With winter just around the corner, and only doing shortish journeys most of the time, I was thinking about investing in a block heater for my '85 500SEL (117.968).
I understand that the same block heater fits pretty much all Mercedes from the late 60's up to 1992 or so.
When I had my engine out of the car, I cant recall the big plug with an hex opening that the block heater would screw into. Can anybody tell me whereabouts it is on my engine?

Also, being a V8, are there two of these openings, and is it worth installing two heaters?

Thanks.

Yes, you're correct about the heaters fitting most of the vehicles.

I can take a look under my 560SEL later today if you'd like to see where the freeze plug is located.

One is sufficient, 2-4 hours really warms stuff up.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Yes, i'd really appreciate that, thanks. I'd like to know what i'm getting myself in for before I go draining all of the fluid out.
How hot on the temp gauge does it get after a few hours with the heater on? Does it give you heat in the cabin straight away?

Its probably not a bad thing that i'm choosing to do this soon.... I noticed last night that my water pump is getting noisy, so i'll have the fluids out anyway.

Not sure on the heat as I haven't used the block heaters in my Diesel vehicles yet. FINALLY installed the one in my 300SD and the SDL one I didn't need last season (car was out of service until March).

Be sure to use the proper light yellow Xerex or MB coolant when you do the water pump. Do the belts since you're in there.

Another consideration, the M116/7 love to fail due to broken timing chain guide rails. If you haven't done them, I'd set aside an afternoon. The driver side are the real killer. Plus you get new gaskets too.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

The car I pulled the engine from had the timing chain/tensioner replaced by MB specialists, so you would think that they also did the guides. I'll check when I do the cam oil feed tubes if they look new or not.
Belts weren't on my shopping list, but i'll add them too, along with new upper/lower rad hoses and heater hoses.

I usually use the red/pink antifreeze by BASF 'Longlife for aluminium engines'. I get this locally for a reasonable price, and all my cars seem to agree with it.