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Topic: Block heater (Read 913 times) previous topic - next topic

Block heater

Does anyone know the Block Heater part number for my 1999 320 M11 450 HP?  I found this one from ZeroStart.  I just want to make sure it's the correct one.  If you have another part number either from Fleetguard or someone else I would appreciate it
Thanks,
John M.

8600015 ZeroStart Cummins Engine Block Heater 1500W 120V 38mm Thread -...
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Block heater

Reply #1 –
John,

You need to go to Cummins QuickServe Online and put in you exact engine number or give them a call.  Somewhere around the end of '99 or the start of the '00 engines they changed the heating element mounting.  Now that number will fit my M=11 but ours is a '97.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Block heater

Reply #2 –
Howdy John,  This is what MOT installed in our '00 U320 ISM450.  May be the same as yours.
Part Number Collection
Good Luck, Dave A
Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: Block heater

Reply #3 –
John,

I just had mine replaced.  The block heater is Fleetguard 3309188.  I couldn't replace mine, even after buying the 46mm wrench it requires.  Nor could my local garage.  Today I took it to Cummins.  I bought the block heater on Ebay for $48 but the installation cost $375 for 3 hours of work.  It turns out you need to remove the block heater adapter, which is a hunk of steel bolted to the side of the block.  You will also need the block heater adapter gasket.  It cost $6.25 but I don't have the part number.  Once the tech removed the block heater adapter, he mounted it in a huge vise and used a 1" air wrench to break loose the block heater.  This was a job I hated to give up on, but in the end I was glad I did.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Block heater

Reply #4 –
Just wondering if the Block Heater adapter needs to be removed every time when replacing the the heater or is it being removed in this case because the heater is just seized in the adapter. Just wondering if others with the same engine had the same problem.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Block heater

Reply #5 –
Don't know about your big block engine, but I saw a tech at MOT remove and replace a 8.3L block heater (not on our coach).  He just unplugged the cord, loosened the heater a couple turns with a big wrench, unscrewed/removed the old one and popped the new one in there.  Tightened the new one up and connected the new cord.  Took about 10 minutes and only lost about a gallon or less of coolant.  Wouldn't want to attempt that technique myself - I can envision several ways that it could go badly wrong...  :o
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Block heater

Reply #6 –
When would I need/use the block heater instead of the aquahot engine preheat loop?

I unplugged the block heater shortly after buying the coach. Admit, we spend very little time in subfreezing temps.
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester

Re: Block heater

Reply #7 –
There is no reason not to try removing the block heater yourself.  The instructions called for using Teflon tape on the threads, so I assume the factory would have done the same.  The seizing probably came between the copper crush washer and the adapter and heater.  I just know that neither PB Blaster, applied daily for a week, or percussion persuasion worked for me.

My block heater was unplugged when I bought the coach in 2006, but then I don't think it was ever driven out of Georgia and Florida.  I could have just relied on my A-H for preheating, but I like the FT philosophy of having backup systems.  I've always used the block heater when I wasn't paying for the electricity, and the A-H when I was paying.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Block heater

Reply #8 –
Quote
There is no reason not to try removing the block heater yourself.

I agree. I changed out the block heater on our M-11 a few years back (block heater). I didn't really lose coolant because I drained it down a bit before taking the old one out. I think I had to use a little pipe wrench to get it out. Good luck.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320
 

Re: Block heater

Reply #9 –
Everyone,
Thanks for all of the help and advice.  We will see what happens.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."