i want to add a engine block heater to my 04 F-350 with the all mighty 5.4. Did ford offer this as a factory option or do i have to go aftermarket? i would like factory so i know it was meant to be there.

 

If it were me I'd be looking at a lower radiator hose heater. Easy install, and they are supposedly very good for what they are.

Kat's

 

Hi,
I have a OEM one on my 2009 5.4L.
thanks,Tim

 

i went on parts guy ed web site and i cant even find a listing for a block heater on there? which is strang since a diesel would have one in 04?? ill keep looking

 

I would e-mail Ed all the parts are not listed on the site. I'm almost 100% positive a factory option for 04' was a block heater for the 5.4l or 6.8l. The guys in northern climates need them.

 

thanks crazy, their product looks well made. brass plug with o ring ill give them a call

 

i would think they would. i just want a price and ill get a price from kats company and my local dealer. money is funny and whoever is cheaper ill buy it there.

 

F7UZ6A051BA BLK HEATER


1C3Z6B018BA CORE

 

is the core the heating element?

 

This is what I did this summer. I have yet to use it but it tested out great. I used to run a hose heater on my last truck but I was nervous with the way the lower radiator twists. It worked out great and I would do it again in a heart beat.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...t=block+heater

 

The block heaters are much better than the hose heaters, as the hot water does not leave to the radiator as quickly. The stock location is the LH rearmost softplug. Easy to install, too.

 

If you want to take a economical approach you could buy a ZeroStart (Phillips & Temro) Part Number 3100040 which is a block heater kit that would give you the same element as OEM (P & T is Ford's supplier), but the cord would be a generic one that you would have to route and tie-up as you choose. Some place like NAPA should be able to get this to you for about $25.

Or the OEM approach...

Heater/Element Assembly (MSRP $27.48): F7UZ-6A051-BA

Wiring Assembly (MSRP $78.63): 1C3Z-6B018-BA

 

I guess the real question is how bad would it be to install the freeze plug type block heater. I have heard horror stories about them leaking. Has anyone had experience with putting one in?

 

It is not bad at all:
1. Drain the coolant from the engine block.
2. Remove the soft plug with a hammer/ punch/ screwdriver/etc. Try to just knock it sideways in the hole, instead of into the coolant jacket (although it is not a big deal if you do). This makes it so you can put pliers on the edge of the plug to pull it out.
3. Clean the bore of the softplug hole with some fine emery cloth (like 320 grit) as necessary to remove water scale, rust, or debris and rought spots from the bore. This is important.
4. Apply a small amount of oil or grease to the o-ring of the new heater element. Do not apply sealant as it DOES NOT help in the sealing process. Lubricant just prevents cutting the o-ring as it goes in the bore.
5. Insert the heater in the hole. Make sure the element part of the heater is not touching any part of the block once installed. Vibration from touching the block will eventually break the element.
6. Torque the center screw of the element to the SPECIFIED TORQUE, usually around 15-25 inch pounds. Overtightening is the most common cause of failure, with undertightening following a close second. Too tight squishes the o-ring out, and under tightening does not seal the o-ring to the bore.
7. Route your cord, fill it with coolant, done.


These are really easy to install, we do about 50 of them a year through our shop. The work really reliably as well. Good luck!

 

I can say that I am bias to this post because a hose heater may leach heat off to the radiator but my hood on my last truck never ever held snow on it which means that the engine compartment was above freezing.(Ideal conditions) I can say that the frost plug heater in my particular motor is a great choice because there is not place to put a hose heater that allows gravity to circulate the heat through the motor like it should. Oh and the install was as easy as it gets! Read my above post for more details!