Block heater help
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
First get shop manual, Haynes is what I have and its paid for itself hundred times over. You will need to drain antifreeze, disconnect ground on both batteries then pull the starter [have fun with this one], one bolt not visable, you will have to feel for it, careful when pulling out starer, its heavy! Now you have a clear view of your block heater, hope this helps!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
gusford,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
The block heater is located on the passenger side of the engine right above the oil pan.
Some are behind the starter, some are right in front of the starter.
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
The block heater is located on the passenger side of the engine right above the oil pan.
Some are behind the starter, some are right in front of the starter.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
when you replace the block heater, you want to make sure the element is centered in the water jacket. clean the edges of the hole it sets in before installing the new unit into the hole to make sure it is smooth to allow for the rubber seal to seat properly. Before tightening the compression bolt, make sure the unit is centered in the jacket passage by turning all the way right and all the way left to find the center. you dont want the unit touching the water jacket in any way. This will cause it to short out.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Salem Oregon
I foud that the best way to get at the third way to get at the hidden bolt on the starter is to have an assortment of ratchet extensions. It was nearly impossible without them. Found the right combination of them ant it cam right off with almost no problems I have 1988 XLT Lariet 7.3. It possible have someone hold the starter or take out the bolt with one hand and hold with the other be prepared to drop your tools to help support the starter when it comes down. It hurts when it falls.
