Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
I have no experience with these on a Mercedes diesel (living in the mild PNW now), but when I was living in upstate NY I installed a hose heater on my Volvo 122S. I would power it up when I got up in the morning, leaving it on for about an hour. The car would start right up and the heater and defroster would blow warm as soon as the engine started up. Installation was easy. As long as the heater was installed vertically convection would carry the heated water throughout the engine in short order. I can't imagine anything better or easier than this for an add-on. Greg -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Chris N John Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 8:27 AM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!! Hi, everyone We too are having issues with our car starting this winter (1980 300 SD). Hubbie put about 4 different hose heaters on it last winter. The last one finally worked once or twice. (We won't mention the local car parts store) We tried it again in November and it seemed to be doing fine and then the morning we had appointments to keep 80 miles away and temp was -20, guess what? Yep-- it didn't work at all. We made it to appointments, but used up our easy travel margin of time for sure!! So, my question is: the block heaters sound more dependable and efficient but hubbie is concerned about problems installing in the old car. He thinks it will be hard to seal up after removing the old plug, which seems to be another big concern, too. Any feedback from you experts? Should we keep trying the hose heaters, and is there one that really works long term?? Thanks for advice! Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas Season and a Great New Year to come, Christy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
The block heater should seal up just fine - I don't think I've ever heard of one leaking. Have you checked to make sure it's not already there? Many times they were installed from the factory, but no cord was included; original owner received a coupon for the cord at purchase. Block heater will be on the right side of the block, under the exhaust manifold but above the engine mount, and can be pretty difficult to reach let alone see. As you can imagine, if it's not present it will also be difficult to install. -Max From: Chris N John ceand...@tctwest.net To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Wed, December 15, 2010 11:27:29 AM Subject: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!! Hi, everyone We too are having issues with our car starting this winter (1980 300 SD). Hubbie put about 4 different hose heaters on it last winter. The last one finally worked once or twice. (We won't mention the local car parts store) We tried it again in November and it seemed to be doing fine and then the morning we had appointments to keep 80 miles away and temp was -20, guess what? Yep-- it didn't work at all. We made it to appointments, but used up our easy travel margin of time for sure!! So, my question is: the block heaters sound more dependable and efficient but hubbie is concerned about problems installing in the old car. He thinks it will be hard to seal up after removing the old plug, which seems to be another big concern, too. Any feedback from you experts? Should we keep trying the hose heaters, and is there one that really works long term?? Thanks for advice! Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas Season and a Great New Year to come, Christy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
Difficult to install? Not if you have a hoist and a 8' long wrench. Difficult to seal? Not unless a big piece of the engine block comes out with the old plug when you try to unscrew it. (has this ever happened, or is it something we irrationally worry about when the torque goes north of 500 ft-lb?) Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
Me jumping on a 5 foot breaker bar on says, if the block comes with it, the block was no good to begin with. I transfered mine from a 2.4 to the 3.0 with both engines out, it just takes time and a willingness to not listen to that something's going to break... feeling for once. If you have the engine in the car, as you do, it should go easier. Check for the heater first, depending on the year/version, they can look quite like a freeze plug at first glance, and can be overlooked easily. Walt On Dec 15, 2010 12:20 PM, Mitch Haley m...@voyager.net wrote: Difficult to install? Not if you have a hoist and a 8' long wrench. Difficult to seal? Not unless a big piece of the engine block comes out with the old plug when you try to unscrew it. (has this ever happened, or is it something we irrationally worry about when the torque goes north of 500 ft-lb?) Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
That reminds me - on my '87 wagon, the cordless block heater had a plastic cover over it making it rather blend in with the block. Once I felt it, I knew what it was. -Max From: Walt Zarnoch zarnoch...@gmail.com To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Wed, December 15, 2010 12:38:23 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!! Me jumping on a 5 foot breaker bar on says, if the block comes with it, the block was no good to begin with. I transfered mine from a 2.4 to the 3.0 with both engines out, it just takes time and a willingness to not listen to that something's going to break... feeling for once. If you have the engine in the car, as you do, it should go easier. Check for the heater first, depending on the year/version, they can look quite like a freeze plug at first glance, and can be overlooked easily. Walt On Dec 15, 2010 12:20 PM, Mitch Haley m...@voyager.net wrote: Difficult to install? Not if you have a hoist and a 8' long wrench. Difficult to seal? Not unless a big piece of the engine block comes out with the old plug when you try to unscrew it. (has this ever happened, or is it something we irrationally worry about when the torque goes north of 500 ft-lb?) Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
