[Vwdiesel] Block heater install--anything to know?

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

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[ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
  Two biggest hassles are in removing the plug.  First, the screw is shorter
than is required for removing the heater by force, to push the butterfly back

in.  This means if you back it off enough then you'll drop the expander into
the block, most likely.  It's usually nonferrous so no retrieving it with a
magnet.  :(  Hopefully YMMV.  The other is the plug gets nice and loose
but takes a fair amount of force to pop it free of the rust ring ahead of the

O-ring.  Once you pop it loose you can use a good light and a screwdriver
to push in the wings of the butterfly.
  Yes it's best to drain the coolant first.  You can change rad temp sensors
without draining but I wouldn't try doing a block heater!  Best way to drain
is to pull the right end loose (as you're staring down it it orientation) of
the
small, straight hose from the water pump to the heater pipe.  Refill through
the upper hose, into the engine.
  Use a little emory cloth or wet dry sandpaper on the plug hole before
lubing and inserting the new heater.
     Loren