engine block heater

[panhead george]

Today my wife was stuck in the snow in Chicago. The antifreeze dumped. After getting the 97 exped with 4.6 home, I saw the engine block heater was ripped out of its hole.

Does anyone know if a plug is available to fill the hole and remove the block heater?

I have never used it.

 

[stamp11127]

If the hole isn't threaded then they used the block heater in place of a freeze plug. Most decent auto parts companies will carry them.

Since you live in that climate it would be beneficial to use the block heater in winter.

We have blown oil seals when the diesel block heaters are not used during winter down here. Oil temp makes a big difference in starting and ability to lube.

 

[GAINMOB]

Chicago is cold...but not that cold where a block heater is warranted...I grew up an 1hr away in Michigan right on lake Michigan...but you should be able to do as he said

 

[KWT2000]

Most gas engines just use one of the freeze plug holes for the block heater... The Canadian built expys came with these from the factory

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

I wish mine would've came with it. The only thing that stopped me from ordering one when I bought my expy was the fact my work does not have any open outlets in the parking area. I will get one when/if I move to MI as I'm planning.

 

[GAINMOB]

What part cuz I'm from Michigan and there aren't any unless ur way up north by the UP

Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club (HRC3)

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

trying for grand rapids but it could be anywhere really, almost had iron mountain but the position closed up. Do you still live in MI?

 

[GAINMOB]

Wont need it in grand rapids...no I don't...in the air force and living in VA now...I go home 1-2 times a year...

Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club (HRC3)

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

I actually only wanted it to have the engine warm up a little quicker in the winter. more of a convenience if you will.

 

[panhead george]

I ended up putting a freeze plug in the hole. I put a halogen lamp underneath to help cure the rtv silicone I smeared around the plug to ensure a seal.

I have never had a problem starting the expedition in cold weather. I have owned it since 1999. It is parked in the garage.

My F350 7.3 diesel dually pickup sits outside. I plug it in all the time when the temp is below 30. It has 15 qts of oil in it an it helps to have the block heated through the water jacket. A slow crank will burn up the starter.