Engine block heater

[Spartan]

Did a search but couldn't find exactly what I need.
Was an engine block heater available from the factory in 1969?
What would the RPO code be (K05?)?
Pictures of a stock factory engine block heater setup would be the bees knees if it was indeed a thing.
If there is a picture and information in another thread please give the link.
Thanks in advance for any information.

[Keith Seymore]

Yes - available as RPO K05.

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf

K

[Spartan]

Thanks Keith!
BTW congratulations on the new venture. Learning new things and different experiences is a plus. I'm pretty sure getting to spend more time with the missus and on the hobbies is good too.
cheers!

[Spartan]

Any pictures of a factory set up would be much appreciated.

[Already Gone]

Most Canadian trucks would have block heater. They fit in a frost plug hole on the engine block. Its basically an electric element heater like you'd find in an old coffee pot.

[seattle gmc]

I got a block heater on my truck i will get you a pic of it this weekend.

[1972RedNeck]

I think the OP knows what a block heater looks like and wants a picture of a factory installed block heater and cord routing.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Most Canadian trucks would have block heater. They fit in a frost plug hole on the engine block. Its basically an electric element heater like you'd find in an old coffee pot.

We used to use them to heat our water for coffee back in the repair areas of the plant.

K

[Spartan]

First of all thanks for all the input here.
In my searches there was a thread about Canadian trucks and a basic package that stated they received block heaters standard dome years.

I have seen several different types. For example my cj-5 and 69 J4500 both have them on a radiator hose. The one on the cj-5 still works and keeps the 304 toasty on cold mornings. The one on the truck isn't functional but is correct so I left it alone.

I know how they work. Coffee pot, toaster, etc... Probably some sort of Nicole titanium coil that heats up via controlled short would be my best guess.

My concern now is to see one factory installed so I know what to look for in case I stumble on one. A long way to go on my build yet but information never hurt and as they say "a pic is 1000 words..."

Thanks again fellas and or ladies

[Spartan]

Seattle gmc - ill keep my eyes peeled
Thanks

[hugger6933]

If I'm not mistaken and I have been a time or two but the later 6.2 Diesels all had them and they went in the front freeze plug hole on the drivers front side. I think one would be a good idea even here in Arkansas lately in the last few weeks we have had several morning down in the single digit range. I know quit being a big baby you have it tougher up north, but I'm just not used to it like you guys are. Jim

[FirstOwner69]

I've installed several block heaters over the years including one in my 69 in the early 70s. Every one I've used is very similar to the one in the link below which is for a 350. It is the type the factory still uses but is probably not identical.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...1372&ppt=C0332

[geezer#99]

Here's the style most chevy's had. This ones an example. Replaces the frost plug in the front drivers side. They're super easy to swap out at 40 below.
http://www.jeepworld.com/accessories...gineheater.htm

The ones in the hose are circulating style and work well too.

Don't forget the other block heater. The more important one you wear while changing out the one in your chevy at 40 below! LOL!!
https://butyourecanadian.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/91/

[seattle gmc]

Ok got some pics. I dont think this a factory heater since its not on my spid or build sheet. But my truck was originaly ordered by someone in the small town of ketchum Idaho where im originaly from. Its fairly cold in the winter there so i is probably a dealer instaled heater. Also my i see my heater is quite different from the one in the link in an earlier post. But there is another block heater just like that in a IL250 that is down where i work. I can snap pics of that as well.

[seattle gmc]

seems like i can only do one pic per post.

[seattle gmc]

More

[seattle gmc]

the spid.

[seattle gmc]

and the build sheet.

[Daner]

Originally Posted by seattle gmc

Ok got some pics. I dont think this a factory heater since its not on my spid or build sheet. But my truck was originaly ordered by someone in the small town of ketchum Idaho where im originaly from. Its fairly cold in the winter there so i is probably a dealer instaled heater. Also my i see my heater is quite different from the one in the link in an earlier post. But there is another block heater just like that in a IL250 that is down where i work. I can snap pics of that as well.

That looks like the block heaters we use on our tractors. They work well.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by seattle gmc

Ok got some pics. I dont think this a factory heater since its not on my spid or build sheet. But my truck was originaly ordered by someone in the small town of ketchum Idaho where im originaly from. Its fairly cold in the winter there so i is probably a dealer instaled heater. Also my i see my heater is quite different from the one in the link in an earlier post. But there is another block heater just like that in a IL250 that is down where i work. I can snap pics of that as well.

I've always seen that type heater referred to as a tank type heater. All "block" heaters I've seen were those that go into a freeze plug hole in the block. I believe all tank heaters are aftermarket.

[DeadheadNM]

My 72 GMC has the same heater as shown above but it's not an RPO listed on the SPID. The pic shows what I believe was the correct style engine block heater - this is now installed on my 72 K20.

[Spartan]

thanks DeadheadNM,
thats the picture that tells all. Any chance of getting a copy of the instructions? I will be looking for one of these as I pick through estate sales yard sales, auctions etc... just in case I come across one.

Mystery solved!
Thanks to all who responded in this thread and went out of their way to help me know just a little bit more about these trucks. ]
cheers!

[DeadheadNM]

You bet - I'll try to dig out the schematic...

[davepl]

It's been a while now so my "research" is not fresh in my mind. What I remember, and you should definitely vet any of this before relying on it:

- Big block and small block are different (reach? frost plug size? I think the former)
- Big block and small block orientation are different (water jackets?)
- I don't -think- they were RPO till 71 but couldn't see the pics above clearly

As I'm from Canada, and we all had block heaters, I asked a friend up there that is that "old friend who knows all there is to know about this stuff" that we all have. He said:

", I had a buddy that had a 69 Chev. With a factory 396. The block heater on it for sure was drivers side rear. Keep in mind the motor mount obstructed the front 2 frost plugs no matter if it were a small block or big , so I don’t recall the fronts ever being used. Food for thought, lots of vehicles back in the day did not come from the factory with block heaters as it was a customer request which on most occasions became a dealer installed option. On the other side there was also a check box from the factory for a Dual Block heater option , This usually had both heaters in the rear frost plug holes with only one of the two cords unwrapped. The other cord remained wrapped up and tucked in somewhere by the Rad support. The only exception I’ve ever seen even as I’m hard core Mopar was the famous Chevy small block 400 . This beast had 3 frost plugs per side which then was like the Dodge, Block heater in the middle hole. I guess my question for you Dave is Why would you want to put a Block heater in this truck in the first place?"

Keep in mind also that even in Canada the vast majority of these were dealer installed, so even 'original' installs are pretty random. All I remember from my youth is that 2 are better than 1 (below about -30 anyway) and I always ran the cord under the engine mount.

Walking by the hospital parking lot with the girlfriend of a pro football player who had come up from a Florida university, each stall had the post with the outlet, and she said "That's so thoughtful, a plugin so they can vacuum in every stall!".

And PLEASE post a legible copy of those instructions, if you would. I'll trade 'em for the bumper guard installation sheet :-)

[DeadheadNM]

I found the original box but it had instructs for bumper guards inside and had no luck digging though the pile of NOS labels. I'll keep after it as I'm sure I wouldn't toss it out but it may take me a while. I recall the instructs denoted which freeze plug to install into and listed both SB and BB locations.