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Topic: U300 correct block heater parts and installation (Read 121 times) previous topic - next topic

U300 correct block heater parts and installation

Those of you with the Detroit 6V-92TA know how absolutely useless the Foretravel installed "block heater" is. Since it's has nothing to do with the engine block and only heats the thermostat housing and crossover pipe, it does not warm the block.  To test it's efficiency, I left the Foretravel block heater on overnight in freezing temp at 5000 feet in the Sierras. In the morning, I used our IR gun on the block and it was still stone cold while the thermostat housing and crossover pipe were quite hot to the touch.

Attached is the way Detroit installs the block heater low on the block and under the AC compressor. This is also found in the Detroit 2 cycles in Bluebirds and Wanderlodges and may be read about on the Wanderlodge forum. Wanderlodge Owners Group - Powered by vBulletin
The only complication is that you must drain the engine coolant before you remove the plate under the AC compressor.

Lots of credit to the person that made the attached instructions/photos.  The U300 has limited cooling capacity and the AC only adds to the thermal load especially in summer and high elevations. Ours never worked so removed the compressor so installing the block heater is easier.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

 

Re: U300 correct block heater parts and installation

Reply #1
Pierce,

Thanks so much for this info.  I, for one, will put it to good use.
Jeff & Lisa
"Optimus"
1990 GV - #3605
U300 Unihome
6V92 Detroit