Hey folks - wanting to install a block heater on my '97 F250 7.3. This fellow has a Youtube vid of an install on a '97 with the 5.8 gasser ( ) . Apparently Zerostart is a reputable brand also used by John Deere. My trouble is the Zerostart catalog referencing the 7.3 is a threaded piece, rather than fitting into a freeze plug. Where would the threaded fellow go? Into a block drain plug? Looking forward to responses from the always helpful FTE community!

Thanks, Uglyhat

 

 

The block heater screws into the oil filter head, on the end of the oil cooler. As stated, most came with the heater installed, if never used, the cord is probably tucked up by the headlight support panel on the drivers side.

 

Zerostart work well. Installed one in my 300SD years ago, still use it to this day.

 

I just replaced my 7.3 block heater a year ago, while replacing the oil cooler. Cord was missing, the terminals were corroded pretty badly.

Yep, it screws into the oil cooler end casting, it's pretty easy to get to, but it's the lowest point in the coolant system, so be ready with a a large catch bucket.

The new one from Ford wasn't very expensive, about $60 with a new cord.

 

Less expensive than I figured. Good info.