I have a '87 GT with the block heater option. 55,000 miles. The heater is located below the alternator and to the left of the water pump and timing chain cover in a freeze plug hole in the block. It's a factory installation and looks very similar to the one in the picture below, at least from what I can see on the outside. It looks as though the heater o-ring has a very small leak and while I'm down there doing other work I though I might remove it and replace the weeping o-ring.
My questions are, before I take it out of the block: 1) Are these plug style heaters generally trashed when you take them out forcing me to find one that will fit via the aftermarket? 2) If I replace the o-ring what are the chances the screw that fastens it back in the block will leak and is there anything I could do to seal that screw? I'm not sure how the screw seals to the base. 3) If it becomes necessary to replace the heater with a freeze plug what size plug should fit well?
Any suggestions and experiences are appreciated even if they only concern just putting a freeze plug back in the block. I would like to keep the block heater, even though I personally may never use it here in southeast Michigan. Just trying to keep the car in line with the build sticker. Many thanks in advance for the replies.
[This message has been edited by Kevin87FieroGT (edited 04-29-2014).]
I have no personal experience with block heaters on a Fiero, but I have read 2 threads where they were removed and re-installed with a new O ring with no issues.
Sort of what I was thinking. However there appears to be a screw through the center of the brass base that grabs a bar on the inside of the base to secure it to the block. I have no idea how the keep that screw from causing a leak, or if it also can be re o-ringed, or something. The base itself looks easy to clean and re o-ring. Also, if I knew I could get a new one that will fit the hole in the block I would probably just pick one up. O'Riellys sells the heaters in various sizes that match the look of the stock one, just need the correct sizing if I go that route.
Thanks guys.
[This message has been edited by Kevin87FieroGT (edited 04-29-2014).]
Originally posted by jaskispyder: I would think you could remove, clean the surfaces and then replace the o-ring.
Maybe.
Get rubber freeze plug FIRST before removing. Most part stores have them.
Block Heaters like to leak after years, sooner when you have weak coolant. Can be heater and/or hole it lives in have corrosion. Many holes are bad and is hard to seal later when you clean up whatever corrosion using new heater or freeze plug. Rubber plug is easier to seal.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Know what you mean about the corrosion. Looking for something that will last the next 27 years and stay somewhat to the stock side of things. The stock heater does look fairly common and I should be able to source a new one, only need the correct size as I think most vendors do not keep many in stock.
Most have a small o-ring or flat gasket under the screw. Make sure the block heater works before you reseal it. Most of the ones I've had to pull was because they quit working. Although I worked with diesels, the block heaters get a lot more use with them.
Do you know if the screw is removable so as to re o-ring or washer? My current heater seems to work as it does get quite warm and the a/c wire to it is in good condition. I know, just pull the thing out and take a look. Mainly I'm trying to find out all I can before pulling the heater out so as to have a new one to put right back in, or, service the old one.
Thanks
[This message has been edited by Kevin87FieroGT (edited 04-29-2014).]
Sorry no advise on the o ring or washer for the screw, our 86 SE is our fastest at heating up of all the vehicles we have ever owned over the last 30+ years. by the time I have driven it a half mile the dam heater will cook you out, and we live in Maine as you can see. of course we really don't drive it once the snow fly's up here, Maine uses way to much road salt and I don't want to have to replace the metal parts of the Fiero.
my only suggestion would be that rubber freeze plug replacement if you do run into a problem, they are much easier to replace than a regular freeze plug, they work a lot like the plugs we put into the roof rack holes when I worked at GM, we shipped the wagons with no roof racks installed so they could be put on the top deck of the car carriers and be that much shorter. while not a lot of extra height it did make a difference for the truck drivers when going under low bridges. basically the plug just slips into the hole nice and easy then you hold it in place while turning the screw/bolt and it squishes the rubber plug to expand and seals nicely. No worries about them leaking like with the metal ones if you get it in cockeyed.
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
I found Phillips & Temro Industries make most of the block heaters out there for OEM and aftermarket in their ZeroStart line. Looking at their catalog they show for the Pontiac, 2.8L, V6, Transverse mount, Code W engine, '85-'89, the part number is #3100015 and fits a 34mm block hole (1.33858 inches). This looks to be a perfect OEM replacement for the Fiero V-6. Additionally they say to position the element to the 3 oclock position on install. It appears O'Reilly's, Advance and AutoZone sell a number of these in various part numbers, not sure about Rock Auto, and not sure any will have the #3100015 at this point.
Should you have a heater in your block Phillips & Temro also manufactures replacement a/c cords. The cord for the ZeroStart #3100015 heater is #3600006 and looks like it will fit the Fiero OEM block heater cord outlet.
For now I will try to pickup a new block heater through one of the outlets above. I'll post the search results when I get one. This appears to be a better solution than trying to reseal the screw shaft on the old OEM unit.
Don't pull the screw all the way out until it's out of the block, If you do the retainer will fall into the block. Once it's out you can unscrew the retainer and check the screw seal.
Looks as though the ZeroStart #3100015 works for all the GM 2.8L. Good to have the 3.4L information here as well. Appears the 3.4L heater #3100014 uses the same size bore diameter of 34mm on the block for the install, at least according to the ZeroStart brochure.
Not many post in the archives about the OEM heaters or their replacements. True, basic freeze plugs are an option and it looks like 34mm diam. is the size you want for the 2.8L or 3.4L engines.
I did find one at OReillys under this part number (# 3100015). They show it as having the heater plug and a new a/c cord. Yahoo. $26.00
[This message has been edited by Kevin87FieroGT (edited 05-01-2014).]
