Block heater tips
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
What kind of sealant do you recommend for the heater? I'm replacing mine and it doesn't come with the threads sealed. And I can't justify $30 can of gasoila for that little bit needed...
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
I haven't come across a write up yet for the Block heater replacement so I have a few questions. Do I need to drain the coolant in order to replace it? If I do have to drain it is this now a good time to change the coolant? I have read about others using some different coolant in the truck (Def Blue or something like that?). My coolant is green and no idea how old so if I have to drain it might as well do the full job right?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
You will need to either drain it down or prepare with a bucket under it and prepare for a glycol bath. If you leave it capped up top the bath would be more like a couple of glugs. It would be a good time to change it if you want to and if you want to change the type of anti-freeze you use you will want to flush well to remove all of the green stuff. I'm not 100% sure but I think that the only other stuff out there is orange and is something like ELC for extended life coolant. They are not compatible and will turn each other to gel if they get mixed.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
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From: Colorado Springs
If you have an E99 do NOT use ELC coolant. You will also need to add SCA and I would change hoses, thermostat etc too.
If you're not gonna flush coolant I read where guys have used a shop vac to help prevent coolant loss. I'm gonna have my gf help with the shop vac while I loosen/remove the heater.
If you're not gonna flush coolant I read where guys have used a shop vac to help prevent coolant loss. I'm gonna have my gf help with the shop vac while I loosen/remove the heater.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 125
From: Colorado Springs
Nope, it heats the coolant, there is some residual heating of the oil because of the location though.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2015
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If you wanted to add an oil heater, anybody have any ideas on where to do it? I don't like the idea of the "pads" stuck on the bottom of the oil pan, given how "fragile" the pans can be to begin with.
Maybe if you were already going to install a new pan anyway, having a block heater style fitting welded in near the bottom could work?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
The block heater heats the block... and heating oil in a pan below the engine doesn't accomplish this. The coolant is the only logical and safe thing to directly apply a heating coil to, powered by a 120 VAC extension cord.
The OTR truckers use the pads on the bottom of the pan. Those pads don't need to get burning hot like we're deep-frying a turkey - they just need to warm up to about 80 degrees F.
When replacing the block heater, all coolant must be drained. I drain the radiator, then I actually use the block heater with a bucket under it to finish draining the block.
The OTR truckers use the pads on the bottom of the pan. Those pads don't need to get burning hot like we're deep-frying a turkey - they just need to warm up to about 80 degrees F.
When replacing the block heater, all coolant must be drained. I drain the radiator, then I actually use the block heater with a bucket under it to finish draining the block.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
I assume this ELC coolant costs more. Is it worth the upgrade if I have to drain the coolant anyway? Since I have to drain to do this block heater I might as well change out the two? hoses so that they route behind the belt rather than through the belt.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
Here are two sources for hardwired smart wifi outlets, Rich, which are rated at 1,000 watts and/or 15 amps.
Quirky Outlink - Smart Wall Duplex Outlet with Energy Monitor-POTLK-WH02 - The Home Depot
http://www.a1securitycameras.com/ubi...FYUbgQodZrsEWg
...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 6
From: Marseilles IL
I have a similar setup for my block heater. I install security, fire alarm and video camera systems for a living so I have all kinds of this type of technology in my home. I have a Zwave outlet on my house for my block heater and use a 12 gage cold weather rated 25' extension cord. The Zwave outlet is programmed and connected to my alarm system so I can control the outlet through schedules or I can even have it follow sunrise and sunset. Turning the outlet on and off can also be done manually from my cell phone or any computer similar to the wifi setup Tugly is talking about. I also can recieve a text when the heater turns on or off if I want. I also have a heat sensor connected to my alarm under the soffit of my house where I plug my truck in at so if the block heater or cord were to fail and cause a fire the fire department would be called.