Engine Block Heater: Service and Repair

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Drain coolant from radiator and cylinder block.





Fig. 86





Fig. 87

3. Remove power cord from heater by unplugging (Fig. 86) (Fig. 87).
4. Loosen (but do not completely remove) the screw at center of block heater (Fig. 86) (Fig. 87).
5. Remove block heater by carefully prying from side-to-side. Note direction of heating element coil (up or down). Element coil must be installed correctly to prevent damage.

INSTALLATION
1. Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
2. Install new O-ring seal(s) to heater in gasoline engines.
3. Insert block heater into cylinder block.
4. With heater fully seated, tighten center screw to 2 Nm (17 in. lbs.).
5. Fill cooling system with recommended coolant.
6. Start and warm the engine.
7. Check block heater for leaks.