Activating OM606 block heater

[spock500]

As the temp start to drop I though it maybe an idea to explore the use of a block heater.

It appears the OM606 engine is pre-cast with the either a factory installed option or to fit retrospectively.

I would be interested to hear if anyone has one wired up in the UK.

There's a good thread from Peach Parts detailing the set up here:

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM606BlockHeater

 

[robparker]

My 240TD has one, its very simply an element, like you would find in a kettle, that screws into one of the core plugs and has a regular household electrical socket on the end of it, so you can run a lead out from the house and plug it in over night, but you only really need it when temperatures are -20c and colder, regually.

 

[Silver_Star]

Kenlowe make after market ones which you can just "Tee" into on of the coolant pipes. Lots of the landy boys fit them.

Also http://dieselgiant.com/mercedesblockheaterinstall.htm

 

[whitenemesis]

The official retro-fit kit for the 270CDI costed out at approx £400 plus fitting!!

 

[spock500]

Cheers for the replies,

Rob, I think these are pretty much the same although mine is not pre-installed.

This is the plug located just below the exhaust here:

I have asked MB for a price on the heater plug. If reasonable will go ahead and fit one and see.

 

[whitenemesis]

Inchcape shows A6042000096 Pre Heater Parts for 230V line voltage £381.24

 

[spock500]

That sounds a bit pricey, is it for an oldie such as the 606?

The one above pictured is available in the US for $80, but maybe not OEM part.

 

[whitenemesis]

That sounds a bit pricey, is it for an oldie such as the 606?

The one above pictured is available in the US for $80, but maybe not OEM part.

I used VIN 210025 and 606.962

Might be worth buying from the US?

 

[Bolide]

A friend used to use a Kenlowe Hotstart with a timer on his Rangie. Damned good idea - the car warms up instantly as the water system is already warm. You need access to mains where the car is parked and a mower-style plug that pulls off when you forget to unplug before driving away...

Nick Froome

 

[whitenemesis]

I was thinking of doing this on my 203 but the block heater was way too expensive and it didn't circulate the coolant, unlike the Kenlowe Hotstart. Had I kept the car I would have bought the Hotstart

 

[spock500]

-3.5 this morning, brrrrrr..

 

[whitenemesis]

I must admit this is something I don't miss from my old 270CDI, cold morning starts. The CLS is so much better, virtually instant warmth out of the vents and the engine up to temp with a mile. My screen is clear before I'm off my driveway!

If I still had the CDI I most definitely would have fitted some sort of block heater, probably the Kenlowe. Not cheap but would be so much kinder on the engine (and me!), with warm oil and coolant at start-up. MPG would also improve on the shorter journeys

Just remember the ATF will still take a time to get up to temp. Although it will be quicker as the ATF passes through a heat exchanger, so the pre-heat will a benefit there too!

 

[Silver_Star]

Just spotted this on eBay, it almost looks tempting for the price.

 

[spock500]

There's this one too:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350628348846?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[mikestrivens]

... My screen is clear before I'm off my driveway!

...

Good job too

 

[spock500]

This looks good value.

Fits a fair few models too -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Engine-preheater-engine-heater-230V-DEFA-Warmup-for-Mercedes-cars-/221163678928?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item337e61ecd0

 

[whitenemesis]

Looks good value, as long as there is no clearance issues.

Downside, relies on convection to circulate coolant. Kenlowe has a pump so would be more efficient?

 

[spock500]

Now if anyone should know about engine pre-heaters, these guys should.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/engine-pr...748?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35c24049a4

I wonder if collection is available..