installing a block heater

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Dec 4, 2004 | 09:00 AM

1SG

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installing a block heater

Which freeze plug do I pull? Is the last one back or second from the back? How hard will it be to pull the freeze plug and what tips are there for this?

1990 7.3 IDI

Dec 4, 2004 | 09:20 AM

Don Senkow

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From: Canada

On a 88 F-250; it is the middle one above the starter. Don't you have one there already? Any block heater I have seen always comes with instructions that specifys which hole to use. This is to ensure no interference internal to the block. Drive the frost plug in on one side but do not let it fall in. You should be able to either pry it out or grasp it with pliers and pull out. May sure the hole is clean. Hope this helps. Don

Dec 4, 2004 | 11:06 AM

1SG

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rebman motor from jasper, it came with no block heater. I'm using the one that was in my original motor. I relaced the O-Ring and was going to put it in today or tommorow.

Dec 4, 2004 | 12:15 PM

Don Senkow

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Reusing old block heaters is usually a bad idea. The toggle bolt never gets back into the same shape. If it blows out you won't find out until it's too late. Won't show on the gauge because all the coolant will be on the highway behind you. A block heater is maybe $50; cheap insurance. I would imagine you paid much more for your reman engine? I live in a area where block heaters are a way of life, get a new one. Don

Dec 4, 2004 | 03:28 PM

1SG

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I repleced the bolt, and toggles by digging thru a parts bin at a NAPA machine shop, while I was buying the O-Ring. I'm cheap but carefull.

Dec 4, 2004 | 05:44 PM

Dave Sponaugle

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From: Nutter Fort, WV

Plus they are such a pain to change. I also know you can buy bad parts, but I would change to a new one in hopes I did not have to change it again for a few years.

Dec 4, 2004 | 06:38 PM

fellro86

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From: Marengo, Iowa

If you can find one, I recommend the circulating canister style. I have used them for years on the farm tractors, and they warm the water well enough to be uncomfortable. Otherwise, a new block heater really isn't that expensive, maybe around $20, hardly worth the aggravation of dealing with a used one, and they do go bad over time.