Chris N John wrote: So, my question is: the block heaters sound more dependable and efficient Yup. Definitely. but hubbie is concerned about problems installing in the old car. He thinks it will be hard to seal up after removing the old plug, which seems to be another big concern, too. Probably not. The hard part is getting the empty block plug out. Put the block heater in is easy. Any feedback from you experts? Should we keep trying the hose heaters, and is there one that really works long term?? The block heater heats what needs to be heated. It really is the best way... I have heard there have been incidents of a block cracking when removing the old plug - but are they trust worthy reports? I have install two on W123s. Both were OM617 engines. Both were _tough_ to get the plug out. On neither one did I have any problem with it leaking. -- Philip ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
What everyone else said is right. You can get a block heater from Rusty at 800 741 5252. They are cheaper than the hose kind and take 1/2 the electricity. In the winter, I would opt for paying some shop (preferably with MB Diesel experience) to install it. You need a hoist and the starter will have to come out. Any problems become the shop's problem. It is possible to raise the hood to vertical and remove the manifolds and do it from above. But topside works better with the head removed to get access to the plug without extensions. Flame wrenches and air chisels and big chisels with big hammers are all possible assistants. Hi, everyone We too are having issues with our car starting this winter (1980 300 SD). Hubbie put about 4 different hose heaters on it last winter. The last one finally worked once or twice. (We won't mention the local car parts store) We tried it again in November and it seemed to be doing fine and then the morning we had appointments to keep 80 miles away and temp was -20, guess what? Yep-- it didn't work at all. We made it to appointments, but used up our easy travel margin of time for sure!! So, my question is: the block heaters sound more dependable and efficient but hubbie is concerned about problems installing in the old car. He thinks it will be hard to seal up after removing the old plug, which seems to be another big concern, too. Any feedback from you experts? Should we keep trying the hose heaters, and is there one that really works long term?? Thanks for advice! Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas Season and a Great New Year to come, Christy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
Dieselhead wrote: You need a hoist and the starter will have to come out. It is possible to raise the hood to vertical and remove the manifolds and do it from above. I did mine from the top. With the turbo, start, head and manifold still attached. I wish I had photos or video of the events - but I don't. I recall I did use a piece of 3/4 hex stock and a 3/4 socket as the wrench. And a long cheater bar. -- Philip ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!!
You will find other possible solutions out there if you look. I remember external strip heaters were avaliable in the 70's. The fellow who parked beside me had one on a Honda Accord in about 1978. I remember him cleaning it off in the summer as some oil had got on it and it smoked when hot. There are also magnetic heaters that you might be able to temporarily use by sticking them onto the side of the block or onto the oilpan from underneath. Would need to be removed when you drive it. Even hanging a trouble light under the hood with the light on will produce enough heat to help. Or there are electric battery blankets that will help by keeping the starter spinning faster. All temporary solutions until you are able to install the proper thing once the weather warms enough to make it easier. Randy On 15/12/2010 10:27 AM, Chris N John wrote: Hi, everyone We too are having issues with our car starting this winter (1980 300 SD). Hubbie put about 4 different hose heaters on it last winter. The last one finally worked once or twice. (We won't mention the local car parts store) We tried it again in November and it seemed to be doing fine and then the morning we had appointments to keep 80 miles away and temp was -20, guess what? Yep-- it didn't work at all. We made it to appointments, but used up our easy travel margin of time for sure!! So, my question is: the block heaters sound more dependable and efficient but hubbie is concerned about problems installing in the old car. He thinks it will be hard to seal up after removing the old plug, which seems to be another big concern, too. Any feedback from you experts? Should we keep trying the hose heaters, and is there one that really works long term?? Thanks for advice! Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas Season and a Great New Year to come, Christy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?
The block heater will use about 1/2 the electricity to get the engine warm enough to start ~400W vs ~1000W, your electricity bill will thank you. Getting the plug to seal is not an issue (its threaded) but getting the old plug out can be. Something best left to a professional if you're not sure of yourself. For a better quality hose heater try a truck shop... -Curt Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:27:29 -0700 From: Chris N John ceand...@tctwest.net To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: [MBZ] hose heater versus block heater?!! Message-ID: 4d08ec71.4020...@tctwest.net Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Hi, everyone We too are having issues with our car starting this winter (1980 300 SD). Hubbie put about 4 different hose heaters on it last winter. The last one finally worked once or twice. (We won't mention the local car parts store) We tried it again in November and it seemed to be doing fine and then the morning we had appointments to keep 80 miles away and temp was -20, guess what? Yep-- it didn't work at all. We made it to appointments, but used up our easy travel margin of time for sure!! So, my question is: the block heaters sound more dependable and efficient but hubbie is concerned about problems installing in the old car. He thinks it will be hard to seal up after removing the old plug, which seems to be another big concern, too. Any feedback from you experts? Should we keep trying the hose heaters, and is there one that really works long term?? Thanks for advice! Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas Season and a Great New Year to come, Christy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
