Flathead Block Heater

[RalphG]

Yes, head bolt heaters were pretty much standard equipment up here in cold country on any engine you planned to start in winter. Dad had one on the 52 Merc. When my brother overhauled the engine in 1980 he did not re-install the head bolt heater as we had no plans of running it in winter. I've got several of the old head bolt heaters saved here. Not sure if any of them work.

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by RalphG

Yes, head bolt heaters were pretty much standard equipment up here in cold country on any engine you planned to start in winter. Dad had one on the 52 Merc. When my brother overhauled the engine in 1980 he did not re-install the head bolt heater as we had no plans of running it in winter. I've got several of the old head bolt heaters saved here. Not sure if any of them work.

Having a 'No start' condition while the roads were covered in salt brine was an excellent idea! Same reason I never installed any windshield wipers on my woodie wagon. I have like 7 vehicles I can drive when it's raining. And I have vehicles here from ND, SD and Minnesota. All had the special head bolt.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by GB SISSON

Having a 'No start' condition while the roads were covered in salt brine was an excellent idea! Same reason I never installed any windshield wipers on my woodie wagon. I have like 7 vehicles I can drive when it's raining. And I have vehicles here from ND, SD and Minnesota. All had the special head bolt.

The problem was that when you live out in the country maybe ten miles from all the necessities of a small town, it is very important that the old flathead was able to start. And I don't think there was even a fraction of the road salt used back then as they use now. Dad's old Merc probably just rusted out from mud caked on the underside of the fenders and rocker panels.