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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 04:42 PM
  #1  
Fordmaster1974's Avatar
Fordmaster1974
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Block heater

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!!
 
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 05:17 PM
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BlueMule's Avatar
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From: Ft Scott
It's easy to change. It just screws into the block, but it goes into the water jacket so you have to either drain the coolant or deal with a big mess.
 
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Old Dec 31, 2008 | 11:35 PM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 1, 2009 | 07:31 AM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 1, 2009 | 08:30 AM
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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.
 
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