Did all 123 diesels come with the block heater? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 09-18-2003, 04:55 PM

Hi,

I am curious, I know I started a thread a while back about block heaters, and a tank heater was determined to be the best. However I see on fastlane that there is a heater that threads into the engine somewhere that sells for $50 and then a heater cord as well.
I dont have the cord, so I dont know if I really have a heater. Where should I look to find it? I understand its somewhere by the starter/manifolds.
Did all cars come with a heater? I get the feeling that is the case from this thread, although the first poster is talking about a 124 car, and the replier has all 123 or older cars: MB diesel block heater thread

But I dont know what year range they are talking about. If so I guess all Id need is a cord, which would be really great... I doubt the heater ever got any use, being that the car spent all its life in NJ, but Ill be making some trips with it up to northwest Canada this winter, and I dont want to just rely on my diesel fuel additive and delvac 1 motor oil.

Thanks,

JMH

Hawk180 · #2 09-18-2003, 04:59 PM

The block heater on the 300D should be in the block just above and forward of the starter. I you see a plug with a recessed hex in it, then you have no block heater. There is a heater kit on e-bay right now up for bid. You can get a new one from fastlane for about 50 bucks so keep that in mind if you bid.

JHZR2 · #3 09-18-2003, 05:02 PM

Thanks,

But I hear its really hard to do that install, nearly impossible to get that plug outif you dont have a lift, a long cheater bar, and a really good allen key for it.

JMH

Hawk180 · #4 09-18-2003, 05:05 PM

My only suggestion would be to find a good, reputable shop to do the replace for you. I'm not from that part of the country so I can't recommend anyone except for maybe the Mariatzi brothers in Cambridge MA. They do a good radio show anyway.

madsen · #5 09-18-2003, 05:21 PM

LOOK UNDER THE FRONT OF YOUR CAR BETWEEN THE FAN AND THE RADIATOR. WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS A SILVER COLORED SHEATH THAT WILL BE COVERING YOUR CORD. THEY GENERALLY WIRE TIE THEM TO THE TANSMISSION COOLER LINES AND THE RUN THEM UP THRU THE BACK OF THE GRILL. I FOUND MINE AFTER I INSTALLED AN OIL HEATER THAT IS USED TO HEAT OIL IN AIRPLANE MOTORS . NOW WHEN IT GETS COLD I JUST PLUG BOTH IN

LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND IT

JOHN M

#6 09-18-2003, 05:31 PM

To answer your original question, the original diesels did not come with a block heater. They came with a coupon for a free kit to be installed at the dealer at the 1000 mile check. It was up to the owner. People in south, most didn't get the kit, in the north, well, you know.

Hey, did you graduate UD yet? Hope all is well....

Toblin · #7 09-19-2003, 06:11 PM

The block heater is a simple 100 watt coil (ever seen those cheap things that are used to make one cup of hot water?). They go into a freeze plug hole. The freeze plug hole is threaded and the unit screws right in. But I really think you need a lift to do this. Those old freeze plugs require allot of torque to get them to move. And I you haven't figured it out already, you'll get a coolant bath in the process. A good time to get this done is when your are having your antifreeze changed.

I'm in Jersey too. With an older diesel, in our type of clime, I think block heaters are mandatory. (Weather wise; if you live in NJ: You can live anywhere)!

Toblin
'79 300D, 231K, (Now running like a dream)