Engine heating assembly

For use with an engine block having an interior passage for liquid coolant and having a freeze plug opening in the block connected to the coolant passage, an improved coolant heater assembly covering the opening to selectively warm the engine coolant, comprising:

• a thin walled heater housing including an end wall and a side wall which define an interior space, the housing having an open end opposite the end wall whereby the housing is adapted to be positioned relative to the block so that the open end is aligned with the opening in the block to allow coolant to flow into the housing interior;
• a generally U-shaped electrical resistance type heating element having two spaced leg portions integrally connected by 35 a return bend portion within the interior, ends of the leg portions extending through the end wall;
• terminal portions extending from the end portions externally of the housing for selective applications of electrical energy to the element whenever warming of the coolant is desired;
• an elongated saddle clamp member of sufficient length to be positioned across the opening in the block with end portions thereof engaging the edges of the block about the opening, the saddle clamp having a threaded opening through its central portion, an elongated fastener extending through the end wall of the housing and the interior into threaded engagement with the saddle clamp to secure the housing to the block.