

that just doesn't sound like fun to me.

kerry · #13 03-18-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chas H

That sounds right. I have a dedicated 3/4" drive 19mm hex that I use with a 6' pipe and a pencil clenched between my teeth. I do it from the topside.

All the while praying that the natural tendency of cast iron to crack does not occur in this instance.

latitude500 · #14 03-18-2010, 10:50 AM

I ended up installing a radiator hose heater in my 87 300sdl, I purchased just the heater element from http://www.dieselgiant.com/coolingsystem.htm#Block%20Heater%20Kit. It’s worked great and I ended up installing in when a new lower radiator hose in less than an hour. I have it on a timer so I don’t have to worry about it. I set it up for 2 hours before I live in the morning and the car is up to 85-89 degrees.
This might also be a good time to do a flush on your coolant system.

TnBob · #15 03-18-2010, 11:50 AM

Silly me... I was assuming the MB engineering would have had a brass plug there.

From all the comments Id have to say that my assumption is false.

Thanks guys !