Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Block heater thread sealant

[Gordon Maney]

I am going to replace my block heater and wonder what experience tells you to be the thread sealant of choice for it. Should I just use a non-hardening gasket sealant, or do you use teflon tape on it? The factory manual makes reference to a teflon product.

Also, the literature says this heater goes in a core plug [frost plug] hole. I have never seen a threaded plug in a core hole.

I got a new cord with the heater from the Cummins dealer. They told me that their cord was somewhat shorter than the Dodge version. Have you found that to be true, and can that issue be resolved by routing, or should I get a cord from Dodge, or should I lengthen this one?

 

[JCyrbok]

I would think that you could use something like telfon plumbing paste or Rector Seal. I would also think that Permatex #2 would work. Just make sure you read the label to see what the upper temp range is for the produce.



I'm not sure of which hole the element threads into, mine came stock with a heater so I never really had to look for where it threaded into. I will look after work and see if I can figure it out, if no one else answers up with the location.



If you are replacing your existing block heater, wouldnt it just go in the hole the old one came out of? There should be a threaded hole there.



Hope this helps,

J-