Our trustworthy mechanic does not want to mess with installing a block heater in my 81SD for fear of cracking the engine while trying to remove the plug, which he says is nearly fused on if the car is 15-20 years old...
The MB dealer says, however, that it "can be a ***** to remove" but didn't warn against any potential problems.
Any anecdotes ?

Use a torch to heat the plug first (real well) Then give it hell. It will come out.

------------------
Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks, Benzmac.

VA300SD, where did you find a 19mm (3/4)allen wrench? I have a 1981 300d and want to install block heater and the plug is a 19mm.

Hehe, I remember three of us laying on a huge breaker bar trying to remove the freeze plug with the only outcome being a broken socket! They definitely are a pain to get out, but with lots of heat, as Donnie said, it should be relatively easier to get it out. Good luck!

------------------
Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8

Mark B.

I haven't even gotten around to the allen wrench yet, but Sears will be the first place I'll check, even if I have to order out of the Craftsman Tools catalog. I'll order an extra one just in case. I hope to use a pipe as leverage if the allen wrench is long enough and room allows this.

I'm wondering if anyone else is bothered by their block heater cord hanging down below the front bumper and accumulating icicles, salt, etc. My snowthrower has a nifty receptacle mounted right to it that lets you plug in the extension cord. I know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but ...

Robert W. Roe
1984 300SD 167K mi


[This message has been edited by Robert W. Roe (edited 01-22-2000).]

Another question: is there any reason it would be bad to keep the block heater plugged in whenever my car is parked? It's been below 20 deg. F the last week or so. Does the heating element burn out relatively quickly, like a light bulb? I guess I'm asking if anyone has ever seen a working one fail internally.

Robert, I have teenage daughters with a 240D and 300D. They plug their cars in each night from early December thru March. The heater control circut comes on at 3am and shuts off at noon ( only pay 2.6 cents kWhr). They have been during this for 3 years without a problem as the block heaters only draw 4amps each.

VA300SD, If you don't want to take out the freeze plug then try a "Katz" block heater
they splice into your radiator hose and circulate your antifreeze thru the block.
Ive seen them at Autozone.




------------------
Paul
1992 300TE 4MATIC

Hi, Paul -
Yes, that may be the route I may take.
Our mechanic friend has intalled numerous radiator hose units in older diesels over the years and it costs only around $20.

To Robert -
I understand the block heater draws only about 100 watt bulb's worth and it's only a heating element loop, shaped like a very very small electric charcoal starter.

I've seen figures of both 100W and 400W for block heaters' power consumption.

Lower wattage would be more like it since all it does is warm the antifreeze, but I must confess 100W figure comes from what I read in newsgroup exchanges and what the local mechanic told me, not from specs that come with the unit.
Benzmac to the rescue with clarification ?

I have one of the OEM approved heaters in the package. there isn't any rating on it anywhere. It's made by Zerostat (sp?) of
Canada.

VA300SD--I have been to Sears and over 20 other stores, tool dealers, etc.. trying to find a 19 mm or 3/4in allen. I have already, in anticipation of finding a allen wrench, spraying penetrating oil on the plug. I also have a full bottle for my torch. I may give up and get the in the hose type. Don't know, sounds like it may have leak potential.

Mark
81 300D

If no one can find a 3/4...19mm allen wrench then you will have to create. Go to a truck equipment store and buy a 3/4" OD deep lugnut and use with a 3/4" impact socket. It
is cheaper than driving to 20+ stores and paying up the gazoo for a one time use tool!

TobiasMB
300SE, 300CE, 190/5.0