I live up in minnesota so the winters around here can get pretty cold. My dad and I both have 06 F150s with the 5.4 and block heaters. We would like to plug this winter when it gets real cold.

Does any abody know how many amps they each pull?
Trying to figure out if we can run them both on a 15amp breaker or if we need to use a 20amp.

Also it states in the manual to use the block heater when the temp get to -10F or colder.
Would it hurt anything if we pulged them in when it only gets into the teen's or single digits?

Thanks agian Josh

 

***bump***

 

I wish my 06 had a block heater. My 98 Expedition had one and I used it all the time. It won't hurt anything to use it when it's +20°f
I put mine on a timer so it would come on 3 hours before I had to leave for work.
It worked so well that if it snowed a little in the night the hood would not have snow on it, just melted slush or water.
I can't remember what the power usage was but go ahead and plug them both in now and see what happens. Like I said you aren't going to hurt anything.

 

I don't have a block heater on this truck but, I would have mine on a timer also and have it go on 3 hrs before work. Worked great.



James

 

Alright...since I am lacking information on the Block Heaters and Really cant find anything worthwhile...Ill give you a quick rundown.

I would limit and loads to approximately 80% of the rated circuit. That means 12 amps on a 15 amp circuit and 16 amps on a 20 amp circuit...especially while using heating elements. With that being said Each circuit can handle roughly 1440 watts/15 amp circuit or 1920 watts/ 20 amp circuit continuosly.

Honestly speaking as an electrician I would give each of the Trucks their own dedicated 15/20 amp circuit. Just to be on the safe side.

 

"ENGINE BLOCK HEATER *750-watts w/gas engine, 1000-watts on diesel engine* *Recommended when minimum temp is -10F or below* (Code: 41H) "
http://www.carquotes.com/VehicleInfo...=416&Type=Full

This is all the info i can find online about how many watts/amps a block heater pulls.
750 watts does this sound right?...it is listed for the 4.6 but I guess it would be the same for the 5.4?

So at 750 we both could pulg them in on a 15amp line if this is ture for the 5.4 also.....

 

Making those assumptions....which I would go with myself. You are still going to be pushing it running 1500 watts continuosly over a single 15 amp circuit. You are not that much over but you are still over. I Would not do it. Just is not worth the risk. Plus depending on what type of circuit breakers you have installed and the current curve of each one...chances are it will trip anyway.

 

well I guess I can run a new 12 gauge line out to the trucks with a 20amp beaker at the box....Better to be safe then sorry.

And I guess I rather not have the 15amp breaker be triping on me....

 

how do you know if you have a block heater or not, if i had one i'd use it but i dont know how to figure out or dont the 4.6l engines have it, i live in michigan so the winters can be a little cold....

 

Its an Installed option regardless of the engine size (same Part # for Both). I believe the cord plug in is located in the grill. I would personally look at my sticker if you are the first owner...it should be on that or as a dealer installed mark up.

 

Not sure if the 4.6 has them to...but you would think so.

Like said above it should be listed on the window sticker and if you dont have that laying around check behind the front licence plate for the cord. Some times they are not laying right out in the open so you might have to look a little bit for it. They can be tucked up behind the bumperalong the side.

My 02 5.4 had a block heater but there was not even a cord that came with it. Which made me think I did not even have one, I had to buy one from the dealer to plug it in.

Josh

 

Where Dose It Go In The Block?

 

Although, not absolutely certain, I believe that all the engines are built with the heater elements in the block, what you really end up paying for with the option is the cord. At least that is how they do it with the PSD.

I am not sure as to the location of the plug as I keep my truck in a heated garage but I would think a quick call to your local service dept can help you out there.

 

So what needs to be done if you want to add a block heater to your 5.4 engine that does not have one?

 

MUD BUGGY,

The block heater is standard equipment up here in Canada...

The block heater is a small heating element (kind of like a stove element) that fits into the block to replace on of the frost plugs on the side of the block. I believe that it is located on the drivers side of the engine, under the exhaust manifold.

There should be an orange tipped power cord plugged into the block and the end of the cord is located under the grill (in the narrow opening in the bumper).

You can get after market block heater kits, and I have installed them in the past. This basically entails knocking out an existing frost plug on the block and putting in the heating element. Very easy to do IF you have the space to work. What I am quickly learning is that these new trucks do not have the clearances to work around the engines that the old ones do.

Anyway, I plug mine in when the temperature drops below -20 degrees C (-4 degree Fahrenheit). I have found that the truck starts just fine above that, but it is whatever you are confortable with.


Doug