[Vwdiesel] Block heater install

[Scott Kair]

>>..........so I don't have to drain the whole coolant/rad system then?
Any idea of what kind of wrench I need to pull the old heater element out
?<<

    It isn't absolutely necessary to drain the system, but as Forrest
pointed out, it does present the opportunity.  He was also a bit more clear
than I was- sometimes they just pop right out, in which case it gushes.
    Once you get the butterfly loosened, you shouldn't need more than a pair
of pliers or channel-locks to work out the old unit.  Which one will depend
on accessibility and clearances. The butterfly retainer varies by
manufacturer, so it might be a hex nut or a screw.  Be careful if it's one
of those hermaphroditic screws that's part standard and part Phillips.  The
heads strip easily.
    It will become more clear once you have the replacement in hand and look
it over, and once you crawl under and see what the old one looks like.
    HTH,
    Scott Kair