block heater

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Dec 16, 2002 | 06:05 PM

f350ford

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block heater

I have a 1997 f350 ford dually with a 7.3 turbo diesel in it. I have just moved up north to colder weather. I have been reading and learning alot from this web site but I didn't see anything about installing a block heater on a truck that doesn't have one. Can you install one and where can I find it.

Thanks for your help
Fordman

Dec 16, 2002 | 06:38 PM

HoseDog

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From: North Idaho

block heater

Sure you can. I installed one that replaces a freeze plug. The only place to put it required removing the starter, and, obviously, draining the coolant from the block. Because that was in 1995, I can't remember if it is 1000W or 1500W, but even up here in North Idaho, it is plugged into a heavy duty timer so it runs for about 3 hours in the morning (which doesn't mean I have to remeber to plug it in). Am pretty sure I bought it at NAPA.
Trying to help-
HoseDog
'95 F-250 PSD 4x4, Reg cab, Long box, K-N filter, 5-sp w/ limited slip 4.10's & 255-85x16's

Dec 19, 2002 | 08:42 PM

Sam Wactor

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From: Jonesville La.

block heater

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 19-Dec-02 AT 09:44 PM (EST)]If that's a 97 model then it's a Powerstroke unless you swapped engines. You should already have a block heater, why would you want to install another one? Look in your owners manual and see where the plug is located. The plug can sometimes be hard to find.

Sam

Dec 19, 2002 | 09:30 PM

13MWZ

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From: Texas

block heater

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 19-Dec-02 AT 10:32 PM (EST)]For some strange reason, a block heater was an option for the PSD in 97, but standard every year PSD before and after 97.

F350ford, to make sure that you dont have one look up where your oil filter screws in. Just above the filter and twards the front of the truck you'll see a large red wire that goes twards the frame. That's the cord for the block heater. Just follow it along and you'll get to the plug eventualy......if you do infact have one.

Dec 21, 2002 | 05:30 PM

f350ford

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block heater

Bryan

Thanks for your help. I found the wire right at the top of the oil filter. The red wire was covered with a black plastic. I followed it towards the front and found it tie wrapped to a wiring harness in the front of the truck. I found the plug, but this thing looks like it has never been used. Is the only way to test it buy plugging it in.

Thanks again for your help

f350 ford

Dec 21, 2002 | 07:33 PM

13MWZ

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From: Texas

block heater

As far as I know yes. Plug it in for a few hours then touch where the wire goes into the engine by the oil filter, it should be warm to the touch......well, warmer than the surounding areas anyway if the engine is cool.

I dont think these things go out very easily, so I bet ya supper it works just fine

Dec 24, 2002 | 10:31 PM

HoseDog

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From: North Idaho

block heater

>For some strange reason, a block heater was an option for
>the PSD in 97, but standard every year PSD before and after
>97.
>
>F350ford, to make sure that you dont have one look up where
>your oil filter screws in. Just above the filter and twards
>the front of the truck you'll see a large red wire that goes
>twards the frame. That's the cord for the block heater. Just
>follow it along and you'll get to the plug eventualy......if
>you do infact have one.

Just a note- My '95 did not come with a block heater. It was, however, built in Canada. Mabey that's why?

HoseDog
'95 F-250 PSD 4x4, Reg cab, Long box, K-N filter, 5-sp w/ limited slip 4.10's & 255-85x16's