Block Heater 5.4
11-06-2012, 07:09 PM
#1
Rocker
Thread Starter
Block Heater 5.4
Anyone put in a block heater in a 5.4 themselves?? Can get the part at NAPA (Ford doesn't show one) for $35 - but the stealership wants $200-250 to put it in.
11-07-2012, 03:40 PM
#5
I'm assuming it'd be like any other block heater, drain your coolant down, remove the freeze plug, install element in its place, run the cord, voila! That being said, a quick glance in my truck and it looks like its on the driver side of the block near the front. Below/Behind the power steering pump. I'm assuming it would be a pain to get at.
The freeze plug is held in the same way others are I imagine, a bolt/screw that spreads two wing looking things to hold it in. It seems hokey but they always seem to seal.
If you took your time, removed the intake, and planned your job out well there is no reason you couldn't do it yourself.
The freeze plug is held in the same way others are I imagine, a bolt/screw that spreads two wing looking things to hold it in. It seems hokey but they always seem to seal.
If you took your time, removed the intake, and planned your job out well there is no reason you couldn't do it yourself.
Last edited by Cheapshot; 11-07-2012 at 03:40 PM. Reason: clarity
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11-07-2012, 04:49 PM
#9
I hate it when people do this to me, but I'm just curious what the climate is where you're at? I live roughly 1400kms north of Vancouver in BC.
Winter here can get pretty gnarly sometimes but if I can be 100% honest with you I usually don't plug my truck in unless its colder than -20*C or colder which is -5*F, and thats usually more for the fact that I have a battery charger hardwired into my battery as well. I know when I used to work out of town, I'd leave my truck unplugged for lots of times days on end at my employer's shop and it always started, once at -40*C, it sounded gross but it started. If its always crazy cold all the time (like -40*c) then also you'd probably want to look at a pan heater or a circulating heater, they seem to make more of a difference. If you're interested in having one, please be my guest. However I'm not sure I'd bother, especially if its only going to be that cold for a few days or for a freak cold snap. I haven't dug the plug out on the Wife's escape, and it was fine last winter, we had -30 cold snaps a few times. My Dad never plugs his truck in (04 F-150) and I don't think its ever left him. We all run Mobil 1 mind you.
Winter here can get pretty gnarly sometimes but if I can be 100% honest with you I usually don't plug my truck in unless its colder than -20*C or colder which is -5*F, and thats usually more for the fact that I have a battery charger hardwired into my battery as well. I know when I used to work out of town, I'd leave my truck unplugged for lots of times days on end at my employer's shop and it always started, once at -40*C, it sounded gross but it started. If its always crazy cold all the time (like -40*c) then also you'd probably want to look at a pan heater or a circulating heater, they seem to make more of a difference. If you're interested in having one, please be my guest. However I'm not sure I'd bother, especially if its only going to be that cold for a few days or for a freak cold snap. I haven't dug the plug out on the Wife's escape, and it was fine last winter, we had -30 cold snaps a few times. My Dad never plugs his truck in (04 F-150) and I don't think its ever left him. We all run Mobil 1 mind you.
Last edited by Cheapshot; 11-07-2012 at 04:52 PM.
11-07-2012, 06:35 PM
#10
kanga2311 FISO
Www.bobistheoilguy.com says that when the oil is cold, is probably the worst time for your engine. Ow and 5w oil flows easier than 10w when cold, but oil does not flow as well until its warm. I know I should plug in my truck, but I'm cold and tired from work and just want to relax inside. But open your hood and check to see if you have one. I was a little surprised when I found mine.