Engine Block Heater - Coolant Leak
Bulletin No.: 011/99Issued: 06/04/99
Revised:
Section
09
Applicable Model/s
1998-99 626
Subject
COOLANT LEAK AT ACCESSORY BLOCK HEATER
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
All 1998-99 4-cylinder 626 with FS 4-cylinder engine.
DESCRIPTION
Some accessory block heaters installed prior to March 1999 may cause a coolant leak. When installing a block heater kit as an accessory or when replacing a leaking block heater element, be sure to use the modified element and the following repair procedure. This will ensure proper seating of the 0-ring seal on the block surface. Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following procedure.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify customer concern.
If the leak is occurring from the block heater, proceed to STEP 2.
If the coolant leak is not caused by the block heater, repair the cause of the leak as necessary.
2. Verify that the block heater element being installed either as an accessory or a service part is the modified part made of cast brass material and not the old part which is of stamped construction as shown.
3. Drain the coolant and thoroughly clean the sealing surface of the block.
4. Remove the block heater element currently installed or the freeze plug as necessary and discard.
5. Apply all of the silicone grease supplied with the block heater to thoroughly coat the 0-ring.
Caution
^ Use only the grease supplied with the block heater. Do not use a petroleum base grease as this may cause the 0-ring material to soften and cause a leak.
6. Firmly press the block heater element into place, making sure not to allow the 0-ring to roll or become dislodged from the 0-ring groove. The heater element should be pointing down in the 6 O'clock position as shown.
7. Tighten the retaining nut to 14 - 19 in/lbs. (1.6-2.2 NM).
Caution
^ Over tightening the block heater element may lead to a coolant leak.
If installing a complete kit, connect the power cable and route the cable to the grill opening per the instructions supplied with the kit.
If not, proceed to STEP 8.
8. Refill the coolant to the proper level.
9. Start engine and verify repair.
Caution
^ Do not plug the block heater power cable into an electrical outlet until after coolant has been added to the proper level and the engine has run for several minutes to purge any trapped air. Failure to do so may lead to damage of the block heater element.
PART(S) INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Note
^ This information applies to verified customer complaints on vehicles covered under normal warranty. Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.
Warranty Type A
Symptom Code 77
Damage Code 9K
Part Number Main Cause SEE PART(S) INFORMATION
Quantity 1
Operation Number / Labor Hours XO68OCRX /1.1