Block Heater Replacement Degree of Difficulty

DOC4444 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 04, 2015 10:01 am

Looks like our block heater may have died. I have a new one on hand. Has anyone replaced one of these?

I need to give my friend an idea how long it will likely take him so he can schedule it at his shop ASAP.

I am going to test continuity across the plug when I can get access to the Jeep tonight. (Extension cord has power.)

Anything else I can check? I assume it is not accessible to a finger to see if it is warm when everything is all together?

Thanks!

DOC

papaindigo · **Posted:** Wed Feb 04, 2015 10:37 am

I'm pretty sure that it's electrically identical to a hot water heater element in which case checking continuity at the plug is a start. If there is no continuity then either the cord is bad or the heater element is bad. Replacing the cord is not hard as it just plugs into the element. I'd confirm that the cord is good before pulling the heater element.

As the element, I presume, is directly in the coolant you will need to first drain the engine coolant. Then changing the element would appear to be as easy as unplugging the cord; finding the right socket for the head of the element; unscrew/replace perhaps with something in the way of thread sealer; replace cord although access will be a bit tight (lift would help); refill engine coolant. See picture at viewtopic.php?f=98&t=74594 first image.

Probably on the order of 1 hour most of which will be spent draining and refilling coolant.

DOC4444 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 04, 2015 10:50 am

THANKS AS ALWAYS PAP!

DOC

CATCRD · **Posted:** Wed Feb 04, 2015 11:04 pm

Check it carefully, because it's normally the cord that goes bad and not the heating element itself. The wires fray inside the insulation. If the element is good you should measure about 34 ohms resistance through it. New cords are available from the dealer and they plug right in.

Hexus · **Posted:** Thu Feb 05, 2015 8:42 am

Pyroil makes a $12 replacement cord as well, just saying.

I'm glad someone said the block heater was plugged into the water jacket, did not know that, sincerely.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu Feb 05, 2015 9:57 am

To be a bit more precise I said I "presume" it goes directly into the coolant (e.g. water jacket) as I don't know that for sure but then I don't see how it would work otherwise. It's obviously in the block and the only thing that permeates, so to speak, the block at all times is coolant so I'm assuming the block heater functions just like a heating element in an electric hot water heater.

Mike92104 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:51 pm

papaindigo wrote:

To be a bit more precise I said I "presume" it goes directly into the coolant (e.g. water jacket) as I don't know that for sure but then I don't see how it would work otherwise. It's obviously in the block and the only thing that permeates, so to speak, the block at all times is coolant so I'm assuming the block heater functions just like a heating element in an electric hot water heater.

Exactly. It just screws into the block in the water jacket. Also, there's nothing special about it. Any parts store should carry the heater you need and the replacement cord.

wolcott · **Joined:** Thu Nov 10, 2005 4:16 pm **Posts:** 108

You can check on the heater by plugging it in for 3 or 4 hours and checking the top radiator hose. It will be warm if the heater is working.

DOC4444 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 07, 2015 11:22 am

Thanks for all the input....

DOC

thermorex · **Posted:** Sat Feb 07, 2015 1:54 pm

Just be aware that not all cords have the same plug, better is to take the old one apart with you when you get it or order a confirmed part number that works. I got a new cord from Napa that was said it fits the Crd and it didn't.

JLCBikes · **Joined:** Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:01 pm **Posts:** 17

Have any of u ever fooled with this block heater? Pain in the booty to reach! Take the cover off and stare real hard at the drivers side of engine, after unhooking the turbo inlet housing. See that orange wire plugged into the rubber socket deep down there, about a foot from the top? That's Ur block heater. I managed to plug mine back in, as either a mechanic or the stealership left it unplugged. And it works. I use a simple grounded timer on mine, only takes 2 hours to warm sufficiently. But replacing it, I'd have to think it'd be involved to get in there. I had to reach in with pliers just to plug it in, and I ain't got NFL hands or anything. I don't think you can get in there by pulling the wheel and fender well, but not certain.

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Block Heater Replacement Degree of Difficulty

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