Coolant leaking from Block Heater

[bgilbert]

Ever since I tried to take the block heater CORD off of the heater, I have started to see some coolant leaking from the block heater. As I tried to remove the cord which wouldnt buge, the whole block heater acted like it wanted to turn. So I cancelled the idea of replacing the cord and fixed the plug on the cord. Well now I need to know what to do. Does the entire block heater need replaced? Tap the heater assembly back in a little? Because it looks as if its about a hair out of the block. The heater does work by the way. Theres not a lot of coolant leaking but it just doesnt look good with what looks like algae beneath the heater. If a new heater is what I need how much are they?

Bill

 

[farmall]

First of all get it fixed ASAP. Mine fell into the block while I was on the Interstate last year and I almost ruined my engine, before I got it pulled over and shutdown. You can try tightening it up. There is a allen screw in the center of it that tightens against a plate inside the block. What happened to mine was that screw got corroded and broke off. This allowed the plate and the heater to fall down inside the block. I looked at it the day before, because it was leaking a little. When I pulled it out some I put sealer around it and tapped it back in. The screw was still on the outside so I did not know it's purpose at the time, although it had already broke. Long story short if you can't tighten it, be ordering a new block heater. Most dealers do not have them in stock. I found one out of 6 area dealers and had to drive a friends truck 50 miles to get it. I paid around $70 I think, fo it. Also a new cord does not come with it either. Bill

 

[Midnite]

From lurking on the 2nd gen 12 valve forum it seems that the later 12 valve engines have a different block heater--something that threads into the block or head rather than the freeze-plug type thing we have. I never got any answer to my questions over there, but assuming our engines can use the later block heater, maybe one alternative would be to use the later heater.



Anybody familiar with both types of heaters that can say whether this would work?



Mike

 

[dusthomps]

Bill...



I bought a new block heater for my 91 last winter. Bought it at a local parts store for around $46. I priced them at my local dealer and they wanted $74. #ad
Might want to shop around a little bit. I couldn't see spending that much more at the stealer.



Dustin

 

[farmall]

Well to be real honest with you I didn't have a lot of time to shop around for one. I know they can be had at other places, but I was broke down and had to get it going again. 90% of the places you call to shop around for them wants to know the size of the freeze out plug, they can't just look it up in their handy little computer. I didnt know the size. But you are right, on any non-dealer item you can always find a better price. Bill

 

[dusthomps]

farmall...



I got to agree with you that most parts places are on the ignorant side with some young punk behind the counter who can't figure something out without the computer. I go to a small place called Behren's. They are on the ball with just about anything and don't ask for the entire configuration of the truck for a part that it doesn't matter. Some places near here can really irritate me with that. But in some cases a guy has to break down and go to the dealer, trust me, I've been in a situation like yours before.



Dustin

 

[DPKetchum]

Hey it happens at dealers also!I worked 4 years at a Dodge dealer with a 20odd year smartXXX at the techs counter. Many a time he did'nt know how close he was to a LONG boat ride. Parts manager always defended him. He finally made it to the top of the list also!Still have dents in my lower lip from those two.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

bgilbert,



When you get this resolved would you post the data eg: what/how it happened, part size, part number etc. in the thread titled "Best Tip for new 1st Gen Owners... . "



That way, the next guy can find his answers in one forum.



Thanks, and Merry Christmas !!!



Bob.

 

[bgilbert]

So far I took Farmall's suggestion. I never even noticed the hex screw behind the heater cord. It was very loose. I got quite a few turns on it before it was tight. Cleaned coolant off around heater. I drive a truck all week, will be home on weekend, when i get home i will let you all now if just by tightening the 3/16 hex screw solved my leaking block heater. Thanks alot. Bill

 

[farmall]

Great News! I hope it fixes your problem and you are more than welcome. Bill

 

[rdrose]

block heater fell out

was changing oil in customers truck and notice he needed coolant, i had just put some in when i jigged his kdp(truck is 97). so i went to looking for the leak and it was his block heater. told him would look at it the next day because it was late, he left and was back in 15 min with steam, and water everywhere. the bolt on the block heater broke. now it gets fun, he is a blacksmith and this truck is what he works out of, now that its 9pm and theres no parts stores open and the ones that are don't have block heater. so i found a bigger bolt and drilled the hole to fit and put it back together and he was so happy. by the way the engine was fine but my finger felt like little hot dogs cooking down the trying to put that heater back in, also found the parts that broke off laying there next to the cylinders. what fun

 

[bgilbert]

loose block heater nut

Yes that fixed my leaking block heater problem. The 3/16 hex screw in center of the heater was very loose, I tightened it and its been about two weeks and no leaking coolant. If anyone else has this problem, check to see if entire heater is loose, or if any coolant is leaking, try tightening this hex screw. Thanks alot Farmall- i thinks that was ur screen name. - u know who u r. .



Bill