To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
A freezing morning can delay more than your commute. This 1,000W heater warms coolant in select truck, tractor, and industrial engines before startup, reducing cold-start strain so you can get to work.
The workday doesn't stop because the temperature drops. Maybe you need to start a semi-truck for an early delivery, fire up an Oliver tractor for farm chores, or get a loader working before the crew arrives. You might even be heading out in your Ford diesel after a freezing night in the driveway. This 1,000-watt Zerostart heater warms the engine coolant before startup, reducing cold-start strain and helping the engine reach operating temperature sooner.
This heater has a broad range of applications, but the engine determines fit. It's listed for select Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Hino, International/Navistar, Mack, and Oliver engines, along with certain Ford trucks, vans, and SUVs equipped with the 7.3L diesel engine. You'll find these engines in everything from commercial trucks and agricultural machinery to industrial equipment and personal vehicles.
The important detail is the 3/4" NPT threaded connection. Having an engine from one of these manufacturers isn't enough to establish compatibility. You need the correct engine model, a designated coolant-system port, and enough clearance for the heating element. Some Detroit Diesel engines don't have the required threaded opening, and the listed Mack applications require two heaters. Check the manufacturer's application information and installation instructions before ordering.
This is a threaded coolant-immersion heater, not a dry cartridge or press-in freeze-plug heater. It replaces a designated 3/4" NPT pipe plug, placing the 3-7/8" copper heating element directly in the coolant. The element transfers heat into the cooling system, helping warm the engine before you start it.
Installation location varies by engine. On certain Caterpillar applications, the heater installs at the rear of the oil cooler on the left side. International/Navistar T444E and Ford 7.3L applications use a threaded opening in the oil cooler, while some Detroit Diesel engines use a port on the right front of the engine or in the oil cooler elbow. The listed Oliver tractor applications use a cast elbow between the radiator and engine block. Follow the instructions for your specific engine rather than selecting a location based only on thread size.
When your truck or machine needs to be plugged in before an early start, it's easier if the connection is somewhere you can reach. The included 6' silicone power cord can be routed to an accessible spot on your vehicle or equipment. Secure it away from hot exhaust components, sharp edges, and moving parts, leaving enough slack for normal engine movement.
The cord is removable, so damage to the electrical connection doesn't mean replacing a functioning heater. The compatible replacement is the Zerostart 6' replacement power cord (ZE99SR) , manufacturer part 3600008. It uses the matching Type K connector.
Zerostart is a Phillips & Temro brand. You may recognize Phillips & Temro from original-equipment engine-heating applications, even if the Zerostart name is less familiar. The company develops heating products for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment. That experience matters when you're choosing a heater with the correct threaded connection, element length, and electrical rating for your engine.
Allow the engine and coolant to cool completely before installation. Follow the engine manufacturer's instructions for draining and refilling the cooling system. Phillips & Temro recommends a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. Do not use straight antifreeze or a mixture exceeding 65 percent antifreeze, as this can cause premature heater failure. Avoid coolant containing stop-leak additives.
This heater uses a 3/4" NPT threaded connection with a 3-7/8" heating element. Confirm the designated installation port and available clearance for your engine. The matching thread size alone does not establish compatibility. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate thread sealing method, heater position, and tightening specifications. Do not over-tighten the heater.
The listed Mack 865, 866, 1000, EM9-400, and E9 applications require two heaters installed in the oil cooler casting. For specified Detroit Diesel 71/92-series alternate installations, check carefully for the required 3/4" pipe-plug opening, since it is not available on every engine. Check the application chart and instructions for your exact engine before installation.
Do not plug in the heater before installation to see if it works. The heating element must be fully immersed in coolant before power is applied. Running it in open air can damage the element or cause serious burns. To test electrical resistance, disconnect the heater from power and use a multimeter according to the manufacturer's instructions. General Zerostart testing guidance specifies a resistance reading between 5 and 100 ohms.
Refill the cooling system and remove trapped air before connecting power. Use a properly grounded 120V outlet and an extension cord rated for the electrical load and operating environment. If your engine requires two heaters, make sure the electrical supply can handle their combined load. Keep wiring away from hot surfaces and moving parts. Always unplug the heater before starting the engine. When disconnecting power, grasp the plugs rather than pulling on the cords.
Alternate Instructions
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hi, everyone. Steve here with etrailer. Today, we're looking at the Zerostart custom-fit engine block heater. Folks, this is 1,000-watt heater. So when your temps drop, you're not gonna wanna have to deal with equipment that's not starting or running. This custom engine block here will keep it warm, so that your fluids and liquids stay liquid versus getting all gummy and thick.
So, this mainly fits tractor engines, so there's a long list. You can check them all out here at etrailer.com and use our Fit Guide for best compatibility matches. And you can also reach out to us if you need assistance as well. You get a nice six foot long power cord here. The heating element itself is a 3/4-inch national pipe thread size.
The element length is roughly 3 7/8 inches long overall. And they give you a female-style connector here with two ports that marry up to the male port here. And they even give you a nice ring here to plug everything in. So, once you get everything lined up and installed, you'll push that in to seat it firmly. And then, of course, you'll use the ring here to twist it tight.
And then, that makes that plug removable. That way, you can move it if you don't need to and keep it out for storage. So, it's a great cord, a great product. The Zerostart stuff's been around for ages, and they have great, great reviews. I highly recommend them to keep your engine ready to go in the freezing temps.
Folks, we'll wrap it up for our quick look together at this engine block heater by Zerostart. Again, I'm Steven with etrailer. Thanks for watching.
Ratings & Reviews
Info for this part was:
At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.