Archived Block heater popped out

[CumminFast]

Well this is a first. I was driving to a jobsite in my flatbed and thought I smelled antifreeze. Sure enough temps went crazy. Turns out the the block heater plug pushed out and the o-ring was stretched. Do I need to just replace the o-ring or could the plug be worn? What is the best way to get it back in? What is that hex bolt on the plug there for?



Thanks

Rick

 

[Jdonoghue]

I think the bolt threads into a retainer that holds it into the hole. It's a little metal piece that fits across the hole on the inside of the block. It's probably inside the block, behind the hole, at the bottom of the cooling passage now.

 

[AF4X]

Does that mean you can't replace the block heater without getting inside the block? That would really suck!

 

[John - K5AWO]

No, purchase a new bolt and retainer. You put it in by moving the bolt to one side, insert one end of retainer. Move to opposite side and the other end will clear. When centered up, the retainer covers both sides of the hole.



Works just like wallboard anchors. Bet you have installed a bunch of those... .

 

[msmithac]

If you have a small magnet, I would bet you can find the missing piece inside that hole laying there.