Can bad block heater cause boilover

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Dec 20, 2004 | 08:11 PM

lvictor2

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Can bad block heater cause boilover

Can an engine block heater cause antifreeze to boilover? I noticed antifreeze on the driveway after using the block heater...antifreeze has been changed recently.

Last edited by lvictor2; Dec 20, 2004 at 08:17 PM.

Dec 21, 2004 | 05:48 AM

Frobozz

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Sure, if it was really overfull, I guess it could do that. Or maybe there's a tiny leak around the block heater itself that gets worse when it's warmed up.

Duncan

Dec 21, 2004 | 02:50 PM

lvictor2

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After looking closer, I think it's leaking around one of the hoses...

Dec 21, 2004 | 03:36 PM

mech2161

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From: Morgantown WV

The engine heater doesn't produce enough heat to cause boil ever even in the most extreme heat.

Dec 21, 2004 | 10:08 PM

lvictor2

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I looked more carefully and saw antifreeze toward the radiator and overflow tank. Thanks

Dec 22, 2004 | 08:47 PM

missouguy

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I thought the block heater just heated the oil. The cooant in the engine would get heated a little by osmosis, but I thought the main objective was to heat the oil to help the injectors. Maybe I'm wrong, still new to this diesel stuff. When I use mine, it doesn't help the water heat much, it does warm up faster. It sure runs quieter though.

Frank

Dec 22, 2004 | 08:57 PM

Frobozz

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Quote:

Originally Posted by missouguy

I thought the block heater just heated the oil. The cooant in the engine would get heated a little by osmosis, but I thought the main objective was to heat the oil to help the injectors.

Nope, the heater sticks into the coolant jacket and heats the coolant. The oil might get heated a little too, but not much since it's mostly down in the bottom of the pan. Folks in really cold places like Alaska get oil pan heaters to go with their block heaters.

Duncan

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Dec 22, 2004 | 11:34 PM

missouguy

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Thanks, the day isn't waisted when you learn something new.

Frank

Dec 23, 2004 | 10:13 AM

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lvictor2

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I found out the radiator needs replacing...ugh!

Dec 23, 2004 | 12:43 PM

#11

Frobozz

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vancouverpower

Then what is that line going to the oil filter?

It's the cord going to the block heater, that screws in right above the oil filter. But just because it is located right above the oil filter doesn't mean it's not the coolant that it's heating! (If you want to prove it to yourself, unscrew it and see which comes out, heh heh heh...)

Duncan