Cold starts waste fuel and wear down heavy engines. This 1,500W heater warms coolant in select Detroit Diesel, MaxxForce, Mercedes, and MTU engines before startup, reducing cold-start strain on working equipment.
Your delivery schedule doesn't change just because the temperature drops below freezing. Maybe you have a semi-truck heading out before sunrise or a diesel-powered machine that needs to be running when the crew arrives. After sitting outside all night, a large diesel engine can be harder to start. This 1,500-watt Zerostart heater warms the coolant before startup, reducing cold-start strain and helping the engine reach operating temperature sooner. It's a practical way to prepare your equipment before the first job of the day.
Heavy-duty engines are used in everything from highway trucks to industrial equipment, so the type of vehicle or machine alone won't tell you which heater fits. This model is listed for Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15, and DD16 engines manufactured in 2008 and later, along with International/Navistar MaxxForce 11 and 13 engines. It also fits specified Mercedes MBE-HDEP 15.2L and MTU Series 1100, 1300, and 1500 engines.
The important details are your engine model and its designated heater connection. Even engines from the same manufacturer can use different heater styles or mounting positions. Before ordering, check the manufacturer's application information and the specific installation location in the instructions linked below. That's especially important when maintaining older fleet equipment that may have had an engine replaced during its working life.
This is a threaded coolant-immersion heater, not a dry cartridge or press-in freeze-plug heater. It installs in a designated 27 mm threaded opening, placing the heating element directly in the coolant. As the element warms the coolant, natural convection moves heat through the cooling passages before you start the engine.
The installation location depends on your engine. For example, Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15, and DD16 applications use a port on the right side of the engine, while MaxxForce 11 and 13 applications use a lower right-front opening. MTU engines use an M27x2 port on the left side near the oil filter housing. Follow the engine-specific instructions rather than choosing a port based only on thread size. Proper sealing, element clearance, and tightening are important when installing a heater directly in the cooling system.
Plugging in before an early shift is easier when the power connection is somewhere you can reach without searching around a crowded engine compartment. The included 6' removable Type K power cord can be routed to an accessible location on your truck or equipment. Keep the wiring away from exhaust components, sharp edges, and moving parts, leaving enough slack for normal engine movement.
If the cord becomes damaged, you can replace it without removing a functioning heater. The compatible replacement is the Zerostart 6' replacement power cord (ZE99SR) , manufacturer part 3600008.
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 commercial trucks, agricultural machinery, and industrial engines. That experience is useful when you're maintaining a working diesel and need a heater with the correct connection, electrical rating, and installation requirements.
Allow the engine and coolant to cool completely before installation. Drain the cooling system as directed and flush it if necessary. The manufacturer's installation instructions specify a standard 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. Do not use coolant concentrations greater than 60 percent, and do not use stop-leak additives. Improper coolant mixtures and additives can shorten heater life.
This heater uses a 27 mm threaded immersion connection. Confirm the correct engine application and designated installation port before removing the existing plug. For the Mercedes MBE-HDEP 15.2L and International MaxxForce 11 and 13 applications covered by the supplied instructions, tighten the heater to 41 Nm (30.2 ft-lbs). Follow the appropriate manufacturer instructions for other engines. Do not over-tighten the heater.
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 and may cause serious injury. 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.
After installation, refill the cooling system and check for leaks. The supplied instructions require running the engine to operating temperature, then continuing for 5 to 10 minutes after the thermostat opens to remove trapped air. Complete this procedure with the heater disconnected from electrical power. Do not energize the heater until the element is fully immersed and all trapped air has been removed.
Connect the heater only to a GFCI-protected, grounded 120V AC outlet. Use a three-wire grounded extension cord if additional reach is needed, with a rating suitable for the heater's electrical load and operating environment. Align the heater pins with the cord connector and tighten the strain-relief nut securely by hand. Keep wiring away from hot surfaces and moving parts. Always unplug the heater before starting the engine.
Alternate Instructions
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hi, everyone, Steven here with etrailer. Today we're looking at our Zerostart engine heater. It's a 27-millimeter. And with this, you're going to be able to start your engine easier and warm your cab faster in those cold temperatures. It's a frost-style plug that goes directly into where your engine block heater is. And it heats your engine's coolant, keeping it from thickening, and it's going to warm that coolant and make cold starts easier and reduce engine wear overall.
It's designed for Mercedes engines, good old Detroit diesels, right And again, it has a 110 or a 120-volt, rather, plug here. And then you have your main heated element. And this here can be threaded off, and then this plug here can gently be taken off and taken out as needed. And again, this just gets screwed in place very carefully. Again, 27 millimeters, the size of this element.
So again, folks, this is a great option for you on those cold start days. Not much more to say about it folks. I'm Steven with etrailer. Thanks again for watching and reach out if you have any questions and have a good one.
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