hey guys i need a block heater for my 6.9. the previous owner removed the factory one because it went bad and just put a plug in the hole.
i would like to put one on it before it gets to cold. whats the best one to put on it.
the tank type that goes in the heater lines, oil pan pads, lower radiater line type, dipstick type?? factory type <<were to get from??
plus what size wattage should i get?? this is my first time using a block warmer.

 

I like the factory soft plug heater. I got mine from NAPA, it was 650 watt. I have used the ones that go in the heater hoses , and the lower radiator hoses on tractors with good results also. It just depends on which one you like the best.

 

Didn't realize there was such a wattage size range. Mine is 1400 watt. Mine leaks a little too even though its only a few years old. Oh well.

If you have a 1985.5 block or OLDER, I would advise against the OEM block heater and use the hose type instead. Some older blocks are prone to cracking near the block heater.

 

I think the factory-type block heaters work the best because the heat is closest to the cylinders. Speaking of that I need to replace mine as well

 

i searched through a couple of pages the other night and found a part number for the napa unit, which was a 1 1/2" diamiter for the frost plug hole.
is that the right size???
and does someone no the part number for napa?? i wrote it down but lost the paper and now i cant refind the post!!

 

Why not use the correct block heater..... Notice the similarity of the numbers.......

Ford.. Part number is 605-3137 (box says heavy duty heater 1000W)


NAPA
Item#: BK 6053137 Price: $ 41.49

Attributes: Engine Heater (Freeze Plug Type)
Freeze Plug Size: 1.5''
Cord Length: 5 ft
Recommended Location: Varies by Application
Additional Contents: Engine Heater, Cordset, Plug Protector, Installation Instructions

As stated if your block is an 85 or older

Block casting........INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER DIESEL ENGINES
6.9L and 7.3L Core Identification

6.9L Old Style Block

Block Casting Number:


On left side of block (beneath oil cooler) 1805440C1
Note: Some 440 blocks are truly new style and must be visually inspected by raised donut around the block heater, frost plug (right rear). Old style below serial number 173828.
Visual Identification: *No counter bored area for block heater
*No defined area on side of block for dip stick
*Thickness of cast iron around block heater 3/8" (.375")
Head Bolts: *7/16, 12 point socket is used to torque head bolts
*Block tapped with 7/16-14 for head bolts

6.9L New Style Block

Block Casting Number: 1807996C1 Note: Some new style blocks have casting
number 440. Above serial number 173828.
Visual Identification: *Has counterbored area for block heater
*Very defined relief area cast in side of block for dip stick tube.
*Thickness of cast iron around block heater 15/32" (.470")
*Latest style (not all new style 6.9) has ribs around head bolts, rear two on left side go from head gasket surface to pan rail - same as 7.3
Head Bolts: *Same as old style 6.9

 

my truck is a 86 so im assuming it has the newer style block.

 

Then please put up a truck signature with all the info/specs so we all know too...... Thanks

 

He is still a bit short on post count to have a signature yet.

2 or 3 more posts and he will be able to have one though.

In my travels around different parts houses I have seen block heaters from 500 watts up to 1500 watts and several that fell somewhere in between.
Just because it fits the hole, all block heaters are not created equal.

But what someone in Texas considered good for a wattage would do nothing for me here in the mountains.

I am running a 1500 watt in mine.

 

Is there any way to tell what the wattage is on the one in my truck? Say with an ohm meter?

 

Give me the ohm's resistance and I can tell you.


Amps = volts / resistance

Amps * volts = watts

Volts is known at 115

So Amps = 115/ohm's
Amps*115 = watts

As an example 10 ohm's would be a 1322.5 watt heater.
115/10=11.5 amps
11.5*115=1322.5

8.5 ohm's would be a 1555.8 watt heater and use 13.5 amps @ 115 volts

 

It ohms out at 15. So would it be 880.9 watts?

 

I come up with 881 watts.

The connection for the power cord and the cord could be changing the resistance a bit.

I am going to say it is between 750 and 1000 watts.

 

Thanks. We don't get to cold here for to long so I think this wattage is fine. It did well last winter but if it goes out I will up it just for the piece of mind.