Engine block heater

Reviving my old thread. I'm at the point of having motor rebuilt so I'm looking for the block heater. I'm not interested in the magnetic type, radiator hose, etc. I'm wanting the good old flashing freeze plug block heater. Does anyone know where to find one for these for these old F-134 engines. I'm not having any luck searching.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=freeze+plug+heater+1.25

 

I was hoping to get one that would definately fit, but I guess the answer is buy several and see which one clears the block innards, etc.

 

There's nothing inside the core plug except the water passage. The hole was put there to drain the casting sand that makes the water passages (the "core") from the block after it is cast. I suppose they are called "freeze plugs" or "frost plugs" because they pop out if water freezes in the block. But that's not their purpose and they won't prevent the block from cracking if the cooling water freezes.

You've got the engine out of the car - just measure the core hole diameter and buy a block heater that's supposed to work with that diameter hole. Like this one - Amazon.com: Kat's 11445 400 Watt 1 1/4" Frost Plug Heater: Automotive - you know the diameter of the plug is 1.25", so from the picture measure the diameter of the heater and measure the depth to the same scale. Then go to your block and find a core hole that will accept that depth. If the picture is accurate, the part should fit. If it does not, send it back to Amazon with the (truthful) claim that the part received was different from the picture. They will take it back at their cost.

 

From the amount of failure noted in Amazon reviews, I'd go with a tank style heater all day long.
How often do you want to replace a freeze plug heater.....

 

WOW! These things sure pull the juice. 3, 4, 600W. Rarely gets cold enough here for me justify these, I think.

Are the factory diesel truck block heaters of similar design and wattage?

 

My thought too, given the low quality of stuff like this today.

Up here in northern New England the most I've ever done is hang a 100 watt bulb under the hood on really cold nights.

Or build a small camp-fire under the oil pan…

 

Funny you say that. I remember my dad had a 2x6 board about 3 feet long with 3 ceramic light fixtures screwed to it. He used to shove it under the car on really cold nights. No idea what wattage bulbs he had in there. I can't imagine it did any good at all, sitting on the ground under the car.

 

Yes, they are of similar design. The block heater on my Duramax is a 1000w unit. It warms the engine pretty fast.

 

i dont know about regular bulbs but you can still get a heatlamp at the grain store.

 

Amazon.com : Wuhostam 100W 2 Pack Ceramic Heat Lamp, Black Infrared Bulb Emitter Lamp Infrared Ceramic Heat Lamp Bulb for Pet Coop Heater Reptile Chicken Turtle Brooder Bulb(100W/2 Pack) : Pet Supplies

 

Yes you can. And I've seen several building fires started by them. Use with care.