Hey all,

I searched and searched and did find some threads about this but nothing with a step-by-step type directions on how to replace the plug end of the block heater with this 'Marinco mod'. Also could not find anything about replacing the block heater itself.

The reason for all this is yesterday morning, after having the '04 Ex 6.0L plugged in for days here in Minneapolis, went to disconnect it before driving away and the very warm cord broke in half about an inch or less from the block heater plug end and since it was still plugged in there was a very not good blue sparkly fire on the cord until I ripped the extension cord off with no regard to my hand. Luckily was super minor to my hand.

However, the cord is completely horked now and holy moly do I ever need the block heater here like NOW. The warmest high for the next week here in Minneapolis is -1. This is a super drag.

Any thoughts on everything I said? i.e. can I just replace the plug end, do I and how do I replace the entire block heater, how to do this Marinco mod, and why the heck did this happen in the first place? Is it not ok to leave the truck plugged in pretty much all time during the winter? I was using a 10' extension cord so it's for sure not overly long, looked at the tag on it and it says 13 amp and do not exceed 1625w. Did I do bad with the extension cord?

BTW I feel pretty stupid already, just FYI. Thanks all.

 

I don't know what the marinco mod is. It's possible your extension cord was to small, causing the cord to get hot. It may have just been the age of the cord, or the heater itself got corroded and didn't transfer enough heat into the coolant , so it melted the cord from excess heat. Try to find a 12 gauge extension cord if you'll leave it plugged in for long periods. I would search for a Zerostart block heater. IIRC the make decent quality heaters.

 

they are also the OEM

 

I cant post a pic of mine, too cold here in ND Go out and snap a pic.

i may have posted something in the past. Sorry, zero help

 

If the mod is what I’m thinking it’s easy, so long as you can strip 3 wires and turn 5 screws with a screwdriver. I put the plug in my front bumper since I got tired of it hanging, looks much cleaner now.

 

I bought one of these (below). I made a bracket and mounted it next to a fog light. I know you have other issues right now but for long term, maybe a project. I also put mine on a timer for when I plug it in the night before vehicle use. Depending on the temp, it'll come on 2-6 hours before I need it. Sorry for the scamazon links, quickest way to show products. I suggest spending the time to either source locally or buy from a direct company website. And note, DO NOT use USPS, pay for UPS or FEDEX. I recently waited 6 weeks for something 1 state over.

 

Here's the marinco mod:

Diesel Tailgate - Ford - Marinco block heater plug mod

But, in the short term, I'd make sure you have a heavy extension cord and wire a new plug that you can get from any hardware store onto the end of the wire. I would use the old one that melted off to know which wire goes to which terminal and wire it up the same.

I also have one of the Noico plugs that you can wire in and get from Amazon and plan on putting it into the bumper at some point. That'll keep the grime off the plug. I have noticed this year that the salt and crap from the roads ha mucked up my plug to the point of it wanting to "stick" in the extension cord end on mine. I've cleaned it several times with emery cloth to keep the junk off.

 

You should be able to get a new cord from the dealer. It is a 20-30 minute install. You need to check the amperage draw on the heater element after you put the new cord on. Either you had a bad extension cord, heater cord or your element is going bad! The Marinco plug mod is nice thing quick plug in option!

 

One other thing to keep in mind is the quality and Amperage rating of the power cord being used. Make sure they are rated for outdoor purposes if your EX sits outside in the cold. I've had a low quality power cord get pretty heated up when using a heat gun for just a few minutes inside the garage. Caught it in time before it melted

 

Finally snapped pics, i use NOCO GP-1 ports. The ground pin is weak so have to make sure your cord doesn’t grip too tight on the ground.....

i have them on everything with a block heater

 

i have a block heater in most of my vehicles. for a quick fix could you use a lower radiator hose heater till you can make necessary repairs?
Kat hose heaters come in several different sizes, they work great

 

There are also magnetic oil pan heaters that you can just plug in a slap on. Did you ever get your heater re-wired and going?