Ok guys, I really need some help here!! My 07 FJ's block heater has finally died!! No wonder considering last winter was so friggin cold!! So the cartridge type heater is an awesome idea, no coolant to drain, no leaks!!
BUT!!! How the do I get the old one out??? It is seized in there like you would not believe!! and you can't get much in there by way of tooling!! I am at my wits end!! Please help!!!

 

If it is not leaking just leave it in there .

Those are a pain to install after all this time I can bet it is impossible to get out without removing parts for clearance.

That is what I would do??

Let alone getting a new freeze plug in so it does not leak.

 

Thanks for the reply Wyoming, but the problem is, up here in the Great White North, if you don't have a functional block heater, good luck starting your rig. Not to mention the extreme wear and tear on the engine starting at -40!!! The heater in the FJ is not in a coolant passage, but in a machined hole in the driver's side rear block just below the head. it just clips in.
The clip snapped right off, as did the end of the heater! Now all that remains is a couple pigtails for the cord. Anyone else had the misfortune of dealing with these bad boys??!! Could really use some ideas!!!

Hercmech

 

Are you a 130 Mechanic? Just curious by your user name

I fixed your thread title to be relevant to your issue.

It has been a few years since i had a 4.0 but i can't imagine it just clipped in, seems if it clipped in it could be persuaded to pop out. If this is the factory 400w heater that is kind of wimpy.
when i was in Alaska i think mine was 1000w or 750w. How about the magnetic options?
are you also using battery blanket.?

Edit
Google found this
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...-heater-3.html

 

Hey Dropzone!
Yes, I have been a 130 mechanic for 27 years. Thanks for fixing my thread! I don't come on here very often! The design of these heaters is totally new to me, they do just slide in to a machined hole in the block. NOT in the coolant?! weird!! But a buddy of mine up here in Winterpeg has the same rig, and his just slid right out!!!I have been wailing on mine with a 24" prybar and a 2lb ball peen!!! It won't move!!

 

Ok my bad but when you said block heater I only ever had worked with the ones inserted into the block by removing a freeze out plug.

Yes I know all about cold weather and hard( impossible to start) starting engines.

The tank type heaters that go in the lower radiator hose or the magnetic ones that go on the oil pan

It seems your luck is like mine.

Have you sprayed it with your penetrating oil of choice ?? Of course you have.