Engine block heater on pre-2000 Northstar

[hjb981]

In 2000 (I think) the Northstar redesign included a place on the outside of the engine, where a contact heater could be installed to heat the engine block before starting in cold weather. I think it is not too hard to install or remove. On earlier Northstars, there is a hole somewhere in the engine block, into which a block heater can be inserted. The only problem is that in order to access it, the entire engine subframe has to be lowered slightly, according to the factory service manual (1997). That is a tad bit more than I am willing (or able :/) to do to install a heater.

I have already tried installing a heater in the upper and lower radiator hose, respectively. This involves cutting the hose, and connecting the two cut ends to a heating element, so that the heater sits in the middle of the hose. No matter which one of the two radiator hoses the heater is installed in, the heated coolant will not circulate into the engine. This works on many engines (it is quite common to install these after-market "hose heaters" over here in Sweden), but not on the Northstar, which I understand has a somewhat unusual thermostat configuration on the inlet to the engine.

So, the question is, does anyone have any experiences to share on how to install a heater on a pre-2000 Northstar without lowering the subframe.

[hjb981]

Actually, I just found something that could be interesting: http://www.dieselproducts.com/proheat/padheater.html. I would still value any input that anyone can give .

[KHE]

I don't recall a hole or plug in the engine block of the Northstar engine. The service manual mentions block drains in the changing coolant section but there are none. They were planned but not implemented and apparently, the service manuals were not updated.

[Logan]

There are 2 block heaters...1 for each side of the block. Optional equipment. Image is from 1999 service manual.

[rockfangd]

I remember that on my 96 ETC, it was from canada. nice feature. I actually found the cord on day still wrapped up below the transmission fill cap.

Now as for the hose type heater I would think it would be better to put it in the lower hose doe to the fact coolant is always present in the lower hose. but there is a spring in the lower hose that keeps it from pinching or collapsing so this could be difficult

[Cadillac Jim]

The engine block heater placement in my 1997 FSM is in the transmission housing right behind the flange bolting to the block, on the driver's side. The hole should be there since it's not a block drain plug or freeze plug, or even directly in the block itself.

In the instructions in the FSM, page 9E-1, dropping the cradle just a bit is needed only for the last step, which is unplugging the heater element and removing it. Looking at the figure in the 1997 FSM, the element simply pulls out of the block and is held by the wiring harness. Access from the top looks daunting, and the recommendation that the cradle be dropped just a little probably can't be omitted while giving the element room to come out (or, be inserted into the hole).

The most critical step in dropping the cradle just a little bit is disconnecting the steering intermediate shaft from the rack-and-pinion to prevent steering damage.

A summary of the steps from the 1997 FSM are

• Put the car on a frame hoist (wheels unsupported).
• Pull the left front tire and wheel.
• Remove the left splash shield.
• Remove the fuel line bracket from the transmission.
• Remove the steering intermediate shaft lower coupling. See warning above; do NOT omit this step.
• Remove the front road sensing suspension position sensors at the lower ball studs.
• Partially lower frame to gain access "as described in Frame and Underbody." This is a separate list of actions.
• Remove the cord from the heater element.
• Remove the heater element.

Installation instructions are the reverse, and the wires and connector should be there, so the instructions to install one should be to do the above except the last two steps, which should then be remove the tape sealing the end of the connector. Installation is the above steps in reverse order, with"Remove" replaced by "Install" and putting the wheel back on before lowering the car.