Block heater spot

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greg lousy
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Posts: 230
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:22 am
Location: Rhode Island

Block heater spot

Post by greg lousy »

Every block heater ive seen has been in the second freeze plug hole from the belt side.
Does anyone know if one would go in the next, third spot?
I damaged normal freeze plug hole in a very stupid maneuver due to me rushing and needing the jetta to get to work the next day.... divot in it right where the o ring on heater seals... leaky.
I think i can get another freeze plug to bed in there fine, worst case maybe some water weld epoxy or even worse case, actual weld..... Now im thinking about putting the heater in the next hole over since i have that axle off and can get at the area.
Various vehicles in various states
TylerDurden
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Re: Block heater spot

Post by TylerDurden »

I don't think it matters much which central hole you use. I'd avoid an end hole.

I still can't say enough good things about putting a hose heater in the big bypass hose, between the IP and the oil filter. Easy to install, easy to monitor, just as effective.

I'd plug or leave the old block unit in place and go to the front...

You may recall this convo: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=12089

TD
Have a nice day.


'91 Jetta ECOdiesel TD - clean & complete (less motor/tranny) for sale

'82 Westy Vanagon 1.9 N/A - 23.5mpg
'86 Jetta TD - 45-50mpg
'81 Dasher Wagon 1.6 N/A - 52mpg
'84 Wasserboxer - DOA, parts donor
'94 Passat wagon VR6
'03 Jetta TDI wagon 230K, 52.3mpg
'89 Jetta N/A - 51mpg
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bscutt
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Re: Block heater spot

Post by bscutt »

agreed on the hose heater I installed one years ago and it works great. cheap and easy to install, no worrying about freeze plugs and no contortionist act to get to it
Bob

'06 Jetta TDI
'82 Rabbit 1.6NA
Honda, 99 GMC Suburban, '41 Chevy Coupe
greg lousy
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Posts: 230
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:22 am
Location: Rhode Island

Re: Block heater spot

Post by greg lousy »

Well damn. No, i had not read that thread. For some reason i was thinking the in hose ones were less effective. If not, i see no reason to fight with freeze plugs and take a coolant bath.
Ill just put a plug back in and get a hose heater.
Thanks
Various vehicles in various states
sgnimj96
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Re: Block heater spot

Post by sgnimj96 »

81' Scirocco 1.6D (conversion)
86 Golf 1.6D
85' 300TD
TylerDurden
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Posts: 1285
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 1:01 pm
Location: Michigami, USA

Re: Block heater spot

Post by TylerDurden »

I gave up on Kats... Philips-Temro on four vehicles now. Rock solid operation for 4 years and running.
Have a nice day.


'91 Jetta ECOdiesel TD - clean & complete (less motor/tranny) for sale

'82 Westy Vanagon 1.9 N/A - 23.5mpg
'86 Jetta TD - 45-50mpg
'81 Dasher Wagon 1.6 N/A - 52mpg
'84 Wasserboxer - DOA, parts donor
'94 Passat wagon VR6
'03 Jetta TDI wagon 230K, 52.3mpg
'89 Jetta N/A - 51mpg
'82 Caddy 1.6 N/A - Sold
bscutt
Turbo Charger
Posts: 1720
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 4:49 pm
Location: Springfield, VA

Re: Block heater spot

Post by bscutt »

Don't remember for sure but I think mine is a Kats, it's a 400 watt. Heats things up nicely in an hour or less depending on outside temp. It's been installed for at least 5 years, probably a good bit longer (time flies...). Knock on wood it has been flawless.
Bob

'06 Jetta TDI
'82 Rabbit 1.6NA
Honda, 99 GMC Suburban, '41 Chevy Coupe
greg lousy
Turbo Charger
Posts: 230
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:22 am
Location: Rhode Island

Re: Block heater spot

Post by greg lousy »

Got the katz one on the way. For the record, yeah, ive had one katz heater fail.
Had 2 other 5 to 10 years old ones working fine.
One more fail and ill go with tyler, probably would have gone that way because why the hell not but i ordered it before that post :lol:
Various vehicles in various states
greg lousy
Turbo Charger
Posts: 230
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:22 am
Location: Rhode Island

Re: Block heater spot

Post by greg lousy »

Freeze plug hole water tight so far. Put in a new freeze plug with water weld epoxy on the damaged area of block, then went over whole area with one of those radiator/ fuel tank repair kits which consisted of fiberglass and some kind of thinner epoxy.
Kinda hacky, we'll see.
Katz in line heater 16400 fits fine. Hasnt been cold enough to use. I will say that i dont really love putting another object in that area. Tight enough to work there already.... wish i left a little more slack in the hose, heater sits right in front off that one IP mounting screw on that side
Various vehicles in various states
TylerDurden
Turbo Charger
Posts: 1285
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 1:01 pm
Location: Michigami, USA

Re: Block heater spot

Post by TylerDurden »

Yeah, it's tight... Zerostart/Temro is even tighter due to its larger diameter.
Have a nice day.


'91 Jetta ECOdiesel TD - clean & complete (less motor/tranny) for sale

'82 Westy Vanagon 1.9 N/A - 23.5mpg
'86 Jetta TD - 45-50mpg
'81 Dasher Wagon 1.6 N/A - 52mpg
'84 Wasserboxer - DOA, parts donor
'94 Passat wagon VR6
'03 Jetta TDI wagon 230K, 52.3mpg
'89 Jetta N/A - 51mpg
'82 Caddy 1.6 N/A - Sold
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