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Block heater install

N

NLRegina

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 7, 2023
Has anyone here successfully installed a core-plug type block heater on a 1991 b230f? I have one of the Kats heaters 11401 type plugs, and from what I've read, it seems like they're supposed to go in on the rearmost plug on the exhaust side. Problem is, the cylinder bore isn't leaving any room for the install. Am I doing something wrong, or are these sypposed to go into a different core plug? It looks like all the exhaust side plugs line up with the cylinder bores except for the frontmost one.
 
Just some updates for the sake of any other poor soul out there: the 11401 block heater does not fit in either the frontmost or rearmost core plug holes on the exhaust side of the block. The fitment listing is incorrect, the heater element does not have enough clearance to fit in with the cylinder bore in the way, let alone fit in place without contacting the block. Those core plugs were pretty miserable to remove and then reinstall, wouldn't wish that on anyone. I can post pictures later for anyone curious.
 
I’ve got a Katz heater for a B230 I’ve never installed. I’ll have to check the part number of the one I have. The instructions that came with mine say the front passenger side plug is the correct install location.
 
I used to have a 1987 745 T with a dealer installed / Volvo branded block immersion heater and I am very sure that the block heater was in the rear most plug on the right side of the block. Since it was dealer installed I am not sure of the shape of the element. Calix has listings for the Volvo 740 which show the shape of the elements - none of which look like the Kats element.

Search products - Cars - Calix

products-cars.calix.se products-cars.calix.se

Interesting to note that the heater and the recommended installation location changed in 1991 to the front end of the block. Calix is Swedish and it does not look like they have a North American distributor . That Ebay listing from Nordicar is for a 240 volt heater which is perhaps why it is so expensive and won't work on this side of the Atlantic.

Kats still exists although they are now owned by a different company. Kats lists heaters for the 740; but, none of them are immersion heaters so it sort of looks like your 11401 might be a no go on the 740.
 
Good to know. I may just get an in-line heater for the lower radiator hose, if I get the itch again. Had the block heater sitting on a shelf from an old rockauto purchase and thought I'd kill 2 birds with one stone while I had the exhaust manifold out
 
NLRegina said:
Good to know. I may just get an in-line heater for the lower radiator hose, if I get the itch again. Had the block heater sitting on a shelf from an old rockauto purchase and thought I'd kill 2 birds with one stone while I had the exhaust manifold out
Click to expand...

I got mine from RockAuto. I bet we have the same one. Glad I haven't tried to install it yet.
 
The notes from one online source say the element needs to be in the 6 o'clock position to fit. :e-shrug:
I might try on the block I have on a stand, just for giggles.
 
If you do, could you take some pictures? Itd be nice just to see whats behond the core plugs on the intake side if possible. I wonder if it's meant to fit over there instead somehow.
 
Judging by the shape of that one, I would think the one I bought would also fit in there. But I don't feel like going through that nightmare again before getting some visual confirmation of the clearance.
 
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