I bought a 1500 watt inline coolant heater today.

It says to tie into the coolant by the bottom radiator hose, run a hose to the input of the heater and then run a hose from the output side of the heater back to the engine.

I looked and can see where there is a fitting just above the bottom radiator hose where the hardline heater pipe goes in behind the exhaust manifold and then goes up, turns to a rubber hose into the heater core...then back out.

What I am wondering is what would be the best way to tie into this?
My concerns are that if I route the coolant from the fitting at the bottom front out to the heater, should I route it right back there or should I tie it in further downstream towards the firewall? It might be a tight fit or a no go if I try to plumb it right out and back in. Or maybe there is a plug on the block I can use for supply and then use the ' Y ' [optional piece] fitting that came with the kit to plumb into the heater hose somewhere else?

Just want to make sure I am not plumbing a problem.

Spoke to the dealer about warranty...of course the only issue would be a leak.
That is not my biggest concern.

Thanks

Scotty

 

Why not just put a cord on the block heater already in it? does yours not have one?

 

I installed my Espar by splicing into the engine output (above exhaust manifold) and into the heater and then back to the heater core through the firewall. I haven't had any issues so far.

 

I have a block heater and may run both. The block heater in -25 to -40 temps does not generate heat for the cab and it needs to warm up for quite awhile.

The coolant heater circulates the heated coolant through the heater core and the engine.

Berak, that is what I will do.

Thanks

Scotty

 

I should add that the actual heater itself is located about level with the bottom of the engine. I think Espar recommended it be lowest point possible in the coolant circuit.

It's kinda funny, but for some reason my wife only likes to drive my truck when it's freezing out and she's working a late shift.

Good luck with it.

 

That is what the instructions for this heater state as well.

Scotty

 

Scotty,

What point did you use to pick up coolant for the heater? Instructions state the pickup should be low on the block or from an optional splice kit for the lower radiator hose.

The largest lower hose splice isn't large enough for our engines.

 

I did not get it done for the same reason. I am going to get some fittings this week. I am looking at tapping in at the connection towards the front of the engine adjacent to the oil filter...there is a clamp there. Then run the hose to the heater mounted low by the passenger headlight. Then back into the heater hose going to the cab. You will see that its steel pipe running in behind the exhaust manifold. I hope I can plumb everything before that. Its a tight fit.

Scotty

 

Perhaps we could have a stainless steel sleeve with a nipple fabricated to fit the Dodge lower hose. I've used these Kats heaters before - - lower pickup on the block is far more effective.

 

Whats the Inner Diameter of the bottom radiator hose?

Would you splice in there and then go back to the heater hose or route in and out at the splice?

Scotty

 

For I D I was going to mic the O D and hose thickness. Subtract 2x hose thickness from O D for I D. We are only dealing with rubber. Clamp the splice with nipple in place in the lower hose. Run hose from nipple to coolant heater intake.

All we need is someone to fab the splices. Should be fairly inexpensive. I am surprised more owners are not looking for a better coolant heater. The block heater only warms the coolant.

 

Dumb question, but where is the block heater located on these things? I bought it Aug 8th and didn't really think of it until just now. Frost plug hole? Leftside/rightside front or back.

 

Scotty,

Where did you pickup the coolant to the heater? Or haven't you?

 

Have not done it yet.

I am eventually going to get fittings from the folks that supply my fuel kit parts...The owner is away until next week. I am told there is a pipe nipple that will clamp into the bottom radiator hose. I will weld a fitting to this to supply the heater, then run back from the heater to the hose right by the oil filter with another 'T'. At least that is my theory for now until I get some parts in front of me.

Scotty

 

WLD RYD is gonna be toasty this winter!