NHC 250 Block Heater Inst.(PICS)

For those with the 855 Cummins that encounter cold tempuratures, here are some pics of the required block heater. It can be purchased in 120V or 220V. The latter would draw less amps but would limit you on where you could plug in. The element is 1,500 Watts and the power cord is long enough so that you don't have to extend it.

When looking in the coolant tank, it looked like it was "Ecto Cooler" fresh but when the side plate was removed the coolant was black. Give those engine blocks prunes you guys

There are two locations on the passenger side of the block where one can be installed. We chose the front location as access was easier. The coolant hose in the picture does not have to be removed.

On a side note: Installing two more 1,100 CCA batteries has shown a huge improvement in cranking ability.

Just curious, how many Beck's beers are required for the installation?

Another question: Will the quality of the installation be compromised if one uses a less expensive beer, such as Blatz, Milwaukee's Beast, etc?

Seriously, I like block heaters, even if the temps aren't low enough to require their use for starting. Its just easier on these big expensive motors.

Do you have a coolant filter? Might be worth installing one. Flushing an engine doesn't seem to get it all out, and the filter whittles away at what may be left, or what is created over time.

very cool. where did you buy this heater? napa?

Very nice! I would also like to know where you got your heater. Not that it gets cold enough around here on a regular basis, but it would be nice to have just in case it does.

This could be a great idea for the winter months are just around the corner and still warm enough now for the instillation.

Thanks for the info.

C'dub

That was just a one Becker. Yes I can remember the "water beer" days of college where Milwaukee's Best, Schlitz, Natural Ice, etc. were standard fare at functions. When I go to a Yankees game I'll actually spend the time to hunt down a concession or beer guy serving anything but coors or budlight. I think I need to suck it up and drink the crap but at $7-$8 a beer why not drink something good while your yelling obscenities and throwing things ...anyway...

There are many heavy truck parts places around me. The guy has the Zero Start catalog readily available at the counter. It was about $25-$30 and was installed quickly and easily. All of our vehicles have them now even my Slant Six. Thank you for the reminder Rattlehead about the coolant filter. That black crap in the block clearly demonstrates that they should be standard equipment. I saw those pics you posted awhile back on the subject. That was enough to convince me.

Thanks for posting the pics, part number, etc. I see that I need to drop by my local truck parts house on the way home today...

I also rarely "need" a block heater since I am in North Carolina, but it gets sorta "cool" every now and then in the winter and I have been known to drive up to the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia at times when having a block heater would be nice, and now is a good time to install one on my M817 since I am crawling under and over it each weekend when I can get away from work...

I am looking at buying one, how does it work? it does not look like it circulates. I just wonder how it heats the whole block.

SilentSpeedy said:

I am looking at buying one, how does it work? it does not look like it circulates. I just wonder how it heats the whole block.

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Heat rises, so the warmer coolant tries to go up, which pushes the cooler coolant down. Atleast that particular one.
I have one in my 7.3, and it takes about an hour, in 10 degree weather, but it actually defrosts the windshield a little it does so well.
They do make circulating ones, but really not necessary, unless you want a real quick start after you plug it in.

Napa part number......6053139 or 30101......2 different manufactures

Does that heater need a gasket? I bought the same one (860-1046) pictured in the first post on eBay. Did not come with a cable or gasket. But don't know if it was supposed to.

Jared said:

Does that heater need a gasket? I bought the same one (860-1046) pictured in the first post on eBay. Did not come with a cable or gasket. But don't know if it was supposed to.

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yes I put one on mine. you might get away with RTV though.

I'll bring one, NIB to the 11SSGAR, if your interested, just find me

Ron -- I don't think I'll be there (unless it gets moved to New Hampshire) but thanks for the offer.
Jared

great idea to do this! how did you install the wiring.

My M932A1 Tructor doesn't like anything below 40F so I think I'll be installing one of these as well. Just put 4 of the 6TL batteries on order, that hurt the pocket book !

Great post, thanks.

-40 my engine heater will melt the snow off the hood. Truck starts instantly but I also have a 2000 watt oil heater on it to

I bought my NAPA one on ePay for about $15 (same one above). It works SUPER! My M923 will start cold but it takes lots of cranking and throttle. If I plug the block heater in for a couple hours, I swear it starts in less than one crank. It's worth it. I'll do some testing this winter when it's -20F and see how good it works...

Al Jones
M923 in the cold Dakotas...

Block heater - perfect

Great info - anyone have a part number - NAPA or otherwise?

edit OK - so it's in the picture... will try that one.