What model block heater fits a GC2400?

[ray66v]

There seems to be more than one way to post images, or files. Here is how I do it:

Below the box you type your post in, there is an additional options section. Click on the bar that says Mange Attachments. When a new window opens, click on the bar that says Browse, and find the file in your computer that you want to post. Click on it, and when it is displayed in the box next to the browse button, click upload.

There was no contest, just bragging rights.

 

[irvingj]

razzbarry, I don't have a machine shop, but I'd still love to see how you did it. Perhaps there's a way for you --or someone with similar talents-- to produce these things on a somewhat larger scale.... and maybe make a bit of money at it?

Ray- My former student who's now an aero engineer has told me that compared to the motorcycle engines I've been working on, the O-320 is simplicity itself.

I'm beginning to believe him, especially when I see things like a "special upgrade" (STC) to replace the generator with an alternator!

Oh, yeah, I have to keep reminding myself: this PA-22 was built in 1956....:laughing:

Hope to have "my baby" up here in the next few weeks.:drool:

 

[ray66v]

razzbarry, I don't have a machine shop, but I'd still love to see how you did it. Perhaps there's a way for you --or someone with similar talents-- to produce these things on a somewhat larger scale.... and maybe make a bit of money at it?

Ray- My former student who's now an aero engineer has told me that compared to the motorcycle engines I've been working on, the O-320 is simplicity itself.

I'm beginning to believe him, especially when I see things like a "special upgrade" (STC) to replace the generator with an alternator!

Oh, yeah, I have to keep reminding myself: this PA-22 was built in 1956....:laughing:

Hope to have "my baby" up here in the next few weeks.:drool:

He's right. And the O-320 is even older technology than that Pacer. Most of these engines were designed in the late 40's, very early 50's. :laughing:

It's like going back in time when you fly them.

Are you working on your ground school?

I though about the profit potential in razzbarry's adapter, and my guess is he has to be able to deliver them for around $30. Take out shipping, and material, that does not leave a lot of profit room. But, depending on his situation, perhaps it's enough for him.

 

[razzbarry]

Adapter drawing

I uploaded a AutoCAD drawing of the adapter. When I get my camera working I will take a picture of it and post that. There are two 28mm heaters, one with a 1.0mm pitch and the other with a 1.25mm pitch available from Zerostart. The heaters come with an aluminum gasket. I don't like gaskets so I used o-rings on the adapter at the freeze plug opening and the heater. The one at the freeze plug is 1-1/4" id, 1/16 thick. The one on the heater hole is 1" id and 1/8" thick. When looking at the adapter drawing the largest diameter is 0.130 thick. This is the space between retaining plate and the raised freeze plug boss. That is the most critical dimension because it holds the adapter in the hole, which is not machined.. The retaining plate is 1/8" thick and will flex a bit if the distance is off to the narrow side. But I don't think that would matter but if it does shims could be placed under the plate at the plate mounting holes or on the adapter to make the fit snug.

I hope this helps anyone who wants to make one. I don't know if it is worth my time or be cost effective to fabricate these individually. To make a profit and keep the cost down I would have to be able to make it in an hour and charge $50 for it. I don't think it could be done in that time. If anyone wants to do that feel free to use the drawings.

I built it because I am cheap and don't like the idea of paying 3 to 4 times what a regular heater would cost at an auto parts store. Besides I have to tools and like to tinker.

Cheers,
Barry

 

[irvingj]

"I built it because I am cheap and don't like the idea of paying 3 to 4 times what a regular heater would cost at an auto parts store. Besides I have to tools and like to tinker."

I hear ya, Barry! I've often wished I had a machine shop, as I often find myself making things like you do.

When I bought that heater I also had a bit of a bad taste in my mouth afterward.... can't believe it has more than $10 in materials in it. I just try to rationalize it (and not think about it too much)...

Thanks for the drawings, and I'd love to see a pic of it.

Ray- yes, I'm still plugging away. Also spend some time on the Short-Wing Piper Club forum learning there, and I'm slowly working through the Garmin 296.

 

[ray66v]

Thanks razz for the drawing, it appears to be what I had envisioned.

Zero start has ignored e-mails in the past, which doesn't make me want to deal with them either. Perhaps if enough GC owners were to ask them, they would offer a heater. That is if they are not already under contract to make the ones that MF is overcharging everyone for. :laughing:

 

[razzbarry]

Since there is no way to put one in the block with a butterfly tightener their cost would probably be about the same you at MF, if not more. They would have to make something like I designed and like the one MF supplies. There would have to be a high demand for them to tool up for it. I doubt it is worth bothering them about it. The retaining plate could be stamped but the adapter would have to be machined.

One thing I did not try but that would make it easier to build would be to put the retaining plate on top of the heater flange, using o-rings on the plug and heater joints. That would not require threading the adapter and would be much easier to build. I build a lot of my own hydraulic parts and just get in the habit of threading o-ring connectors. I didn't event think of doing it the easy way until now.

Barry

 

[bakerg]

I read a thread that shows where to put the block heater. I removed the plug and there is no room to insert a typical heater. The picture on the forum shows a bolt on type of heater just above the oil filter but nothing is said about the type and model of the heater that will fit this configuration. It seems that an adapter is needed that will fit in the hole with an o-ring. I assume that is the heater screws into that adapter. If so what is the part number for that and does MF had that part? Thanks, Barry

Was looking for a block heater also, called my Massey dealer in Canada and part# is 4269250M91 and price is $159.30 Can.

 

[ray66v]

I can't say for sure. But, I am going to assume Zerostart manufactures things in China, because the majority of their products are not very expensive.

I believe they could offer something they already make, modified to work, without having too much money in it.

If you look at the list of vehicles Zerostart makes heaters for, you will find that there are lots of vehicles that are not common, or popular, yet they have specific model heaters available. I believe there are certainly more of these Iseki engines out there, than some of the vehicles in their catalog.

Which is why I have a gut feeling they, or another major heater manufacturer, is making the ones that MF sells. (It would not be frugal for MF to invest in a line just to manufacture it). Whoever is making these for them, probably can't compete with MF by contract.

Hopefully someone will realize the growing market, and get in. But, right now they don't have much incentive to be more than a little cheaper.

 

[razzbarry]

The one I bought looks well made. It is solid brass with a heater soldered in. The unit costs $1 with tax. If the unit goes bad all that is needed is to buy another unit. I don't know what the MF unit looks like. Can you can buy just a replacement heater. If so then it would not cost $100+ to replace it. If you have to buy the whole unit then that is simply nuts because their engineers should know better. But knowing better and doing better are two different things.

Good news, it doesn't leak. I just blew snow for about half an hour and it worked great. I heated the engine up for about half an hour and it started in less than 2 seconds with about 5 second glow plug time. I am pleased with it so far. I will find out when it is below 0F in my garage.