Engine Block Heater: Service and Repair

Engine Coolant Heater:

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

CAUTION: Perform this operation when the engine is cool or personal injury may result.

1. Raise and suitably support vehicle.
2. Drain engine coolant from engine block into an approved container.
3. Cord from heater (1).
4. Loosen bolt/screw (2).

NOTICE: When removing the engine coolant heater from the engine block, be careful not to score the machined surface of the plug hole.

5. Heater (1) carefully from plug hole.
^ If removing heater (1) permanently, install water jacket plug into plug hole and replace engine coolant.
Clean
^ Plug hole.
- Remove burrs, sealer, paint and other rough spots.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

NOTICE: The element must not touch the engine block inner wall in the installed position or damage to the engine block and heater could result.

NOTICE: Refer to Service Precautions.

1. Apply coat of engine coolant heater lubricant, GM P/N 9985164 or equivalent, to O-ring and walls of plug holes.
2. Engine coolant heater (1) into plug hole.
A. Insert heating element end of heater (1) into plug hole.
B. Line up heater (1) with plug hole and push it straight into place.
C. Rotate heater (1) 50 that center electrical contact and bolt/screw (2) are in line horizontally.
D. Turn bolt/screw (2) so that yoke presses against engine block inner wall.
Tighten
^ Bolt/screw (2) to 1.9 N.m (17 lb. in.).

CAUTION: Engine coolant heater cord must not touch the engine, hot pipes, manifold or any moving parts or damage to the vehicle and personal injury may result.

3. Cord to heater (1).
4. Lower vehicle.
5. Replace engine coolant.