7.3 Engine Block Heater
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 7
From: Montana
The timer part i will agree with, it will help save money on electricity.
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Cable routing pictures?
A number of years ago, I found most of my block heater cable on the driveway, a victim of a family of blunt-tail wood rats. I haven't needed the block heater until now. I bought the new cable <WHEW>and want to install it, but what holes do the little spikey things go into. A picture would be great <VISUAL person>. I can probably interpret through the snow and mud deposits.
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
7.3 Engine Block Heater
Thanks, Chris. Late last night I finally found it, hidden under a flap on the drivers side in front of the radiator, tied to two connectors like it has obviously never been used.
Just bought it about a year ago -- first diesel ever, first PSD ever. 150k in great condition.
James in GA
2001 F350 Lariat 7.3 CC, LB, SWB, Leer truck cap
Just bought it about a year ago -- first diesel ever, first PSD ever. 150k in great condition.
James in GA
2001 F350 Lariat 7.3 CC, LB, SWB, Leer truck cap
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 2
From: Monroe Michigan
A number of years ago, I found most of my block heater cable on the driveway, a victim of a family of blunt-tail wood rats. I haven't needed the block heater until now. I bought the new cable <WHEW>and want to install it, but what holes do the little spikey things go into. A picture would be great <VISUAL person>. I can probably interpret through the snow and mud deposits.
And welcome to FTE
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
Thanks, Chris. Late last night I finally found it, hidden under a flap on the drivers side in front of the radiator, tied to two connectors like it has obviously never been used.
Just bought it about a year ago -- first diesel ever, first PSD ever. 150k in great condition.
James in GA
2001 F350 Lariat 7.3 CC, LB, SWB, Leer truck cap
Just bought it about a year ago -- first diesel ever, first PSD ever. 150k in great condition.
James in GA
2001 F350 Lariat 7.3 CC, LB, SWB, Leer truck cap
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 2
From: Chattanooga, TN
The only issue I can see with the heater elements would be the accumulation of grundge on the elements causing less heat transfer to the coolant, thus longer warm up time. Sort of like your electric hot water heater elements that build up over time.
Other that this, the heater is quite heavy duty. I also plug mine in for several hours (on a timer) year round. During the winter, I think this prolongs the life of the glow plugs if done the life of the truck.
Other that this, the heater is quite heavy duty. I also plug mine in for several hours (on a timer) year round. During the winter, I think this prolongs the life of the glow plugs if done the life of the truck.
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Appreciate the welcome Chris. I'll be around gleening whatver I can.
James in GA
2001 F350 Lariat 4x4, 7.3 CC, LB, SRW, Leer truck cap
James in GA
2001 F350 Lariat 4x4, 7.3 CC, LB, SRW, Leer truck cap
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New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
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This thread will tell you all you need to know, post #6 has a pic. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-location.html
And welcome to FTE
And welcome to FTE
That's an excellent close-up photo. I'd never have thought of crawling under with a camera.
Since it was just below that plug that the cable was gnawed off by the packrats, I'm not sure how to route the new cable I just got. It has flexible (accordian-pleat covered) cable on the outer third at each end, but the middle third (roughly) has a hard, inflexible covering, so I'm guessing it can't just get zip-tied any-old-where. All along the length are taped on 'spikes' that must get pressed into some holes in the frame or wheel well ...
Given the cost of the cable, I want to make sure it gets put in so that it won't get damaged. I don't have the old cable there to go from. You start from the front and thread it in toward the rear?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 2
From: Monroe Michigan
[quote=rcb_in_nv;8392963]Thank you.. this is a really fine site.
That's an excellent close-up photo. I'd never have thought of crawling under with a camera.
Since it was just below that plug that the cable was gnawed off by the packrats, I'm not sure how to route the new cable I just got. It has flexible (accordian-pleat covered) cable on the outer third at each end, but the middle third (roughly) has a hard, inflexible covering, so I'm guessing it can't just get zip-tied any-old-where. All along the length are taped on 'spikes' that must get pressed into some holes in the frame or wheel well ...
Given the cost of the cable, I want to make sure it gets put in so that it won't get damaged. I don't have the old cable there to go from. You start from the front and thread it in toward the rear?[/quote]
I would start at the heater and work towards the front myself. I will try and see if I can find the routing instruction for the cord. I have them some where.
That's an excellent close-up photo. I'd never have thought of crawling under with a camera.
Since it was just below that plug that the cable was gnawed off by the packrats, I'm not sure how to route the new cable I just got. It has flexible (accordian-pleat covered) cable on the outer third at each end, but the middle third (roughly) has a hard, inflexible covering, so I'm guessing it can't just get zip-tied any-old-where. All along the length are taped on 'spikes' that must get pressed into some holes in the frame or wheel well ...
Given the cost of the cable, I want to make sure it gets put in so that it won't get damaged. I don't have the old cable there to go from. You start from the front and thread it in toward the rear?[/quote]
I would start at the heater and work towards the front myself. I will try and see if I can find the routing instruction for the cord. I have them some where.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Tri-Cities Washington
Like seeing a 6 1/2 year old post still helpin' folk. It's why I joined. For those of you just finding your heaters, don't pull my stunt and back out of the drive still plugged in. 
Several times before I finally started hanging the extension cord over the DS mirror. Unfortunately I think too late. My heater quit working. I've read some post where it might be just the cord. Just another item on the list.
Several times before I finally started hanging the extension cord over the DS mirror. Unfortunately I think too late. My heater quit working. I've read some post where it might be just the cord. Just another item on the list.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Don't force it in. Gently feed it into the receptacle and when its correct, it'll seat itself flush against the opening.
Make sure to use the wire keeper over the threads of the heater to ensure that the cord stays in place during your "adventures" with the truck.
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Two by Ford,
My heater also quit working and I found that it was open in the male plug. I cut off the cord and installed a new plug...works as good as new. I tested it with an ohm-meter and it tested open, so I used a pin to poke thru the insulation about 6" back from the plug and tested each conductor. ! showed the short like it should and the other tested open, so I tested it again about 1" from the plug and go the same results. Then with pins in both conductors I "looked" at the heater and got about 14 ohms which let me know it was good to the heater. I cut off the plug about 1" behind the plug and installed the new male plug. The old plug was bad inside the plug itself. Hope this helps.
Ray
My heater also quit working and I found that it was open in the male plug. I cut off the cord and installed a new plug...works as good as new. I tested it with an ohm-meter and it tested open, so I used a pin to poke thru the insulation about 6" back from the plug and tested each conductor. ! showed the short like it should and the other tested open, so I tested it again about 1" from the plug and go the same results. Then with pins in both conductors I "looked" at the heater and got about 14 ohms which let me know it was good to the heater. I cut off the plug about 1" behind the plug and installed the new male plug. The old plug was bad inside the plug itself. Hope this helps.
Ray
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,207
Likes: 0
From: Kearney, Nebr
I believe the element on the newer block heaters are ceramic coated rasing the longevity of the element.
I've replaced several on older semi's that have not been ceramic coated. Never seen one come in with ceramic on it.
I've replaced several on older semi's that have not been ceramic coated. Never seen one come in with ceramic on it.