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Topic: Block Heater, CAT 3176B (Read 2091 times) previous topic - next topic

Block Heater, CAT 3176B

The block heater is dead, after feeling no heat and seeing no current being drawn (there is 120VAC at the connection), a resistance check reveals that it is OPEN. New one is on it's way. Gave the local CAT dealer my engine S/N and he came up with the part number.
Subsequent research reveals that the part is manufactured by "Kim Hotstart products". About $65.00 when all done.
It is a 3/4 pipe thread into the block and this looks like a pretty straight forward R&R so anything I should watch out for? I will drain down the antifreeze some and use a teflon paste sealer on the threads. Any other advice on changing this out?

Immersion Heaters - In Block Electrical Engine Heating | Hotstart

3176 10.3L THRU 1995
Engine Make :   CATERPILLAR
Engine Model :   3176 10.3L THRU 1995
Primary Part Number (120V) :   CAT-12015
Primary Part Number (240V) :   CAT-12023
Primary Wattage :   1250
Optional Part Number(s) (120V) :   DD8L-101/TF151-001
Optional Part Number(s) (240V) :   DD8L-102/TF152-001
Optional Wattage(s) :   1000/1500
Port Size :   .75" NPT
Heat Shield :   
Installation :   REPLACES THE THREADED PLUG ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE JUST BELOW THE HEAD.

Rick

Re: Block Heater, CAT 3176B

Reply #1 –
Rick,

Depending on age and type of coolant, this might be an easy time to  change it, as you will be draining most of it to replace the block heater.

I would also replace thermostat(s) (Caterpillar calls them regulators) as Cat calls for them every 3 years.

And, if you aren't currently running an ELC (Extended Life Coolant), particularly with your engine (deck spacer) I would.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Block Heater, CAT 3176B

Reply #2 –
Brett,
          I had a CAT analysis of the CAT ELC coolant this past summer and results were all normal. The coolant analysis has to be one of the best values available at CAT, it was around $13.00 for everything. I had read about having that done over on the Yahoo CAT Club forum. Thermostats and CAT ELC are 2 years old. I do have to change some hoses so I will get those done.
Thanks for your comments and help over at the CAT CLUB forum. If you think there is value in posting this info over there I will do it.
Rick

Re: Block Heater, CAT 3176B

Reply #3 –
Rick,

Sounds like you are in good shape. Just drain coolant, replace the block heater and refill.  Haven't seen a 3176 in a Foretravel (my dream coach), so I don't know if you will need to bleed the thermostat housing or if there is a bleed line already in place.

Just curious, what kind of MPG do you get @ what speeds. 

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Block Heater, CAT 3176B

Reply #4 –
Its purdy... Saw it last month! That is one fine coach.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Block Heater, CAT 3176B

Reply #5 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Rick,

Sounds like you are in good shape. Just drain coolant, replace the block heater and refill.  Haven't seen a 3176 in a Foretravel (my dream coach), so I don't know if you will need to bleed the thermostat housing or if there is a bleed line already in place.

Just curious, what kind of MPG do you get @ what speeds. 

Brett
Brett,
          Not sure about the bleeding as I have not taken a good look at where the high point is so I will just play it as it goes and will bleed at the thermostat housing if necessary.
 
          The CAT 3176B engine really pulls this 40' U300SE. Forget about that old saying "go down the hill in the same gear that you went up in" because this thing will pull hills in 6th like they were not even there. 350 HP with 1350 ft lbs I could not ask for more. Flew out to Los Angeles drove it around the block and bought it, then drove back to MA from CA. This was the first time I ever drove such a large vehicle such a long distance. I averaged right around 10 MPG at 62-65 MPH, all highway and it was 110* through AZ and NM. Last 2000 mile trip it again averaged around 10 at the same speeds (MA to SC via I81). I find if I am going 62-65 MPH, all the knuckleheads are blasting past me and I don't have to worry about them so much. That is my comfort zone with this large vehicle.  Local driving it drops to approx 9 MPG.
        This is my first coach (and big machine) and I love it. I tell people that it drives like a Corvette and rides like a Cadillac and that is about the best way I can sum it up. The slant front nose was one of my first requirements when I started looking at motorhomes and eventually I focused on the earlier Foretravels. Previous owner had been the owner of several Foretravels (not all at once) and he knew what maintenance was required. It has 142K miles on it and it really is just broken in and it uses no oil at all. I use all original CAT filters to avoid lesser quality filters, if you shop around you can get them at about the same price as the aftermarket ones. Thankfully there is this great support group to help us along.
Rick

Re: Block Heater, CAT 3176B

Reply #6 –
Rick,

And if you join the Caterpillar RV Engine Owners Club (an FMCA Chapter) you will get 10% off all Caterpillar parts for your RV at Caterpillar dealers-- cost is $15/yr:  CAT RV Club

I moderate their technical website and served three terms as the club President.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Block Heater, CAT 3176B

Reply #7 –
Rick, I recently purchased a 1993 U300 with a Detroit V692. I am not sure how the Detroit compares to the Cat but I feel the same as you. I expect this to be our last coach as I can't imagine needing anything more. I do wish I could get the mpg's you are getting but I can get by compared to the cost of a new coach.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback