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I'm going to be installing a block heater. In addition to the standard freeze plug type, Napa has one that's 3/4" NPT. Anyone installed one of these or know anything about them? the description doesn't say where it goes, (well it says freeze plug...i don't think there are any threaded freeze plugs on these blocks) I was thinking this goes in place of the block drain plug? Funny thing is that this one doesn't come up in the options for a '99 5.4l. Current engine in the truck is a 2004 2V. Possibly just a catalog error (shocking!) maybe not though, does anyone know if there were any threaded ports added to the 5.4 blocks over the years?
I'm going to be installing a block heater. In addition to the standard freeze plug type, Napa has one that's 3/4" NPT. Anyone installed one of these or know anything about them? the description doesn't say where it goes, (well it says freeze plug...i don't think there are any threaded freeze plugs on these blocks) I was thinking this goes in place of the block drain plug? Funny thing is that this one doesn't come up in the options for a '99 5.4l. Current engine in the truck is a 2004 2V. Possibly just a catalog error (shocking!) maybe not though, does anyone know if there were any threaded ports added to the 5.4 blocks over the years?
Without seeing a picture, it is hard to guess, but, is it possibly what used to be called a "tank type" heater that is plumbed into your heater hoses? One thing about them, they generally came with higher wattage ratings and worked relatively fast.
Does it look something like this?
Last edited by Desert Don; Dec 7, 2015 at 10:10 AM.
Reason: Add picture
This is the tank type heater that I used in my '72 Ford Supervan, I also had a rear heater in it. Lots of area to heat. It was 1500 watts and very effective.
When I bought my new van, I ordered it with a factory freeze plug heater, or, at least I think that is what it is, I've never seen anything but the cord, hanging out of the grille.
I think the 3/4 inch model may be one that fits in a hole on the top of the block, rather than a heater hose, or freeze plug.
Thanks for the replies. This is the heater in question:
Part No. 3100002, made by Phillips & Temro. This is Napa Canada by the way, I don't see this type on the US site. I doubt it its intended to be installed in a freeze plug, since this would require replacing the freeze plug anyway with one that had a threaded hole in it. One would just use the standard 1 1/2" freeze plug type of heater in that case. I'll report back if I decide to use this one, a closer read shows it's only 400w...
I'll report back if I decide to use this one, a closer read shows it's only 400w...
I was surprised to measure the one on my new F150 at 400W as well. Previous to this the only two vehicles I've had with a block heater were diesels, and those were 900W.
But it makes sense. Both Powerstroke engines were over 1,000 lbs, and the V6 in my new truck is just under half that. Your 5.4L engine weighs 525 lbs, so I don't think 400W is inappropriate for it.
I thought you were supposed to plug the heater in while the system was still warm so you don't wear the heater out by trying to warm up the coolant, block, transmission, and air in the engine compartment...
Removing a freeze plug and inserting a heater is a scary proposition to me. I went with one of the magnetic oil pan heaters. Seems to work just fine and much less work to use.
I thought you were supposed to plug the heater in while the system was still warm so you don't wear the heater out by trying to warm up the coolant, block, transmission, and air in the engine compartment...
The owner's guide of the '12 Super Duty as well as my '15 F150 would assert otherwise.
Originally Posted by 2012 Super Duty owner's guide
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of power per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer
than three hours will not improve system performance and will
unnecessarily use additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug
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