I have a 1" plug at the rear of the block on the passenger side about 3" from one of the end freeze plugs that I'm thinking might be a good place to install a block heater. What can I expect to see if I was to remove the plug? Do you think I would find a hole deep enough for one of those loop elements?
Thank you, Glennman
You should have a 4 bolt plate under the exhaust manifold. That is the location for the block heater.
Phillip's and Tempro, makers of Zero start block heaters, have a pdf catalog showing locations for various engines. They show the 4 bolt plate as primary location and, in the past some have used a screw in, in one of the threaded plug holes, but those thread in plugs are a real bitch to remove, reported by anyone that have removed them. Use the plate if you can. Btw, they come in 1000 and 1500 watt versions.
Yep, look for the 4 bolt plate. That's your best bet.
In choosing the wattage of the block heater...
The higher powered ones are hard on the electrical contacts, whether an extension cord socket, or the switch you employ if you do it slick and turn it on inside the coach.
Big spark on connect and disconnect.
Burned contacts and high wattage leads to FIRES.
Nobody needs to be in a hurry with the camper.
A 1000 watt will work just fine. Turned on when you roll out of bed, have your breakfast, the engine will be ready to go.
And if you are one to want to leave it plugged in all night, significant savings in power, and a lot less stress on the extension and electric bits...
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Our Jeb "Jimmyheet" on our IL 671 is 2000 watts. We seldom use it but very effective & quick (2hrs or less) when we do. 10-4 on the power drain but when it's time to move it's time to move...
They make 220-240 volts ones also.