Replacing the block heater.

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Dec 6, 2010 | 08:08 AM

ttexastim

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From: Texas

Replacing the block heater.

Last spring my block heater plug blew out. Luckily I was only a mile from home and when I got home, I was almost overheated. Tried adding anti-freeze to the engine only to hear it dumping on the ground. The peice that goes on the back that holds the plug in had somehow softened and the entire thing just came out. I priced a new one at the time, and it was 75 bucks. I had just fixed the entire GP system, so I opted for a 3 dollar freeze plug instead of the new heater.

Since I now only have 5 glow plugs due to tips broken off and stuck in the gp slots, I've been thinking of trying to find another block heater and install it. So ... the question I have is ... Is it possible to replace that plug/heater without having to drain the entire cooling system? I'm gonna check my local junkyard and ebay to see if I can locate a heater for cheap.

In the meantime, my truck is still running well. I keep hoping to hear those GP tips shoot out. Hopefully they will one of these days!

Dec 6, 2010 | 08:51 AM

1994F2507.3L

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Joined: Mar 2010

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From: Higginsville, MO

dont opt for cheap junk yard part on that because well who's to say its going to work and no there is no way to change it without draining the antifreeze first go to orielly they had them for 45 bucks

cheap is not always and almost never the best way to go when buying parts especially parts that take some real work to change like changing a block heater having to drain the antifreeze first thats a pain in the *** or glow plugs always motorcraft glow plugs due to the breaking tips and swelling of other brands

Dec 6, 2010 | 08:54 AM

Country_boy_2007

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2010

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From: Kville, ohio

yea just buy a new one and find a few clean buckets to drain the antifreeze into so you can re use it

Dec 6, 2010 | 08:54 AM

farmert

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From: western SD

There is no way to replace the block heater without draining the engine block. You might be able to pinch off the lower radiator hose to keep the anitfreeze in the radiator, but the easyest way is to drain the system. If the antifreeze is clean you could catach it in 5 gal buckets and reuse. Another option would go to a tank type heater that goes in the heater hose, youy won' loose to much water putting in one of those. here is what I'm refuring to http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...080_0297552506. I have use this type on tractors for years.

Dec 6, 2010 | 09:58 AM

ttexastim

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From: Texas

Thanks for the replies. I can handle 45 bucks. I'll have to see if my O'Reilly has it for that price. Thanks for the idea's and tips!!

Dec 7, 2010 | 05:23 PM

ttexastim

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From: Texas

Found this part for 12 bucks. Is this product crap??? Anyone use it?

Amazon.com: Kat's 11605 600 Watt 38mm Frost Plug Heater: Automotive

Dec 8, 2010 | 10:21 AM

farmert

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From: western SD

Kats is a good product, but I think that one is a little small. You should have this onehttp: 1000 watts will heat it a little better.http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...+50028+2028028