circulating tank heater

[STEVE53]

I would like to install a circulating tank heater on my truck. Is there an accessable block drain to hook it up to and where is it located. Thanks.

Steve

 

[North Maine]

You usually splice into the heater core supply for those types of heaters, that way it ensures positive pressure.

ON EDIT: wow I totally confused that for a FUEL tank heater, I'm an idiot. For a coolant heater they are usually spliced into the lower rad. hose I think. There is a pic of a set-up on here somewhere.

 

[94K30]

I would like to install a circulating tank heater on my truck. Is there an accessable block drain to hook it up to and where is it located. Thanks.

Steve

In a word, No..... No block drain that is accessible.
I put mine drawing from the small 3/4 hose that comes out of the lower radiator hose to surge tank, and feeding into the heater hose that returns from heater core to radiator. I found that a ball valve plumbed into the return line just before radiator keeps heated coolant going through the heater core, then into both heads via the thermostat crossover. Without the ball valve, it would heat the radiator, as this is the shortest route between these 2 points.

 

[STEVE53]

Thanks for the info. I installed a tank heater on my 1985 350 chev and used the block drain for the inlet to the heater. Thing heated up and started in the coldest temps. I will istall this one as suggested as this is the only viable option. Thanks.

Steve

 

[94K30]

Steve, I mounted the unit itself on the pass side battery support....

 

[Schwind]

snap some pics when you do it. share with the rest of us.