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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on December 15, 2014, 10:04:35 am

Title: Alternative block heaters (split from Re: Boost switch)
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on December 15, 2014, 10:04:35 am
All the block heaters at the top of the page will work. Just choose the wattage (I went with 1000 watts) and make sure it comes with a new cord as the old won't fit the new. They have to be straight. CAT heaters are the same part number. This ebay page is for Detroit 2 cycles and CATs ONLY. Detroit block heater | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XDetroit+block+heater&_nkw=Detroit+block+heater&_sacat=0)

These are for the thermostat housing at the top left side of the engine. Just follow the cord.

An inspection of the 110V outlet is good as high resistance can cook the outlet.

I found a NOS on ebay for about $30 delivered.

Install cold so minimum coolant is lost.

Check under the AC compressor to engine block mount on the lower right hand side of the engine. There may be a block heater cord leading to and from there. They heat the engine many times faster than the thermostat housing type.

If you are mechanically inclined, the remote block heater is best with a pump and hoses leading to and from the engine. One hour of heat should start the engine, two in really cold conditions. Here is the best electrical type. There are several removable plugs on each side of the block to go in and out of. Best to go in one side, out the other. Tank Type Engine Coolant Circulating Block Heater 850W Diesel Kats Brand | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TANK-TYPE-ENGINE-COOLANT-CIRCULATING-BLOCK-HEATER-850W-DIESEL-KATS-BRAND-/111236556700?pt=BI_Heavy_Equipment_Parts&hash=item19e637279c) This will work on any diesel engine.

Pierce
Title: Re: Alternative block heaters (split from Re: Boost switch)
Post by: Don & Tys on December 15, 2014, 10:39:09 am
Pierce,
Do you know if any of these circulating type block heaters use a pump or do they just rely on convection? Also, any progress on the on demand propane heating system project?
Don
Quote
If you are mechanically inclined, the remote block heater is best with a pump and hoses leading to and from the engine. One hour of heat should start the engine, two in really cold conditions. Here is the best electrical type. There are several removable plugs on each side of the block to go in and out of. Best to go in one side, out the other. Tank Type Engine Coolant Circulating Block Heater 850W Diesel Kats Brand | eBay This will work on any diesel engine.

Pierce
Title: Re: Alternative block heaters (split from Re: Boost switch)
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on December 15, 2014, 11:01:29 am
Pierce,
Do you know if any of these circulating type block heaters use a pump or do they just rely on convection? Also, any progress on the on demand propane heating system project?
Don

Don,

It must be mounted vertical and works on convection. A the following 12V to speed things up. $24.69 delivered. Solar DC Hot Water Circulation Pump Cooling Brushless Motor Water Pump 12V 3M | (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solar-DC-Hot-Water-Circulation-Pump-Cooling-Brushless-Motor-Water-Pump-12V-3M-/261283225883?hash=item3cd5b1a11b)

Just got back from a trip to Yellowstone and Detroit. Raining everyday now so will get it done before Quartzsite if possible. Have to take one more long trip early January but if good weather, will get it installed.

Pierce
Title: Re: Alternative block heaters (split from Re: Boost switch)
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on December 15, 2014, 05:43:53 pm
Don,

I should have added that the tankess takes a stack at least 12" inches above the top before it makes a turn. This means I have to go up through the floor area in a vacant spot just inside a wiring/plumbing spot in the bathroom. I will then have to bring the exhaust out through the side of the U300. Is taking a lot of planning and will have to make sure it works in a temporary location before I cut the hole. Mounting it was a very short job but getting the exhaust right is much more difficult.

Pierce
Title: Re: Alternative block heaters (split from Re: Boost switch)
Post by: Don & Tys on December 15, 2014, 06:24:09 pm
I assume with that hot exhaust, the vent stack needs to be double walled stainless... certainly tricky, but doable. I look forward to seeing the results!
Don

Don,

I should have added that the tankess takes a stack at least 12" inches above the top before it makes a turn. This means I have to go up through the floor area in a vacant spot just inside a wiring/plumbing spot in the bathroom. I will then have to bring the exhaust out through the side of the U300. Is taking a lot of planning and will have to make sure it works in a temporary location before I cut the hole. Mounting it was a very short job but getting the exhaust right is much more difficult.

Pierce