Expy Block Heater Installation

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Dec 16, 2006 | 09:31 AM

RA101325

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Expy Block Heater Installation

I am having my dealer install a block heater on my 05 Expy, but I am getting conflicting stories about the "difficulty" of the installation itself (longer time = more $$$). First I was told it would take an hour or two at most, now I am being told it would be 3-5 hours AT LEAST. I know my dealer does not do this much, so I am concerned that their inexperience is going to rank up the labor charge. Can anyone who has actually done an install on an Expy give my an honest idea of how long it should really take them?

Dec 16, 2006 | 10:18 AM

HomerWinzlow

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From: Lawton, Oklahoma

I havent done one on the Expy but it will simply depend on accessability to a freeze plug. You can climb under the vehicle and look where the freeze plugs are, and decide for yourself whether they can get tools in there knock out the plug and install the heater. If they have to remove a manifold to get there then you know that isnt a quick job. But most vehicles that are accessable take about an hour to hour and a half including refilling the cooling system and purging.

Last edited by HomerWinzlow; Dec 16, 2006 at 10:20 AM.

Dec 16, 2006 | 11:16 AM

04markIII

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From: Lunenburg, MA

i just ordered one for my '03 5.4L. i will have it thursday. if i get mine done before yours, i will let you know how long it took them. mine will cost a lot less due to working for the dealer, but time is time.

Dec 16, 2006 | 08:56 PM

daveplot

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From: Salisbury, MD

I have mine here now. The directions look easy. Just knock out the plug and put it in. Probably an hour job.

Dec 29, 2006 | 02:59 PM

RA101325

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04markIII or daveplot,

Did either of you get your block heater installed yet? How long did the installation actually take?

Dec 29, 2006 | 03:40 PM

daveplot

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From: Salisbury, MD

Nope, not yet. Still sitting in the box. Maybe next weekend.

Jan 1, 2007 | 09:04 PM

04markIII

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From: Lunenburg, MA

same here. had to get another wire, which didnt come in before i went on vaca to FL last week. just got back this afternoon. will keep you posted.

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Jan 4, 2007 | 04:39 PM

Trucker22

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Joined: Jul 2004

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Heater

I have a friend that did this on his 2000 epxy---it was a real pain and he had it on a hoist. He didn't want to punch the freeze plug into the block---he wanted to remove it---that was the problem---it was so crowded there that he couldn't get any leverage on it to get it out---but he did get it out and putting the heater in was easy after he got the frost plug out.

I think basically he drilled a hole in the center of it and tried to break it loose by cocking it sideways. It was in very tight---eventually he got a big enough hole in it that he was able to get a small pry bar up there and pop it out. If you have to do this on your back it will be very difficult. However I would believe the dealer should be able to easily do this in under two hours. But what do I know. My friend did it in about 3hrs but as I said he had the truck on an overhead hoist making it easier than on your back.

I hope it goes smoothly for you