2015 engine block heater -unable to install

Last night I received the block heater in mail and I mocked it all up before going out to get cool tape to install everything. I go back ready to push the block heater and it will not budge. I then find out that there is some bracket that stops the core from going in straight. There is this youtube video of a 2011 truck where, clearly, that bracket does not exists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UNmmhsyHag

I tried removing the bracket but it will not budge and angle is so tight that I cannot use breaker bar nor can I go from underneath. What gives? Why do they even design these crappy layout? any 2015 out there with block heater installed?any help? what is that bracket for?
Both pictures taken from underneath the truck.

 

I spent last three hours trying to figure this out. The whole exhaust manifold has to be removed to just remove that bracket. The ratchet will not fit in any angle. I will call the dealer...this is ridiculous.

 

Seems like I'm talking to myself but I called Steven Creek Toyota and they said they cannot install or sell block heaters for 2015 Toyota!! Seems like Toyota has screwed up.
Edit: I have written to Toyota about this. Let's see if they respond.

 

How did Toyota screw up? By adding a bracket that prevents an aftermarket block heater to be installed?

 

No, by adding a bracket that prevents any block heater from going in purposefully or not. In other words, they did not state explicitly that block heater cannot be installed where as all models up till 2014 accepted a heater block(factory or aftermarket). If this is a "design" change then it is a limitation and "should" be highlighted as such. As far as I can tell, this is limited to 2015 models only.

 

Maybe a company just needs to make an aftermarket block heater that will fit the 2015 Tacoma.

Or remove that bracket. What is it attached to? It doesn't appear to be too hard to get to with an extension or two and a universal.

 

Looking into it now...no luck so far. I will be calling AK dealers soon. I'm sure they have solved this already.
I also tried removing the bracket but it is harder than it looks. There is no space to put in a ratchet and move around....the only way is to drop the exhaust and then re try.
Edit: Called Toyota dealer in Fairbanks, AK and they confirmed that the bracket has to be shaved or removed.

 

That does in fact suck, but I wouldn't place the blame on Toyota... It isn't possible to design a vehicle to allow any available add on to fit with no issues.

Best of luck getting it to fit. I have faith in you.

 

Is it part of the 2012+ Air injection smog stuff on the headers?

 

I had the same problem. There's a thread somewhere where many of us ran into this. I picked up a stubby handled ratchet with a swiveling head and the job took about 10 minutes. Before that, there was about two hours of busted knuckle cursing. It's all about having the right tool.

Jimmy, the engine is made to accept the heater - OEM, not aftermarket.

 

Obviously it isn't made to accept the heater.

So that is a Toyota Block Heater?

I didn't know Toyota made block heaters.

 

if this is the case why not install a circulation heater or a magnetic pad heater [oil pan needs to be steel not aluminum or plastic ].im not sure what our oil pans are made of.Zero-start Temro brand makes both types and i believe they are available at )Reillys.

 

Hello team, Yes oil pan heater(sticker or magnetic) is the only option now. None of the dealers want to sell or install this heater block. I spent another 4 hours this afternoon trying to come up with some ratchet socket combination that works(tried 3/4,1/2, small extension, big extension, elbow and you name it)...no luck. There is just not enough space to torque it out.

Hi, can you post a picture of your ratchet? I will swing by HF in now...

 

This will not work. The bell housing blocks the wrench from fully connecting. I will try others tomorrow...One last resort is the air ratchet(I will have to find a friendly mechanic now).

 

I was finally able to install the heater. Thanks DoorDing for pointing the correct HF ratchet. That is exactly what I needed.
Note: The only way to break the nut loose is from top(factory installation has locktite). So get the ratchet in from the bottom (if top is tight, which it is) and then use extension from top. I ended up using pump handle from my 20 ton jack(the orange pipe)as extension.
I will find a clean way to put the bracket back on. As of now, it is hung away from the engine block using a metal wire.

 

DoorDing is a good dude.

 

block heater on a tacoma, funny.is it diesel

 

I have a block heater on my kubota which is a diesel. I live in northern Ohio. It will start without plugging it in no matter how cold it is. However, it is really angry and pissed off about it. Plug it in and it is happy. I am thinking about adding one to the taco. Is it necessary? No. But hearing the anger in the diesel makes me think about it

 

Good call. You're both good dudes!

 

Not sure what's funny about it. Where I'm going(DeadHorse, AK), it is absolutely necessary. Temps at -30 to -40 are not uncommon.
I rather have it and not use it as compared to need-it and not have it.