Factory engine block heater question..
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: allen park
Factory engine block heater question..
My 1998 F-150 has a factory engine block heater. I plugged it in last night ( was -5 F here in michigan ) and I went to check on it this morning and noticed no difference between a true cold start and with a block heater in use. Is there any easy way to check if its working? Is it supposed to show a light on the cluster when in use? Is it supposed to maintain temperature enough to register on the temperature gauge? Any info you can provide would be immensely helpful. Thanks all!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: allen park
Thanks both for the info. Seems like Ford should put a indicator light on the dashboard signifying the engine block heater is plugged in and functioning, and also a dummy light for those who have a moment of un-thinking and leave it plugged it and attempt to leave. 
Thanks!
Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: The first capital of Ohio
Shouldn't you be able to just touch the block and feel the warmth after it has been plugged in overnight? 
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
It isn't THAT warm.......especially in -5F temps.
There is no electrical connection between the block heater and the rest of the vehicle's electrical system. It's just a simple resistive heater that sits in the oil pan and gets warm when it's plugged in.
Steve
There is no electrical connection between the block heater and the rest of the vehicle's electrical system. It's just a simple resistive heater that sits in the oil pan and gets warm when it's plugged in.
Steve
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: The first capital of Ohio
Well, I went to a friends house this morning (-1 for a temp). He had his truck plugged in all night. I felt the block and there really was a difference in the temp of the block compared to the temp of the air. So, I guess that I would have to disagree with the statement that "It doesn't get THAT warm". If it is a heater...there will be a difference in temp between the block and the temp of the air. Joe 
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: chillicothe ohio
the heater in my 97 from factory is a 600 watt heater.its not enough to heat the hole cooling system but will keep it warm enough to start.and the are in 1 of the freeze plugs in the water jacket.i put one on each side and it will move the gauge a little.on my old 75 f250 with a 360 i put 2 1200 watt heaters and it will open the thermastat up.instant heat this way.cost around $60 but worth every dollar
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Green Bay WI. / Wawa Ont.
Originally Posted by guss
the heater in my 97 from factory is a 600 watt heater.its not enough to heat the hole cooling system but will keep it warm enough to start.and the are in 1 of the freeze plugs in the water jacket.i put one on each side and it will move the gauge a little.on my old 75 f250 with a 360 i put 2 1200 watt heaters and it will open the thermastat up.instant heat this way.cost around $60 but worth every dollar
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 11
From: Minnesota
I have the same truck with the 4.6. Mine is factory installed, it is where a frost plug would be in the block. Mine is absolutely silent, but you will know if it is working if it spins easily. My truck sat outside from friday night until this monday morning, it never got above zero (Minnesota) At 5:00 this morning I plugged it in and at 8:30 I started it up. Started like it was 40-50 degrees out when the air temp was-24 below. No strange noises, just turn the key and it's running, Sooooooooo much easier on the battery, starter, everything. Within 5 minutes it was starting to blow warm air and the temp gauge was rising. By far the best block heater-engine combo I have ever had. 3 to 4 hours seems to be more than enough time even in the -20-30 below range. I got sick of all the cheap timers not holding up so now I trip the ground fault in the one bathroom which also controls the outside outlets. I plug it in the night b-4 then at 5:00 when I get up I reset the ground fault, which starts the heater. I have a lighted end on the female end of the extension plug so I can look out and confirm that it's a "go". I go out 8:00-8:30, fires right up. Hope you get yours fixed, really is great when working.
spotty
spotty
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dlpinkc
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
14
Jan 8, 2004 10:28 PM
