I am planning on buying a electric engine block heater for my 2000 F150 5.4 V8. I live in extreme NW Iowa and it isn't rare for temps to stay well below 0 for days at a time during the winter.

I am wondering which is best? The type that you install in the frost plug or the one that you install in-line on the radiator hose?

I hear that leaks can develop on the frost plug installed heaters. Seems that the in-line heater would be easiest to monitor and replace if necessary.

Just looking for advice on what you guys have had experience with and what type and brand you would recommend.

Thanks in advance.

F150y2k

 

I had installed it directly to any block plug on 300 CID engines with no problem. Have a look at www.fletguard.com they have heavy duty heaters for diesel and gas applications, or go to a Cummins dealer.

Regards;

 

I would shy away from in-line radiator hose heaters.

 

There are different heaters that can go in the block. Some of the bad ones do leak and sometimes fall out. They do make some that work just fine, I would go with that type. I would stay away from the inline units. My buddy just went through that whole thing with his mothers truck, he found a very nice one that he hasn't had any troubles with. You could look at the local part stores for the best type. You could also call your local Ford dealer and see what brand they use if someone comes in. Sorry I don't have specific brands for you.