engine heater install fail on hpx815e

[Warrior_Cleo]

So I went to put a heater in my 2019 HPX815E diesel and instead of seating the freeze plug, I punched it straight into the block. It flipped, slid out of reach, and now it's rattling around somewhere inside. Not exactly my finest moment.

I've seen YouTube comments saying "just leave it, it'll be fine," but that sounds like wishful thinking. No cutaway diagrams to confirm, but I can't imagine a loose chunk of metal inside the coolant jacket is good long term. Worst case, it blocks flow and cooks the engine. Anyone here been through this with a Deere diesel? Did you leave the plug in and run it, or is pulling it back out the only real fix?

 

[deerest_dad]

Hey, if it's wiggling around in the coolant jacket, probably not a big deal for now. But, you should still try to fish it out. Maybe use a magnet or one of those grabber tools before you close it up.

 

[JuanDear]

Agree. If it's loose in the coolant jacket, many say it won't hurt anything long-term. But if it bugs you, try grabbing it out with a magnet before installing the new heater

 

[av3ytare]

My brother did the same on his 2017 HPX, rushed the install and the plug slipped into the block. It sat there for a bit, but then the engine started running hot. He got it out with a magnet through the drain. If you can reach it, take it out. Draining the coolant helped him find it easier.

 

[sl0wdive89]

My brother did the same on his 2017 HPX, rushed the install and the plug slipped into the block. It sat there for a bit, but then the engine started running hot. He got it out with a magnet through the drain. If you can reach it, take it out. Draining the coolant helped him find it easier.

If the plug drops into the block, does it usually end up near the drain? And when using a magnet, is there a kind that works best to grab it without scratching things? Thank you for sharing, trying to help my neighbor with his older Gator

 

[DirtDozer]

So I went to put a heater in my 2019 HPX815E diesel and instead of seating the freeze plug, I punched it straight into the block. It flipped, slid out of reach, and now it's rattling around somewhere inside. Not exactly my finest moment.

I've seen YouTube comments saying "just leave it, it'll be fine," but that sounds like wishful thinking. No cutaway diagrams to confirm, but I can't imagine a loose chunk of metal inside the coolant jacket is good long term. Worst case, it blocks flow and cooks the engine. Anyone here been through this with a Deere diesel? Did you leave the plug in and run it, or is pulling it back out the only real fix?

I agree with the guys here that leaving it in there is a gamble. For peace of mind, I'd get it out. There's always the risk it could get wedged somewhere and block a passage, like you said. A little bit of blockage in the wrong spot could lead to hot spots and a whole bunch of expensive problems.

If the plug drops into the block, does it usually end up near the drain? And when using a magnet, is there a kind that works best to grab it without scratching things? Thank you for sharing, trying to help my neighbor with his older Gator

Use a flexible magnet on a stick as they suggested or a grabber tool. You might also have to try through the other freeze plug holes if you can access them. If that doesn't work, you're likely looking at flushing the system with the radiator hose disconnected and hoping it comes out with the flow. If all else fails, the surest way is pulling the radiator and block drains, then maybe trying an air hose to blow it out. It's a hassle for sure, but way better than a cooked motor.