Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Block Heater replacement.

[Beach]

My block heater hasn't worked for the past 2 winters. I plan on replacing it here soon. Is this a pretty easy job, or should I be leary of it being seized up in the block. I don't know if theres ever been issues with them not coming out. Also, will I loose a good amount of coolant when doing it? Thanks.

 

[Sticks]

Check your wire from the plug to the heater at the block. I have only seen one fail internally. The rest were broken wires. Continuity test and OHM out the plugs.

If you do indeed need to replace it, yup you will need to drain the coolant and prepare to take a bath.

Two ways to do this.

1. drive a self tapping screw into the old heater and pry it out or use a slide hammer.

2. using a punch, drive one edge in. It usually will spin the heater over then you can pry it out or pull it with a pair of pliers. If it drives it straight in, then it might get a little tricky. At least it will have something you can hang onto it with and pull it back out.

 

[SHobbs]

I changed mine just last year with the higher wattage element as well as a new cord. All I needed was a wrench to get it out. I didn't loose very much coolant when the old one popped out just have the new one ready in your other hand to plug the hole.

 

[Beach]

So I take it that it"s pressed in and not threaded? Thanks.

 

[firefighter_2000]

Threaded

I've never seen one that was pressed in. Mine is threaded in as well. Have the new one in your other hand and when you unscrew the old one just stick the new one right in. I didnt even loose a pint of coolant changing mine.

Craig

 

[Sticks]

My bad. I was basing my instructions on the others that I have done, not per say a 5. 9 cummins. The 8. 3 was in a freeze plug hole, IIRC so was the Power Stroke. All the others I have done have been on engine replacements and were dry & out of the unit.