7.3 Engine Block Heater
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
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From: Kansas
7.3 Engine Block Heater
Just bought a used 2002 250 with the 7.3 Diesel. Looking for the so called "block heater" Found a cord that is plugged into the oil filter base. It then goes to the front bumper. What's the story on this? Nothing in the book refers to this heater assembly. I though that I would find a heating element in one of the freeze plugs but no such thing. Is this "oil heater" take the place of the coolant heater?
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7.3 Engine Block Heater
Originally posted by trakman
Powerstroker250...then what you are saying is that we are heating both oil and coolant with this one heater, right??????
Powerstroker250...then what you are saying is that we are heating both oil and coolant with this one heater, right??????
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 70
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7.3 Engine Block Heater
The block heater will basically keep the oil and the coolant warm to aid in an easy start. Ford says plug it in at least 2 hours before driving if weather is 30 degrees or below, but leaving it plugged in all night will not void nor hurt anything.
________________________
Aaron 99 F250 CC PSD 215,000 miles
Houston
I'd rather be stroked, than rammed!!
________________________
Aaron 99 F250 CC PSD 215,000 miles
Houston
I'd rather be stroked, than rammed!!
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 366
Likes: 6
From: Webster, Texas
7.3 Engine Block Heater
I have an 02 F-250 PSD and am totally unaware that it came with an engine block heater stock. I have spent some time underneath and have not noticed one. Where is it?
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
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From: Kansas
7.3 Engine Block Heater
PSDLOVER...read my original post...tells you where I found mine..trakman
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Baltimore
The oil filter housing is a heat exchanger with two sides to it. One side coolant circulates through and the other is engine oil. The assembly is designed to help regulate oil temperature with coolant when the engine is running. The block heater is mounted in the coolant side of the assembly. Since the block heater is used when the engine is not running, the heat is absorbed into the engine through the coolant.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: memphis
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...41737771wgGhll
Don't know if picture helps but the orange cable is the block heater. Follow the cable to the front of the truck. The plug is at the other end of it. If it's never been used it is still snapped in place. Hope this helps.
Don't know if picture helps but the orange cable is the block heater. Follow the cable to the front of the truck. The plug is at the other end of it. If it's never been used it is still snapped in place. Hope this helps.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 394
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From: memphis
Don't leave it plugged in all the time. Get a heavy duty timer and set it about four hours before you start your truck. The elements will fail so there's no need to burn it out if your not going to use the truck. It's a mess to change out. Easy, but a mess.
Last edited by horsecop; Jan 17, 2004 at 02:12 AM.
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4
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From: Georgia
7.3 PSD Engine Block Heater Cord
I have located the orange cord plugged into the oil filter base, but cannot locate anything behind or near the front bumper. Owners Manual indicates it should be near drivers side tow bar. Can't see it. Any suggestions?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
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From: Kiowa CO
The orange wire changes to black as it travels forward to the bumper along the engine block. The cord end could be hidden behind the bumper on the driver's side as well.