Engine block heater

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 6, 2013 | 06:01 AM

Dogmann

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 319

Likes: 0

Engine block heater

My 2008 V10 says on the window sticker that it came with a engine block heater.
Where would I locate the cord ? Anything special
I need to do? Or just plug it in!?? Thanks

Dec 6, 2013 | 06:03 AM

redford

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 23,174

Likes: 1,678

From: Stephensville WI

There should be an extension cord looking thing around the front bumper.

Dec 6, 2013 | 06:14 AM

Dogmann

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 319

Likes: 0

I will look again. Didn't see it. Now , can I leave it plugged in for days if I'm not using my truck?

Dec 6, 2013 | 06:16 AM

Dogmann

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 319

Likes: 0

Also- do you guys use a standard heavy duty extension cord or does ford like you to use something they sell ?

Dec 6, 2013 | 07:16 AM

Will Bite

Elder User

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 691

Likes: 0

From: Ohio

You don't need to plug it in if your not using the truck. You probably don't need to use it.

Dec 6, 2013 | 09:03 AM

jstnromero

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 2,807

Likes: 0

From: The Woodlands, TX

If you do in fact need an engine block heater. 3-5 hours before you want to leave should be sufficient. Most people hook them up to a timer to come on a few hours before they leave first thing in the morning.

As far as the extension cord goes, just get a grounded Heavy duty outdoor rated cord and you should be fine.

Dec 6, 2013 | 01:42 PM

Dogwood36322

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 249

Likes: 0

From: South Alabama

Some trucks come with the block heater and not the cord. My 04 was like that from the factory.

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Joe Kucinski

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Brett Foote

Dec 6, 2013 | 03:28 PM

Pikachu

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 6,362

Likes: 593

From: Amarillo, TEXAS!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogwood36322

Some trucks come with the block heater and not the cord. My 04 was like that from the factory.

Well that just seems pretty cheesy of Ford to do that.

Dec 6, 2013 | 04:30 PM

#10

Dogmann

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 319

Likes: 0

Found it. Has the cord. Thanks

Dec 6, 2013 | 05:43 PM

#11

Dogmann

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 319

Likes: 0

If the heater is plugged in -is it safe to start the truck while it's plugged in?

Dec 6, 2013 | 06:02 PM

#12

texastech_diesel

Token Redneck

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 9,339

Likes: 350

From: Breckenridge, TX

It won't hurt anything, it's just a hot loop of element inside the engine. It sits there just fine when the coolant gets into the 200s during normal op, just idling it shouldn't cause any problems. Just don't drive away with it plugged in.... did that once.

Dec 7, 2013 | 11:57 AM

#13

fordman19762003

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 3,360

Likes: 250

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogmann

If the heater is plugged in -is it safe to start the truck while it's plugged in?

I know a lot of guys that do without any issues, but I wouldn't. I've been told that when the truck is running and the coolant is moving around you could get tiny air bubbles and if one of those bubbles settles around the heater element long enough it can burn it out.

I usually will plug my gas powered truck in a couple of hours before I leave or overnight if I need to leave early. My truck will start no problem no matter how cold it gets but it's easier on the engine and the engine warms up quicker if it's pre heated.

Dec 9, 2013 | 04:16 PM

#14

ImaThorp

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 75

Likes: 0

I use a little thermocube plug I got from the farm store. they sell them at home Depot too. It comes on around 35 and shuts off over 45

heres a link for the Home Depot one. Cadet Freezebuster FB3/TC3 Thermocube Ivory In-Line Limiting Plug-In Freeze Protection Thermostat-FB3 at The Home Depot