Weird wire in ‘74 401

[FinGoJeep]

Hey guys, I just bought a 1974 Grand wagoneer with the 401. It’s got a whole list of problems, which I’m working on one at a time.

But I noticed there’s an electrical cord (like a two prong wall plug-in), similar to an oil pan heater for diesels, however it connects in to a cylinder which is connected into the coolant lines leading into the heater core. I honestly was just hoping someone would know what it’s for. Thanks.

[will e]

Welcome to the board! You will find it is a great place for information and encouragement. Post a pic!

THe cord is connected to a block heater. It is used in really cold climates.

[sirrus]

As will e wrote, that sounds like a coolant heater. Factory one would be in the block, taking space of one of the core plugs. Yours sound like an aftermarket


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[carnuck]

That’s a coolant heater that actually pumps fluid while it heats it up to keep your heater core from freeze cracking in Alaska or other extreme cold areas.