FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Coolant Heater Replacement


Removal Procedure





1. Drain the engine coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System.
2. Remove the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
3. Remove the heater cord from the engine coolant heater (2).
4. Loosen the bolt retaining the engine coolant heater to the block.
5. Remove the engine coolant heater from the engine block.
6. If the vehicle is not originally equipped with an engine coolant heater, remove the coolant jacket plug.
7. Carefully tap the core plug near the outer edge.
8. Rotate the core plug out of the core plug hole. Do not score the machined surface of the hole.
9. Grasp the plug with pliers.
10. Pull the plug from the engine block.
11. Clean the core plug hole in order to remove the following substances:
^ Burrs
^ Compound
^ Paint
^ Rough spots


Installation Procedure





1. Coat the O-ring seal (2) and the cleaned surface of the plug opening with water resistant high-temperature grease lubricant GM P/N 9985164 or the equivalent.

Important: Avoid element contact with the inside walls of the engine block.

2. Install the coolant heater by pushing tightly into the engine block.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Tighten the bolt on the engine coolant heater until both of the locking wings draw tightly against the inner wall of the engine block.
^ Tighten the bolt in order to retain the engine coolant heater to the engine block to 2 Nm (18 inch lbs.).





Important: Do not allow the heater cord to touch the following areas:
^ The engine
^ Hot pipes
^ The manifold
^ Any moving parts.

4. Install the heater cord to the coolant heater (2).
5. Route the heater cord.
6. Install the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
7. Fill the radiator and the engine with engine coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System.
8. Inspect the system for leaks.