Engine Block Heater Install Time/ Cost

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SteamerF18

SteamerF18

Steamer
SILVER Star
10 Year
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Sep 9, 2012
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26
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517
Location
The Ocean State
For those who do this for a living, or have had it done professionally, how much time/ cost to install an engine block heater (freeze plug type)?
I understand draining/ refilling the coolant system will be part of the procedure, just wondering what a fair estimate will be as I query my local garage. Thanks.
 
You do realize that there are magnetic ones that are like blankets that hold onto the engine for temporary use? I was thinking about getting one of those since our temps dont normally stay down in the single or low double digits for more than 4-6wks.

But I am interested in the responses too.
 
Yep, read a bunch of discussions and picked up the freeze plug type from a Mud member based on the better performance of that install.
 
A couple of hours plus a leak check at full pressure. I like having both a block heater for the coolant and another heating pad stuck to the oil pan. The pads are very easy; clean, stick, and route the wire to the grill.
 
Local garage says hour to hour and a half assuming no issues. Headed in on Friday for the install. My thanks to all for info and advice.
 
What brand of block heater did you find? Been thinking of adding this while I have a drained block.
 
jfnall said:
What brand of block heater did you find? Been thinking of adding this while I have a drained block.
Click to expand...


I put one in years ago when I lived in Wyoming...took me about two beers - less than an hour. I think I ended up putting a Katz one in...this thread has a part number from Carquest...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/448354-block-heater.html


The mat would be another added plus. We used to run ours on timers when we used to have to ski in and out of our house in Jackson Hole. There was only one time when the ol 2F didn't start -20 below took it's toll on the battery.
 
I bought mine off a generous Mud member. It is a Zerostart 400W/50mm, the SOR part # is 052-50A. It is a NAPA part with a SOR sticker on the package, the NAPA PN# is 605-3033 although I can't find it on the NAPA website. KATS is another well known brand, if this one hadn't popped up that was going to be my chosen path. Good luck replacing your welch plugs.
 
bkfj40 said:
I put one in years ago when I lived in Wyoming...took me about two beers - less than an hour. I think I ended up putting a Katz one in...this thread has a part number from Carquest...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/448354-block-heater.html

The mat would be another added plus. We used to run ours on timers when we used to have to ski in and out of our house in Jackson Hole. There was only one time when the ol 2F didn't start -20 below took it's toll on the battery.
Click to expand...

BK your two beers would probably be 4-6 for me and then you have a loopy, average wrench working on his rig outside in the snow swearing like a Sailor.

What was your guideline for outside air temp and run time for the heater to warm up the block? Also what kind of timer did you run it off of?
Thanks in advance.
 
Thanks for the links. I checked at Oreilly a couple days ago and they only had 41 or 44 mm. Said I needed to get them a part number for the 50mm and they could get it. Aren't they the part number people? Go figure.
 
Probably not advisable now, but we just used those indoor timers like you put a light on when you are on vacation. Run it for two or three hours in the morning and it was good to go.

When you push the freeze plug sideways, grab it with a pair of vice grips and pull
 
use the freeze plug type coolant heater....well proven solution, just a little painful to install.
 
srf18 said:
BK your two beers would probably be 4-6 for me and then you have a loopy, average wrench working on his rig outside in the snow swearing like a Sailor.

What was your guideline for outside air temp and run time for the heater to warm up the block? Also what kind of timer did you run it off of?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

This is a daily thing up here in the Alaskan Interior... I usually only plug in when it's going to be below zero, although the truck seems to like it even in low single digits. From low single digits to negative teens, 3-4 hours seems to do the trick. When it's colder, I've got the timer set to come on 5 hours before I need to leave for work. When it hits -25, I leave it plugged in all night with a couple of furniture blankets on the hood...

as for timers, any indoor/outdoor timer from your local hardware superstore should work fine. I got one of the digital ones, as they're a little more foolproof as far as setting the on/off time goes. Mine also has a battery backup to keep the time, which is nice as the power can frequently go off, and the truck will still get heat when it needs it.
 
Just picked up a ZeroStart brand 50mm block heater. The part# on the package 3100071.

What type of sealant is recommended? Will "ultra grey" do the trick?
 
no sealant needed.

Mark...
 
Installed the block heater yesterday. The instructions say to install in the Left Front freeze plug hole and to point the element up.

To me, up is 12 o'clock. The element hits the inside of the block in this position at LF and won't work, so I turned it to between 9 and 10 o'clock and it didn't hit inside. I assume this will be fine, but contrary to the instructions. If I had the engine apart for a rebuild, a better hole might be found, but this front hole is easily accessed with the motor in-chassis. Other holes would require the headers to come out. Not really wanted to travel that road right now.

Is there any effect to possible shortened life of a water pump gasket since the element is so close to it, maybe being too hot right at the gasket? Never used one of these before. Only on OEM newer American diesels.

Thanks
Jeff
 
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