Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine Block Heater

[Dfuruness]

I am attempting to remove/replace the engine block heater in my 2000, 24valve. There is simply no room to get at the thing. Any tricks to get this thing done?

 

[mwilson]

I replaced the one in my '97 this fall, it was a challenge.



Take the intake hose off the turbo intake, then zip-tie a rag over the turbo inlet.

I did mine without removing the oil filter.



The screw in the middle of the heater would not start, of course.

I found a long drill bit so I could run it out by the inner fender and drilled the head off of the allen screw.



Then you find a fairly long punch that will fit through the screw hole and whack it until the fingers behind give up.



Then you have to work the old block heater back and forth in the block until the o-ring around the outside gives up and lets go of the casting.



I used the new block heater as a guide for drill and punch size, etc.



I will be around all day so yell if you have trouble.



Mike.

 

[Midnite]

Have you made sure it's actually the heater element that's bad, and not just the cable? The vast majority of the time it's a cable problem--it's somewhat rare to have a bad heater element.

I'm guessing four days after you posted, you probably have it swapped out by now though.

 

[Dfuruness]

Yep it is not the cord. That was replaced and no go. The truck is a 24V and the block heater is not part of a freeze plug. It is a threaded directly into the block. My issue is work space and getting the damn thing to unthread. I am thinking penetrating fluid but will that potentially contaminate the coolant?

 

[mwilson]

I'm sorry, I forgot that the 2000 would have the other block heater style.



Can you reach it with a socket and extension???



Mike.