'95 E300 block heater part number - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dtf · #1 02-09-2018, 04:51 PM

I think the block heater cable to my '95 E300 is shorted. I get open ohms but bending the cable at the plug I get anywhere from 28-90 ohm.

I found a Temro part number of 3600001 online somewhere and that said that the block heater plug was standard with the car but you had to buy the cable for install and this was the correct part number.

can anybody verify this or help me figure out how to fix the cable? I just called Temro and they don't have my car listed for parts.

I need this to work b/c my glow plug harness is shot and I plug in block heater wherever I go.

thanks

ESchwab · #2 02-09-2018, 06:00 PM

I have learned from previous threads on this site or the MBCA site that NAPA sells the block heater cord for a better price than you get from a Mercedes dealer.

I have a '98 e300 that has a block heater that has never been used. The owner's manual or other materials that came with the car when new stated that the block heater cord did not come with the car but would be furnished by the dealer free of charge if requested, that may explain the reference in your second paragraph.

There is a technical article on installing the block heater cord that might help you.

PeachPartsWiki: Block Heater Wiring

shertex · #3 02-09-2018, 06:41 PM

An aftermarket cable should be readily available. FWIW I routed mine up instead of down so the plug is near the expansion tank. Just seemed easier than the recommended way. We're in a very safe neighborhood so I'm fine with the hood being up.

That being said, I never use mine....but it's nice to know it's installed.

Texasgeezer · #4 02-09-2018, 07:06 PM

Zerostart 310-0105 is a part # for full kit
Zerostart & temro catalog does not show part # for just the power cord ( that I could find )

I would probably cut off the old plug & put a replacement plug on the old cable. Just mark which wires go where.

This shows one guy doing something similar:

How To Replace The Plug On An Extension Cord Or Power Cord

Appears to have been originally made in Canada but they closed the plant in 2012

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-block-heater-plant-shutting-down-1.1178759

This link talks about heater cords & has a link for ordering a cable that might work: (3600008)

https://mbworld.org/forums/diesel-forum/603521-where-my-block-heater.html

ESchwab · #5 02-09-2018, 11:54 PM

My car has always started well without a block heater -- some winter days have been around zero degrees. The only times I would have used one is when I had two bad glow plugs in cold temperatures one winter. The car started, but ran really rough for 20 to 30 seconds until all cylinders were firing, like it would tear up the motor mounts. I figure I would have had smoother starts with a block heater.

dtf · #6 02-10-2018, 08:44 AM

Awesome links. Thanks for helping out brother! I will try the new plug first this morning.

dtf · #7 02-10-2018, 10:04 AM

Ok got the plug cut off and reading 28 ohm on the bare wires. The ground is green wire but the other two wires are the same color so it does not matter which terminal they go to
silver or gold right?

Texasgeezer · #8 02-10-2018, 01:31 PM

The heater part is typically not grounded as far as I know. The heater will heat whether or not you wire the two current carrying wires to match original or reverse them because you don't know. The ground is probably important to get correct if it was used originally.

Reminds me of my electric water heater elements. They used to burn out every few years and would cook out sediments from the water because they got so hot. I rewired my heater so they worked in series ( not in parallel ), and now both heat at the same time but with reduced heat for each element. Works perfectly and now they haven't burnt out and no sediment buildup. There are just two of us and we've never had a problem with water not being hot enough. Also used the curly 'sandhog' type to spread the heat across a larger surface area. Also expect water heater to last longer because of less extreme heat cycles.

Don't know why water heater companies don't have that option during install. It does extend life of elements and does reduce sediment buildup.

dtf · #9 02-10-2018, 05:21 PM

New plug is on and tested at 28 ohms. The old cap needed some adjusting but that fits now too to keep road grime off the terminals.

Touched the plug in the block after about 20 minutes of being on and it was pretty hot

so I know it's working.

Beer time! Thanks guys!