6V92 block heaters

[Iceni John]

I've read all the threads here about heaters for my 6V92TAC, but I have a question:
Does it matter if I use the 8601712 heater (for engines with an A/C compressor) in my non-A/C engine, or must I only use the 8601704 heater for non-A/C engines?   The only difference I see is the A/C engine's heater has a more bent element than the non A/C heater.   Pictures of the Hot Start DDV-151B heater show it similar to the 8601712, but Hot Start does not offer different heaters for A/C and non-A/C engines.

Thanks, John

[tr206]

The difference is where the heater goes (see mounting plate) in the engine block. I would put it where it is easiest to install.

[chessie4905]

They also make heaters that go into round threaded plug hole. The plugs can be a real pita to remove

[luvrbus]

The 4-bolt plate on the 92 is ideal place but sometimes you have to find another location because it is covered,heaters come in all kinds for mounting, I don't care for the freeze plug mounting but have used them before. I have only seen 1 model for 4 bolt mounting that will work .Did you find the cause of the engine trouble yet John

[Iceni John]

Did you find the cause of the engine trouble yet John

The passenger-side camshaft doesn't turn when I bar the engine over.   This means that either the camshaft is broken where its drive gear is attached, or the idler or crankshaft gear is broken.   If the former, I probably have a head's worth of bent valves, and if the latter, I should assume both heads' valves are bent.   J&R Diesel in Riverside CA can work on the engine:  they specialize in 2-strokes and buses, especially Crowns, and they're only 50 miles away, so I'll probably use them.   They have rebuilt heads in stock, and they do all their own machining on-site.   While the engine is out I'll have them check or replace cylinders and bearings, and attend to anything else that may need doing in the future.   I'll also replace all the DDEC sensors, especially the SRS/TRS which is almost impossible to reach normally, and it seems a good time to also install a block heater.   I could get a used engine cheaper, but then I'd just inherit whatever problems that engine may have, so I'd rather keep my engine if possible;  with a rebuilt/reman engine I still don't know if it was done well or not.

John