Block heater install... The hard way.

[bostonhatteras]

So I tried and tried and tried but there was no way the water jacket plugs on the upper right cylinder bank were coming out. Instead I went through the alternator bracket. I'm happy with the results. It was much more work though. Same on both engines. Nice clean hole through the bracket wouldn't you say?

 

[MikeP]

Nice installation.

My block heaters are in that location (under the bracket) but obviously they are different style heaters since the hole in the bracket on mine is much smaller. My port heater has failed and I need to get a pair of new ones - figured I'd replace them both. What model/brand heater did you install?

 

[davidwigler]

I have the same problem. What's behind the bracket? Did you actually drill and thread the block?

What's the purpose of the ball valve and hose barb on the front of the block? Coolant recycle?

 

[sandspur1966]

David I would recommend looking in to the wolverine stick-ons before embarking on a complicated plumbing/drilling/tapping job.

A recall that a few guys here, with tons of heavy equipment experience, really like them, including Sky, I think. But I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth.

I have hydronic heating keeping my ER's warm so don't need them but had them on a boat with a pair of Lehmans in it and they worked well.

http://www.wolverineheater.com/Marine-s/1514.htm

 

[bostonhatteras]

Nice installation.

My block heaters are in that location (under the bracket) but obviously they are different style heaters since the hole in the bracket on mine is much smaller. My port heater has failed and I need to get a pair of new ones - figured I'd replace them both. What model/brand heater did you install?

Hi Mike. They are from the company Phillips & Temro and sold under the zero start name. Part number 8601704. These are 1500 watt but they sell a 1000 watt version also. I didn't cut the access hole in the bracket. I had a very good machine shop do it for me. They make prototype parts for GE jet engines etc so they were vastly over qualified! It was a pretty simple install after that though. As for the other poster who mentioned drilling and tapping etc. the block already has an access hole there into the water jacket. It is usually covered by a simple flat plate. The hole in the bracket could be done by any machine shop Neatness is probably the only thing that would vary.

 

[bostonhatteras]

Here is how I added switching for the block heaters. The air conditioning panel was underutilized in terms of amperage and panel space so I put them here. They're the center breakers. I used a double throw breaker panel as the template to get the drilled holes nice and neat. Also all the cabling for the ac and everything else is new as you can see. Happiness is getting rid of North American Rockwell wiring!