I searched for info before posting and couldn't find anything. If this is posted somewhere else, kindly post a link; thanks.

My mechanic said my '06 6.0l already has the block heater installed, but Ford quit installing the cord for it after '04... Really? Ya gotta be kiddin' me, right?

 

Not true - my 05 has the cord installed - i believe its more likley where the truck is being sold - cold climates would get the cord - warm climates - maybe not. You can get the cord off ebay for less than 20 bucks if you need it. Ford prices considerably higher.

 

So Ford DID install the block heater but left off the cord? Why would they leave the cord off? At any rate, I need to install it. Even down here it get's cold in the winter.

Not sure what to 'search' for on Ebay. Is it standard or specific for my year/model/engine? OEM or aftermarket?

Thanks for the help

 

Ford did indeed stop install the cord on all trucks starting with the 2005 model year trucks. I would assume it was a cost savings move...but I don't know that for a fact. The block heater is there regardless where the truck was sold. Personally I'm not a fan of aftermarket parts...and there has been well documented issues with aftermarket parts on the 6.0L But with that said...I do consider myself a smart shopper. Navistar/International offers an exact match for the Ford block heater...as in it's the exactly the same part.

Part Number: Z3500043

If you have to install the cord: Diesel Technician Society

I didn't seen any listed on eBay. Last time I check the price (been a couple of years) it was $45 at Navistar. I would assume it's still near that price. If your local Navistar gives you any crap about what the part is for...the motor came out of a '04 Blue Bird bus, you bought the engine out of a wrecked one in a salvage yard.

 

I have an extra cord. PM me if you're interested.

 

napa, orielleys, ect all can get you a cord for way less than 45 bucks. its just an AC wire. you dont need a ford part.

 

True, you don't need a Ford part. But the Orielly's & Autozone cords are made in China. Granted the OEM cord is made in Canada...I'm more than willing to send my hard earned $$$ to Canada long before I buy a part that's made in China; when given the choice.

To each their own.

 

Thanks for all the info. I'd rather buy OEM myself, especially with the cord since the fasteners are placed where they need to be, which makes installation easier.

Locally here in Atlanta, the part is $112. I'll keep looking for an OEM. I'm still a newbie here, so I can't PM anyone yet. If y'all know where to get an OEM cord for cheap, please let me know.

Thanks again for everyone's help; much appreciated.

 

Eddie, I can't PM anyone yet. do you have the OEM cord? If so, I'm interested!

 

You could get a hold of Ed at www.partsguyed.com He handles OEM at a less-than list price rate.

 

I myself would give my business to Parts Guy Ed who has it for 80.48 Great Guy To Deal With
www.partsguyed.com
Part Number 5C3Z-6B018-DA

 

I ordered one off of ebay and found out that my truck already had one. I'd be willing to ship it to you for less than the ebay cost just to get it out of my garage...To much stuff in there already It is the specific cord for the 6.0 although I'm not certain that it is OEM.

 

Once you get the cord in, here is a test I ran for how well the heater works. If I remember right, these things are 1100 watts. (10 amps) Suggest you use a heavy gauge extension cord, and use a timer.
---------------------------------------------------------
1 hour later it was 80 degrees.

2 hours later was 94 degrees.

3 hours later it was 103 degrees.

4 hours later it was 110 degrees.

5 hours later it was 116 degrees.

Yes, 39 isn't that cold to start, but was interesting to see that it went from 39 to 80 in an hour.

Currently my oil temp in hour 3 is 77 degrees. It was 40 at starting point.

Oil temp after 4 hours was 91 degrees.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the manufacturer:

MOST COMMON FAILURE CAUSES
FROM INSTALLATION OR OPERATOR ERRORS
• Pre-heater plugged in while engine is running.
• Air not bled from system (run engine until maximum system
pressure is reached before plugging it in).
• Plugged in before it is installed to see if it gets hot (trust us IT WILL).
• Tank style heater installed in the wrong physical location.
• Tank style heater not connected to the right locations.

IMPORTANT...
To obtain satisfactory results from your engine heater, please read the following information carefully:
DO NOT USE A KAT’S ENGINE HEATER WHEN USING A 100% SOLUTION OF ANTIFREEZE.
A. These heaters are equipped with a three prong (grounding) plug and should be connected to a properly grounded
circuit.
B. If an extension cord is used in conjunction with this heater, be certain that the wire size of the extension cord is of
adequate size for the wattage of the heater and distance from the receptacle to the heater. Consult a licensed
electrician if further information is required.
C. Do not start engine with heater plugged in. Element hot spots could occur causing the element to burn out.

 

I use a timmer as well and adjust alittle for outside temps

and dont generaly plug in untill under 32f

If its wet out it always pops the gfi plug used a regular plug with 100 percent sucess this winter pretty rough start at -10 when the gfi popped