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Installing a Block Heater...

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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 08:42 PM
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Question Installing a Block Heater...

I am new to the whole 6.0 engine, but am expierenced with the 7.3's. I just bought a truck out of Texas and now that I am in Wisconsin I need to install a block heater. I bought the heater element and the cord. I know that it screws into a freeze plug behind the starter, but that's all I know. How do I get the plug out to put in the heating coil? Also, do I need to put any plumbers tape or anything around the threads of the element before I screw it into the block?


Thanks,
Dan
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 08:47 PM
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Are you sure the element is not already installed, From what I have learned the element is pretty standard the cord is the option. If you look in throught the passenger side wheel well and locate the starter you should see a dual pronged fitting just up and to the left of the starter. I will look for a picture or link I saw in another thread.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 08:57 PM
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The heater element should be already be there all you have to do is put in the plug. I believe the plug is surrounded by rubber to keep moisture out. Also the heater element is located above the starter.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 08:57 PM
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Look up a thread titled "engine block heater and cord" by briancowart third or so reply down by donjamer has a pic as view through the wheel well.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 09:01 PM
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I don't know what year your truck is, but from my understanding the block heater was included from the factory. All you need to hookup is the cord. In fact, it's not impossible you could already have one. Search "blockheater cord" in this forum, and you should find almost anything you need to know about them. Here's a link to more block heater info http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-05-20.php Where abouts in WI?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 09:07 PM
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ALL 6.0 engines have a block heater installed when the engine was shipped from Navistar. The '05 and later trucks don't necessarily have the cord depending on the state they were shipped to:

2005 Block Heater Option:
All 2005 F-Series and Excursions with the 6.0 PowerStroke have a block heater installed on the engine. However, the cord for the block heater must be ordered as an option (code 41H). The cord is installed on vehicles originally sold in the following states: Alaska, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missori, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming. Broadcast Message 1512, 3090.


This is included in the "Read First .... 6.0 Tech Folder" sticky at the top of this forum. Great reading in there!
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 09:09 PM
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look around for cords, I think this sites store has a good price and maybe ebay...Don't pay dealer prices for it.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2008 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Douglas DC-9
I am new to the whole 6.0 engine, but am expierenced with the 7.3's. I just bought a truck out of Texas and now that I am in Wisconsin I need to install a block heater. I bought the heater element and the cord. I know that it screws into a freeze plug behind the starter, but that's all I know. How do I get the plug out to put in the heating coil? Also, do I need to put any plumbers tape or anything around the threads of the element before I screw it into the block?


Thanks,
Dan
All 6.0's have the heater installed already...

All you need is the cord..

The heater DOES NOT go into a freeze plug hole...

If you look in through the passenger side wheel well you can see it better than from under the truck..

Also you may already have the cord.. Look behind the bumper near the drivers side tow hook.. That is where they are tied up during manufacture..
 
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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 09:56 AM
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This truck does NOT have a block heater. I have looked, my best friend (who has been a Navistar mechanic for 30+ years looked) and it has been to 3 different dealerships. There is NO block heater element on this truck. It could have been taken out???
 
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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 02:08 PM
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What year is the truck?
 
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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 04:37 PM
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Routing the cord is a PITA. Start up front and work your way back and be sure to locate all of the holes for the clips before you start.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Douglas DC-9
This truck does NOT have a block heater. I have looked, my best friend (who has been a Navistar mechanic for 30+ years looked) and it has been to 3 different dealerships. There is NO block heater element on this truck. It could have been taken out???
Not trying to start an arguement, just trying to help..

I had the dealer tell me there was no heater and when I looked I could not find on either..

I was looking for a freeze plug and it does not use up a freeze plug slot..

Did you look through the passenger side wheel well?

That is the only way to see it..

Here is a photo...



Also it may have the cord attached ..
 
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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 07:30 PM
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That was the picture I mentioned that Donjamer had posted in another thread when I was saying look through the wheel well, but is your friend with 30+ yrs says it is not there then...atleast you should know where to put it in, and I would put something around the threads to prevent leakage.
 
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Old Jan 27, 2008 | 09:26 PM
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Courtesy of the Ford Doctor, the first pic shows the location of the block heater electrical cord plug-in: www.forddoctorsdts.com/articles/article-05-20.php

Hope this helps.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2008 | 05:45 PM
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I looked for my block heater cord this afternoon and I found it...right behind the front bumper on the passenger side. The cord has a rubber cover on it. I saw somewhere that someone wrote that cords were included depending on where your truck was shipped to. My truck was shipped to Florida but was built in Kentucky. Just thought I'd mention it.

Phil.
 
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