Kat's engine heater 2 failures in a row.

[acesneights1]

These things are junk. I installed one on my M1009 and it burned out within a month. Napa warrantied it but now I only got 1 week from the new one. It was installed properly as I have installed many over the years. The first one I clocked at 6 the second at 12 either of which is acceptable. I refilled and ran the engine for a good hr each time to make sure no leaks and no air and they still burned out. Junk.
I am going to Fleetpride tomorrow and order a Phillips and Tempro Zerostart and see if I have any better luck. BTW The Zerostart comes in either 600 or 1000w for the 6.xx
Attached is the Zerostart catalog. I can't believe I have to do this again in the friggin sub zero cold.

 

[swbradley1]

I hate to say this but I will. I'm kinda glad it happened. Why am I a cold heartless b@stard. Because two of mine burned up and one put smoke trails up the side of the Deuce's oil pan.

That tells me I was not just having bad luck, they are junk.

 

[llong66]

I am very sorry for your bad experience but I thank you for taking the time to post, I had been looking at these and even posted a link in another post due to the price, now I see why they are so inexpensive (cheap)

 

[swbradley1]

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?80282-Block-Heater-Fire&highlight=heater+oil+pan

 

[acesneights1]

NAPA part# for the Zerostart appears to be same but with a TWD infront.
Advance only shows the 3100057 which is the 600w. I am debating which to get. Ordinarily I would have went with the 600w because of the cost of electric but since Connecticut now rivals Siberia with cold temps I am wondering if 1000w would be better ?

 

[dstang97]

NAPA part# for the Zerostart appears to be same but with a TWD infront.
Advance only shows the 3100057 which is the 600w. I am debating which to get. Ordinarily I would have went with the 600w because of the cost of electric but since Connecticut now rivals Siberia with cold temps I am wondering if 1000w would be better ?

lol Siberia.

 

[dependable]

What type of Kats heater failed on OP's 1009? I've got a tank type(the kind you put in heater hose) that has worked well for years. Maybe the new ones are junk. Just picked up another one to put in another 1008, so I guess I'll find out how they last.

Definatly block heater weather.

 

[doghead]

Common failure causes, http://www.fivestarmanufacturing.co...e9387fa/Common_Failure___Troubleshooting_Tips

 

[M543A2]

You have to be sure your engine block does not have sediment in it when you install a tank type heater. If when you remove a block drain you have to use a tool to get coolant flow because the hole is plugged with crud beware. This sediment can continue to flow down into the tank on the heater, burying the heater coli in it and stopping water flow, which will result in the heater overheating or burning out the coil. Sometimes this happens over a long time, sometimes quickly depending on the kind and amount of sediment in the block. I had a tank type that was getting very hot and not circulating water. I took it off and found it plugged. I washed it and the block out thoroughly and now it again works fine.
Regards M543A2

 

[swbradley1]

Except that mine were magnetic, had more than enough surface area and had no crud on the oil pans.

We have two completely different kinds of products failing in similar ways from the same manufacturer.

 

[acesneights1]

I have a freeze plug style.I suspect maybe Kats could be made in china junk now. I ordered a Zerostart today from Advance. They are made in Canada...Canadians know cold...lol

 

[acesneights1]

Common failure causes, http://www.fivestarmanufacturing.co...e9387fa/Common_Failure___Troubleshooting_Tips

They forgot #6...Our product is Junk.
I emailed them about this issue and got no reply...No surprise....

 

[acesneights1]

Well, got the new Zerostart in. I can see a significant difference in Quality. The Kats is cheap thin junk. The Zero start is cast and much stronger and the element looks beefier. It also has Made in USA stamped right on it. The Kats has nothing which would make me question it's origin for sure. Still never got a reply from Kat's either. I'll never buy another Kat's product.

 

[doghead]

I do not intent to argue but, from the two pics you posted I can't see any recognizable differences that indicate quality.

 

[acesneights1]

It's hard to see in the pics, sorry. The Kats is stamped brass and the Zerostart is a cast machined piece. Much stronger. The element is shorter and much thicker on the Zerostart as well. I also had trouble getting both Cats to sit flush on the block. The Zerostart popped right in with ease.

 

[doghead]

I'd guess it is not cast, but powdered metal.

 

[doghead]

Please keep us updated on your experience with the new heater.

 

[acesneights1]

I'd guess it is not cast, but powdered metal.

Yeah maybe. It's definitely not stamped though. I actually bought two(long story) so I'll try and take the other new one and get better pics.

 

[acesneights1]

Well, been about a month now and no issues at all with the new Zerostart. It fit in the block perfect as well. Used it for almost 2 weeks 24/7 and now just about 4hrs a day and still functioning as it should.

 

[M543A2]

This "Made in USA" reminds me that when Japan was known for making cheap stuff years ago they named a city in Japan Usa so they could stamp stuff "Made in USA"!!
We had some years of problems getting our plant in China to making good products. Now we have good success, but it has to be closely monitored. I find also there are all too many good metal alloys I was used to using in America are unavailable in China, limiting design opportunities.
Regards Marti