Hey guys, I'm looking into getting myself a Block heater (I live in northern Alberta and my car is already having trouble starting cold) and I have no idea what a freeze plug looks like, I was wondering if someone could point out where they are on the 2.8?

Thanks a lot.

The freeze plugs are located on all four sides of the block. The rear plugs are inside the bell housing and the front plugs are under the accessories. The side plugs are commonly used for block heaters, and appear to be recessed circles. The circle is actually a stamped metal disc with a raised edge, or "flange". You can see one in the picture below, above and to the right of the block drain with the red arrow.



Normal procedure to remove a freeze plug is to use a chisel to punch it into the block, turn it sideways, then pry it out with channel locks. The plug is fairly malleable so it will bend as needed to pull out. Be sure to use sealer, and make sure all surfaces are clean.

JazzMan

Cool, Do I only need to know where one is to install a block heater? Or do I need multiple? If so where are the others?

quote Originally posted by McCool: Cool, Do I only need to know where one is to install a block heater? Or do I need multiple? If so where are the others?

That I can't answer as I've never installed a block heater.

JazzMan

Doesn't matter Where you put it. If the car is hard to start, the COLS START injector may Not be working.(may be the injector, located below the distributor, OR the sender, located to the right of the theremostat housing & has 2 wires going to it.) is this "block heater " the kind you plug into an extention cord from the house ?

I spent about 7 years working in Canada. Been through a lot of different engne heaters. The best we found to use is the style that goes inline of the heater hose. Works great on gas and diesel engines. If you can find the right one, it has a small pump that circulates the coolant to keep the entire system warm. We used to get them at Canadian Tire Stores. A block/freeze plug style does not circulate the coolant and the motor will most likely stay cold. There is also one that is magnetic and sticks to the oil pan - keeps the oil warm so that it will crank easier. We used a combination of the inline and the pan heater on our diesels.

I agree with the above post - check your cold start injector system first. Also could be an issue with your fuel pump.

When you go to start, do you just turn the key and crank? Or do you turn the key to on, wait a few seconds then crank.

I ask because my 88 Formula will not start if I just turn the key and start to crank. If I turn the key to on, put on my seatbelt then crank, it fires on the first stroke. I believe I have a weak fuel pump. Try waiting a little before cranking (let the fuel pressure build) and see if it makes a difference. It may not solve all your cold start issues but its a place to start. It does not get anywhere near as cold hear as it does there but this am it was 29* and it fired right up. Good luck.

Pat

haha

It doesn't start because it's -40C. Most cars have trouble starting at that temperature. I know the pump is old and tired, but at these temperatures I'm sure it's not the only problem.

What type of sealer should I use? Will teflon tape do the trick?

quote Originally posted by McCool: What type of sealer should I use? Will teflon tape do the trick?

No, tape won't work. You should use a non-hardening teflon-based sealer. You can call local engine builders and get specific recommendations in your area.

JazzMan