my wife has a 84 D150 with a 360 in it. i'm wondering if anyone knows where i can get a block heater and how to put it in? thanks much!!

 

Get a tank style unit that goes in a heater hose. NAPA can get you one, or you can order one from JC Whitney. Mount the heater, run the hoses, route the wire out the grille, and you are all set.

 

That's a common block heater that should be available at any parts store. At least they are up here. The instructions will be included, but basically:

- Drain all the coolant from radiator and block
- Find the specified frost plug and remove it:
i) using a punch and hammer, tap the frost plug in at the bottom, hopefully it will flip in and the top half will be protruding out from the hole.
ii)grab the protruding frost plug with channel-locks and lever it out of the hole.
- Sometimes you will knock the frost plug completely into the block. It is important to fish it back out so it doesn't impede cooling.
- Clean all sealant and crud from the edge of the hole in the block. Use a piece of sandpaper or wire brush on a Dremel to polish it right up.
- Lubricate the o-ring on the block heater, pop it squarely into the hole facing the specified direction, tighten the screw (not very tight- just snug)
- Refill the cooling system, purge the air, run and test for leaks
- Run the cord from the block heater to the front. I usually run the end of it out under the front of the hood so I can tuck it in, out of sight, when I'm not using it.

 

so it goes in line with the heater core? or a radiator hose? i guess i'm not too sure what exactly your talking about..... maybe i'm just a dummy EDIT: like this? http://www.jcwhitney.com/Tank-type_E...;0;2000837;0;0

thanks torquefan! i kinda figured thats how it would be done but wanted to make sure. i'll check the parts stores, not much luck with anything online. i found one from jegs for just under $30. says it fits MOST dodge V-8's.

any one happen to know the size of the frost plugs? and is it necessary to run one on each side?

 

The tank ones go inline on a heater hose.

You only need one heater regardless of type.

 

ok cool beans!! do you have to drain all the coolant with the tank style one?

 

Nope. If you pick the right spot for it you can pinch the heater hose around where you are going to cut it and only lose a few ounces.

There are pliers sold for this purpose but I find that needle-nose Vise-Grip pliers work very well. Set them so the jaws are parallel (not closed at the tips).

 

thanks!! i think i'm gonna go that route!! thanks again!!!

 

Don't forget to take pictures and post em up!

 

will do!!

 

NOTE: A tank heater should be tapped into the block drain hole & tied to tee in the heater hose. Do not just spice the heater into the hose.

These heaters work by thermosiphon.

 

where is said drain hole? and how do you tie into it?

 

There should be a pipe plug down low on each side of the block.
Just replace it with a hose fitting.
You will have to drain the system for this though & you may have to punch through the rust in the water jacket to open it up.