just would like 2 know if my 2001 7,3 block heater has a thermostat if not is bad 2 kept pluged in all the time i noticed i could hear a sizzle noise or sounds like something is boiling is this normal i dont use the truck much so i might put it on a timer

 

Always on when plugged in. That boiling noise tells you it is heating the coolant and that's a good thing. Use a timer and set it for about 2 to 3 hours before you usually start it for the first time each day.

 

x2. It is a 1000w heater, so uses 1 kw per hr. Not terribly expensive but you can get away with using a suitable timer for 2-3 hrs before you need it. Got a 7 day programable one at the Home Despot for $20.

 

Does anyone know where you can get the plug cover that goes on the end of the plug? Mine broke and the only way you can get it from Ford is to buy the whole block heater.

 

I made a end from a old cord just take the female end and cover the male end on your truck you can attach it to you truck with a couple of zip ties

 

The cool setup I have seen on here is the one that is actually mounted in the bumper and has a little dor on it like a trailer hookup. I'll get around to doing that some day.

 

"Marinco Mod" and Ponyboychris has a nice write-up with pics. I did it this weekend, 1 hr cuz I work slow. Got the plug off ebay for $20.

I couldn't find a 1-7/8" hole saw so I used a 1-3/4" and snuck up on the rest with a metal file. I mounted it in the bumper, towards the front on a "flat" spot. I didn't want it in the crome and the lowest fairing wasn't wide enough to get the plug in.

If you're itching to do something, for pretty cheap, that will make life a little easier, then this may be the project for you. Solves your missing cover, too. Even the wife was impressed

 

When I plug in the block heater on my 2000, I hear a humming. Is this normal, or am I looking at replacing it? Thanks.

 

Have no idea what the humming is.

You can ohm the heater element and if the reading is near what I got the heater is still good. You can do this while the heater is still installed. Just remove the cord, easy to do. Checked mine while it was out when doing an oil cooler R&R.

Should be about 15 OHMS.

 

Thanks for the good response, especially the photos!

 

Jeremy, got any pics of that install location?

 

not of my Ex and will be dark by the time I get home.

Here is the thread with lots 'o pics- https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...with-pics.html

Read it as there are a couple of good tips like making a drip loop, RTV sealant, etc.

In Chris' album, pic 104_283 shows his install location. He has a F350, and on my 2000 Ex that piece wasn't wide enough and had too much structural support behind it. I chose to put it right above it in the bumper that has a plastic shield (vice the chrome bumer above that). Basically, looks the same on the Ex, just a little higher due to differences in front end trim.

Another excellent step-by-step TheDieselStop.Com - www.thedieselstop.com with a pic at the end.