B2650 engine block heater replacement!

[Orange Beast]

Good evening everyone,

Unfortunately at the end of last winter my block heater took a crap at only 200ish hrs. Talked with the Dealer and they have no reasons as to why or any other info so here comes the big question.

Has anyone ever replaced one of these without completely draining the anti freeze? It just seems like maybe it might be easier to unscrew, then screw in the new heater and top off similar to a HST filter replacement

Just curious what you guys think and what you would all do?

Thanks for your thoughts!!!

 

[Stmar]

Maybe try the shop vac trick, should be the same principal. On YouTube there are examples of oil plug changes without draining pan.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Changing a block heater is not a quick in and out operation and the antifreeze will flow out faster than you could ever put the heater back in.

Drain it and if it still looks and tests good reuse it.

 

[Huskerfan]

I’ve replaced it both ways on a G1900. Far easier to drain antifreeze and change out the block heater. Otherwise it leaves a mess of antifreeze everywhere on the engine and floor.

 

[rjcorazza]

I drained mine in a clean plastic storage tub when I installed the freeze plug heater from scratch. I didn't reuse the coolant, but could have just as easily.
I saw a video where a guy clamped the lower radiator hose for a block heater install, and it seemed to at least keep the coolant from re-entering the block. I personally wouldn't clamp a hose like that. Sometimes trying to save time just makes things harder.

 

[vic gerbasi]

leave the block heater alone install an inline heater they are available in many places easy to install and very efficient i have found that they work vrty well in extremely cold climates I live where it gets -30 to -40 degrees F works very well for me jmo