Community Forums

DIYRV · 04-12-2018, 08:01 PM

Is it directly on the side of the engine block? Most block heaters I've done are the "frost plug" style. Usually you have to drain the system. Sometimes they just screw into the side of the block also. Or there will be a lock nut holding it in. Upload a picture if you can. Sometime you can hook up a wet vac to your radiator and with good timing, usually a second person, once you start to loosen the block heater, turn on the vacuum, and that can hold most of your coolant in. Just have to be quick to have the new block heater to put back in. Some antifreeze will be sucked into the vacuum, so take out the filter. Just need an air tight seal at the radiator cap. use a lot of duct tape.

DIYRV · 04-12-2018, 08:41 PM

Did some searching... hopefully I'm close, or Ill need more info...

Try this link:
https://www.hotstart.com/assets/Inst...216061-059.pdf

If the link doesn't work, I just searched on google, caterpillar e 3126 block heater.

Hope this is helpful.

Jester47 · 04-16-2018, 04:27 PM

Ours is a "freeze" plug mount in the side of the block. Auto parts retailers list several sizes and wattage. Anybody know what wattage was used in the CAT e3126 etc?

DIYRV · 04-16-2018, 06:31 PM

Hopefully someone else has had theirs replaced and knows the wattage. Or do you know what size breaker was tripping when you first found the problem? If its only a 20 amp breaker I would say 1000 watt. Without pulling the frost plug heater out you might not be able to size it up correctly because it has to fit exactly right inside the block. If the heater element comes into contact with any part of the block, it can shorten the life of the heater. Did that link I posted before help at all? Other wise you might have to call your nearest CAT dealer and give them your serial number of the engine and they can give you a part number and pricing. If you know your serial number I can look it up tomorrow and see what I can find.

DIYRV · 04-16-2018, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikester

Ours is a "freeze" plug mount in the side of the block. Auto parts retailers list several sizes and wattage. Anybody know what wattage was used in the CAT e3126 etc?

May be its hidden in your owners manual/brochures?

Jester47 · 04-16-2018, 08:28 PM

Our engine number is 0CKM58471. Freightliner quoted me $87.31 for a 301F/PSM 3500015. It is a 1000 watt unit.

DIYRV · 04-18-2018, 12:59 PM

So called the local CAT dealer here. The parts guy said they can't support the RV coach engine but gave me a number and name of a company that all they do are RV generators.

352-365-2777
Leesburg, FL
https://www.powertechgenerators.com/
You can search their website or talk to Jimmy in parts.

Dutch Star Don · 04-18-2018, 02:22 PM

Did you check the cord well. It's just a standard heavy duty cord. On my previous coach, the cord was covered with split wrap and ran alongside the engine plumbing. It wasn't really protected and could easily be damaged.

Jester47 · 04-18-2018, 08:14 PM

I contacted the Freightliner dealer in Pacific Wa. They had two of them and I pick one up yesterday ($87). Looks like a relatively easy R&R. I'm going to drain the coolant tomorrow and give it a try.

Steve COH · 04-18-2018, 08:35 PM

You might check the condition of the power cord first. I have seen the cord melt and arc a little before it quit working, probably from the nut that holds the cord working loose from road bumps.

Jester47 · 04-19-2018, 02:48 PM

OK. I drained all of the coolant out of the engine. I loosened the retaining screw as far as I could. I was thinking the block heater would be easy to remove, but it's not budging. I've tried a long screwdriver and hammer to get under the edge but so far no luck. I just sprayed it with WD-40 and letting it soak. Any ideas of how to get this thing out?

DIYRV · 04-19-2018, 05:21 PM

wd-40 and wait or if you can get a some channel locks on it and try rotating left and right? Power cord removed, the jam nut should come all the way off. I believe you leave the bushing installed in the engine block. Remember to apply some clean engine oil to the o ring of the heater assembly

DIYRV · 04-21-2018, 08:17 PM

Just wondering if your are back up and running? Hope everything went well.

Jester47 · 04-26-2018, 12:38 AM

I tried just about everything. Loosen it with a chisel and hammer, WD-40, drilled a hole.Tapped the hole and put in a bolt to twist it, but it only stripped the threads.Finally called my Mobile Diesel mechanic.He tried all the above again without success.So he got out his acetylene torch and heated it up.One touch with a hammer and it popped off.He recommends not replacing these but adding one to a radiator hose or oil pan.I AGREE!