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I have a 1997 f-250 7.3 powerstroke, anyway, i think my block heater went out. I have checked my extension cord and my block heater cord and everything works fine, my question is, how hard would it be to change it myself ? Or should I just take it to my local shop? Please any advice!!
My buddy and I replaced mine recently. He did the R&R while I held a plastic bag against the coolant recovery tank neck. We lost about 3 - 4 cups of coolant.
Be quick with the R&R; the vacuum seal created by the "bag method" is not that great. You'll need a 1-1/8" socket or wrench for the block heater element.
The heater is located on the left side of the engine near the oil filter.
Do a quick search for block heater. I know guys have posted the appropriate resistance (ohms) that the heater should have if you test across the male prongs on the plug. IIR, the heater is 1000 watts so you should get, I think, 15 ohms?
Damn, I don't feel good about my math skills this morning. Hopefully I am right.
That sounds about right for resistance. A quick test is does it make a small arc when you plug it in? Watch closely as you plug it in or unplugg it for a small spark. If there's no spark check it with a OHM meter on it.