Can I use the OEM block heater from a 5vz on a 3rz

[Pyral]

I bought the OEM block heater for a 5vz on accident (PN C0140-02900). It goes into the freeze plug to heat the coolant. The 5vz only uses 35mm freeze plugs while the 3rz-fe uses a 3 sizes: 40mm (x3), 35mm (x8), 30mm (x1).

But freeze plug diameter isn't everything. I could always remove the 35mm freeze plug on my 3rz and find out that the coolant passage behind it isn't deep enough to fit the block heater meant for the 5vz. Or the 35 mm freeze plugs could be located up high where the coolant doesn't sit when the engine is off.

Does anyone know for sure if this block heater will work on the 3rz-fe?

Is the 35mm freeze plug on a 3rz located below where the coolant sits with the engine off?

Also what is the difference between C0140-02141-S1 and C0140-02141-S2? The fitment guide for block heaters doesn't specify which one.

 

[Twisted Sid]

Or the 35 mm freeze plugs could be located up high where the coolant doesn't sit when the engine is off.

Where do you think the coolant is going when the engine is off?
It's a sealed system. It should always be full. If you have places that have no coolant, that means you have a leak or air trapped in the system.
I can't answer your block heater/freeze plug part but maybe a oil pan type would be better

 

[JZiggy]

I have an oil pan heater and use it on chilly mornings to help the engine warm up. It doesn't help you get heat in the cab faster but it does help the engine start up more easily. That may be a lower risk option. You also mentioned having to change the oil pan gasket -- install it while the pan is off, easy.

 

[BuffaloBass]

a heating element in oil is a LOWER risk option than a heating element in water? Ya think?

Sorry I cant answer the interchangability part. stick with OEM type. Got me thinking I ought put one in mine while its all apart. Thnx.

 

[Devbot]

a heating element in oil is a LOWER risk option than a heating element in water? Ya think?

Sorry I cant answer the interchangability part. stick with OEM type. Got me thinking I ought put one in mine while its all apart. Thnx.

Engines handle cold coolant infinitely better than they handle cold oil. Coolant doesn't lose all viscosity/film strength and causes pressure to dive when it's cold. So from the engine's perspective yes, much lower
If your concern is fire, the elements don't get anywhere near the flashpoint of the oil, so it's hardly a risk for the owner as well. It technically IS still possible if something was to go awry, but it's also a possibility with block heaters too - only a few years ago Ford had a massive recall over their factory block heaters starting fires while unattended (then they recalled them AGAIN because they butchered the fix and didn't solve it!)

 

[BuffaloBass]

I follow your logic, but nowhere on CONUS does oil get down below -20 and thicken up to need heating. Hence ALL oem block heaters I have ever dealt with ( MBZ, FORD ) have been in the coolant. And BOTH were for diesels, not gas engines. Yet Sub Artic temps would require oil heating for sure.

In Siberia. Or Alaska.

And therefore I have reconsidered whether a block heater is truly relevant for my 4 rnr, even though it was born a Utah truck. I'm in upstate NY now, and its irrelevant. Rear heater, sure I'll restore that. Just to make it a proper restoration.

Sorry for the sidebar discussion Pyral and NOT answering your inquiry.

 

[3bears]

I know that the OEM block heaters used to be a tighter fit. Meaning they did not stick into the block as far as say the Kat brands etc. So I dont know why you could not put it where you have a 35mm plug.

by the way...I have a block heater, and an oil pan, and a trans pan and a battery heater, as well as a trickle charger

 

[Twisted Sid]

by the way...I have a block heater, and an oil pan, and a trans pan and a battery heater, as well as a trickle charger

With that much electricity going to your engine, I think that qualifies you as a hybrid now

 

[alex9000]

I know that the OEM block heaters used to be a tighter fit. Meaning they did not stick into the block as far as say the Kat brands etc. So I dont know why you could not put it where you have a 35mm plug.

by the way...I have a block heater, and an oil pan, and a trans pan and a battery heater, as well as a trickle charger

Hm - Are you in Alaska? I'm in Alberta and it hits -40F here sometimes. I dont have a block heater (yet) let alone all those. Makes sense though.

 

[BuffaloBass]

Ok Alberta would also qualify as a block heater zone!

 

[3bears]

Hm - Are you in Alaska? I'm in Alberta and it hits -40F here sometimes. I dont have a block heater (yet) let alone all those. Makes sense though.

yes in alaska, north of fairbanks, yes it can and will get to minus 40 Fahrenheit