Block heater question and bolt needed

[Gizmoman]

I'm slowly fitting the bits back together and found that the block heater on the block I bought (from a great guy on this forum) would be tough to get out - so I modified the fabricated motor mount some more.





First question, is this a good heater to use or are there better/worse ones? This one was coated with silicone. Not sure if that means it was leaking, or the PO just wanted to make sure it didn't. Second question, is a sealer required - all there is to seal it is an O-ring. The bore is in good shape (not pitted) but I kinda don't trust it either. It does fit quite snug once it's in there though. I've no experience with block heaters and would appreciate any advice from the cold climate folks.

Also, if anyone has one or two spare 12 point bolts that hold a K14 to the exhaust manifold, I'd be happy to buy them as I'm missing one. They are 10-1.5 x 46 mm.
I may resort to replacing all four with grade 12 SHCSs but I like the way these torque up and they have a nice flange on em as well.



In the photo above you can also see the new 1/8" EGT port. The lack of that is why I'm rebuilding the engine (no EGT to sense I was cooking the #4 piston)

• Block heater sealing
• 12 point 10 mm K-14 turbo bolts.

Any help appreciated - thanks.

[wolf_walker]

They work, I would buy a new one as they are cheap, and I think I did use sealant on mine even thought it probobly wasn't needed, just since it's a pain to get to in a Rabbit.
Further, I always figured that if I lived somewhere that got seriously cold, I'd install more than one.  They work, but they are kinda small. 

[TylerDurden]

I prefer the hose heater in the bypass hose. Easier and more out of harm's way...

[8v-of-fury]

I like the ones that go inline and have a circulating pump built in

[wolf_walker]

I prefer the hose heater in the bypass hose. Easier and more out of harm's way...

Is that bought or made?  I have a spacer piece in that hose already on my AAZ to use the 1.6L hose, looks like it'd be a good use for it.

[8v-of-fury]

can get em at your local auto parts place prob no problem.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

The heaters that splices into the rad hose is more prone to burning your car down if it malfunctions. The ones that go in the freeze plug has a much lesser chance of it.

[hillfolk'r]

Ill haveta post up some pics of the 1000 watt 120vac kim hotstart tank heaters we use on gens. Its a little large about the size of a 20 oz plastic coke bottle. Id like to use one but its a little bulky. It has a snap disc tstat built in in wide ranges of temps. The freeze plug ones are ok but i use sealer cause i dont wanna have to drain it down if it leaks. These heaters we use would work on a small v8 and hold 100-120f on the coldest days
Hey hook your heater into a timer you can kick it on like 2-2.5 hours before you leave for work in the am? Thats watt i do........ Get it? ....watt.........folks is this thing on?

[TylerDurden]

The heaters that splices into the rad hose is more prone to burning your car down if it malfunctions. The ones that go in the freeze plug has a much lesser chance of it.

Call me skeptical. They are thermostatic and shut off when they reach 175F. (Oh, and they're surrounded by water.)

The freeze-plug units are more likely to fail, since they are more exposed to debris, salt-spray and leakage from valve-cover oil. That's why I changed to the hose units.

[745 turbogreasel]

I find they outlast the regular freeze plugs

[Gizmoman]

I find they outlast the regular freeze plugs

Thanks, turbogreasel - I knew if I waited long enough, I'd hear the answer I was looking for
Would you add a sealer (silicone or something else) or just insert and tighten the screw?

Again, I'm in So Cal so I don't need serious heat - just got it (for free) and wanted to have it there - just don't need it leaking.

[8v-of-fury]

SO CAL!?!?

What do you even need a block heater for!? LOL!

What is your lowest yearly temperature?? 45f?

[745 turbogreasel]

Real diesels just come with one I think. I'd clean the hole, and use a touch of rubber lube, clear synthetic, or marine grease.
I don't need the cold start  thing either.

[wolf_walker]

SO CAL!?!?

What do you even need a block heater for!? LOL!

What is your lowest yearly temperature?? 45f?

I know a guy here with a powerstroke that I don't think his glowplugs have worked in ten years....  
Daily driver.

[8v-of-fury]

Power Stroke is DI, shouldn't need them. I don't need my glows on my M-TDI unless it is below -10C.