Block Heater

[fj4068]

The most convincing argument I found was by @MARLIN375, for the USDS, near the no.4 cylinder:

Seizing the opertunity to examine all of the frost plugs close up, I noticed that the #4 cyl. DS hole (behind your fuel filter) is cast slightly prouder than the rest. I removed the plug and fit the heater with the element at 6 oclock (pointing down). I believe that this is exactly where Mr T intended to put this unit. The hole has a larger surface (longer barrel) for the Oring to seat on, the element sits a full 12mm from the cylinder wall (center of the water jacket). It is positioned in the center of the engine for even heating and is not on the hot exhaust side.

Winter is coming - block heater installation

Concrete: I read your original post(s) and chuckled only b/c it sounded like something I would do. I even commented in this thread last year that I should order a spare as mine has been in use since I bought the truck new over 11 years ago (well, winters only). I clearly cursed myself and...

forum.ih8mud.com

Please keep us posted. I would like to install one soon as well and need to know if the 11414 will fit in there.

 

[fj4068]

Bump...

I may be revisiting trying to install the 11414 Kat's block heater. Can anyone confirm if and/or which freeze plug location it goes into? Lots of talk on this, but no real conclusions searching the forum.

Thanks.

@LC4LIFE ,

Did you happen to install a block heater yet? Would like to know if the Kat's 11414 sits well in the freeze plug near the left side, no. 4 cylinder.

 

[LC4LIFE]

@LC4LIFE ,

Did you happen to install a block heater yet? Would like to know if the Kat's 11414 sits well in the freeze plug near the left side, no. 4 cylinder.

Nope, it is still sitting in my box of parts.

 

[fj4068]

Kat's 11414 does fit in the No. 4 intake side freeze plug hole.

Notes:
- Removed upper intake for better visibility, but possibly not strictly necessary.
- No. 4 freeze plug hole is ~35mm deep, Kat's 11414 is 29mm deep.
- Loosened fuel filter bolts, moved it toward block enough that a punch comprised of multiple socket extensions reached outside the top of the fender, popped freeze plug into block with 5 lb. hammer.
- Cleaned up rust on bore and face with rotary abrasive buffer.
- Copious silicone grease on heater's o-ring and flange.

 

[Vision19]

@fj4068 what did you do with the freeze plug once you punched it into the block? Can you get it out sideways then?

 

[fj4068]

It is somewhere in the bottom of the water jacket now. I suppose one could JB weld an anchor line to it the night before and attempt to fish it out.

 

[1973Guppie]

I think I must of gotten a different part # in the right box, yours looks different than the one I was sent. Can you order direct from Kat's?

 

[fj4068]

Not sure. This one came from NAPA, in a NAPA/Kat's co-branded box.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/search?text=kat%27s%2011414&referer=v2