Engine Block Heater

Noogie

Noogie

Member
Has anyone added and engine block heater to their diesel? Winter is coming... I’m looking to add one but would appreciate a steer in the right direction if anyone out there has done it already.
 
I haven't needed one even in temps as low as 5*f/-15c... although temps that low require a good battery/glow system and are still pretty rough/smokey.
If I were going to install one it would be a circulating heater that plumbs into the radiator, not a freeze plug block heater type.
 
I added a stick on oil pan heater.
https://www.amazon.com/Zerostart-34...pID=51gnjzGEF-L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
It's a 500 watt which is actually too big but it works very well! the company specs a 250 watt model for the amount of oil we have.
This:
https://www.amazon.com/Zerostart-34...pID=41mqjJs-XQL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Makes a huge difference IMO. I'm thinking about getting the fuel filter wrap one also.
https://www.amazon.com/Zerostart-34...=1-4-fkmr1&keywords=wolverine+heater+model+25
 
I have and it works wonders. It was placed by Pro Auto care in Denver, CO. They specialize in Mitsubishi and we’re the only ones that were able to find the appropriate one, after another mechanic failed and left a temporary freeze plug on my block that was leaking. I love in silverttnorne, Summit County CO in the mountains and here temps are usually below 32 in winter. It snowed good last night and I plugged it yesterday and worked like a champ this am. I bought a magnetic oil pan heater before and didn’t do eh trick. If you want I can try to call my mechanic and ask specifics, like what part number and in what position he installed it.
 
Maxismolkin said:
I have and it works wonders. It was placed by Pro Auto care in Denver, CO. They specialize in Mitsubishi and we’re the only ones that were able to find the appropriate one, after another mechanic failed and left a temporary freeze plug on my block that was leaking. I love in silverttnorne, Summit County CO in the mountains and here temps are usually below 32 in winter. It snowed good last night and I plugged it yesterday and worked like a champ this am. I bought a magnetic oil pan heater before and didn’t do eh trick. If you want I can try to call my mechanic and ask specifics, like what part number and in what position he installed it.
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Hi my name is john and I just got my first Delica. A 93 l300 starwagon. I love in Salida and work in summit county. I was starting my search for a block heater and stumbled upon your post. What year and model do you have and would you be willing to share info the block heater and cost from pro auto care in Denver? And are they a good place to use as a mechanic? Thanks! John 720-202-2170
 
Hi guys, sorry for my delayed response. I talked to Pro Auto Care Inc denver and they told me they used the part number 11401 for the block heater. It cost me $360 parts and labor but also included a new radiator cap, so may be it was a little cheaper than that. I was happy to pay that after 2 prior mechanics were unsuccessful in installing and finding a correct one. This one works excellently and there are no leaks from it. Here is a picture of the heater:A2649DC7-4490-46B9-8828-E4A491AAA716.pngA2649DC7-4490-46B9-8828-E4A491AAA716.png
 
Maxismolkin said:
Hi guys, sorry for my delayed response. I talked to Pro Auto Care Inc denver and they told me they used the part number 11401 for the block heater. It cost me $360 parts and labor but also included a new radiator cap, so may be it was a little cheaper than that. I was happy to pay that after 2 prior mechanics were unsuccessful in installing and finding a correct one. This one works excellently and there are no leaks from it. Here is a picture of the heater:View attachment 1300View attachment 1300
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Max thanks so much for all this information!

I called Pro Auto Care in Denver and they were awesome on the phone and actually referred me to two guys in Erie Colorado that do a lot of work omg delicas. I’m going to take mine up to them next week. They are going to diagnose my excessive blue/black exhaust cloud. Hoping it’s just an EGR issue and not a blown turbo or head gasket! For anyone in Colorado looking for a mechanic there # is 720-466-3350.

After I work with them I’ll post back as to how my experience working with them went

Cheers

John
 
Jzeising said:
Max thanks so much for all this information!

I called Pro Auto Care in Denver and they were awesome on the phone and actually referred me to two guys in Erie Colorado that do a lot of work omg delicas. I’m going to take mine up to them next week. They are going to diagnose my excessive blue/black exhaust cloud. Hoping it’s just an EGR issue and not a blown turbo or head gasket! For anyone in Colorado looking for a mechanic there # is 720-466-3350.

After I work with them I’ll post back as to how my experience working with them went

Cheers

John
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They replaced my turbo!!!!!
 
@ silverstate I just cleaned really well with degreaser then wiped down with alcohol rag. Did when my oil pan was warm not hot or cold. Used the sealant around the edge and let cure for I think 24 hours as per instructions.
 
ccmickelson said:
Hello. What was the reason for having your turbo replaced? Thanks.
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I was driving my van to the meeting in Packwood WA and my van broke down in northern UT. A lot of smoke and no engine power. I though it was the head gasket but ended up that my turbo failed and "got stuck" and overheated and oil got into the turbo. So the mechanic told be the turbo was "fried". I replaced it now. The interesting and important thing is that my Delica never overheated according to the temp gage on the dash board but the mechanic told me that this does NOT tell you the temp of the turbo AT ALL. So, I was going too fast and maintaining 3500 to 4000 rpms on the engine for a long time (going up mountain passes in Colorado) and that did it. Now, I'm planning on installing a temp gage specifically for the turbo. My mechanic said he has been doing that in every single Delica that had that problem in the past (apparently a common issue) so I can keep an eye on the turbo temp and know when to give it a rest.
 
yep....I f#$%@ up. The mechanic told me the turbo was the original from 1992 and that it was gonna happen sooner or later, but I was lucky I did not blow something else. Lesson learnt. That's my problem from not been used to go slow... my other car is a Porsche Carrera 4 and this little van experienced my heavy foot. I had a speeding ticket coming from WY on my Delica going 160 km/h a year ago when I bought it. So: learn from my stupidity AND service your turbo if it's stock!
 
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