Detroit Diesel — Relocate EPA98 Block Heater Element to Right Side of Engine Block
Repair & overhaul · Engine block coolant heater element
From a Detroit Diesel service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
Before you start
- When installing the MBE 4000 cylinder block heater, care needs to be taken to prevent the electrical cord from coming in contact with any hot surfaces or sharp objects that could cause a short or open wire. Failure of the electrical cord will cause the heater to become inoperable.
- Cab mounting may vary. Refer to vehicle service manual for proper mounting instruction.
Procedure
- Drain cooling system.
- Remove the cover plate from the right side of the block and discard the gasket. Save the cover plate for relocation to the left side of the block.
- Install the block heater element with a new gasket on the RIGHT side of the block. Coiled wire points to the front of the engine, electrical connection pointing to the ground.
- Torque the three M8 x 20 mounting bolts to 30-38 N·m (22-28 lb·ft).
- Insert the power cord connector firmly into the block heater element socket, aligning the pins with the sockets. Tighten the strain relief nut securely by hand.
- Route electrical cable over the top of the turbo oil drain tube.
- Route block heater electrical cable around the back of the cylinder head.
- Verify that electrical cord is fastened to the left rear of the cylinder head.
- Route cable between the frame and cab, mounting the wire to the cab reinforcement rib.
- Install the cover plate on the LEFT side of the block where the block heater element used to be. Use a new gasket. Torque the three M8 x 20 mounting bolts to 30-38 N·m (22-28 lb·ft).
- Fill cooling system to proper level.
- Start engine and verify there are no coolant leaks.
Source: Detroit Diesel service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.