Engine Block Heater Thermal Photos (3.5L EcoBoost V6)

[ForrestO]

My experience is the truck starts just fine at those temps without the block heater. I’m not worried about getting it started. I ‘believe’ the warmer coolant/block/oil will reduce the stress in those first few seconds where disproportionally more wear happens. I was raised on the plains of Northeastern Montana just across the Canadian border. Everyone plugged-in their vehicles when parked. Since I plan to own this truck for a very long time I’m in for anything reasonable that will improve engine life. If I were going to trade it in frequently, perhaps I wouldn’t be so concerned about cold start-ups, frequent (4000 mi) oil changes, and running good detergent gasoline. Regarding the heater, seems silly to me that Ford would make them standard for cold climates if they weren’t useful. I’m not so concerned when the temps are are in the 20s F but we have lots of -0 F mornings here in the mountains.

Sponsored

 

[Littledemonboy]

This is right now and my 5.0 starts no problem without plugging it in

 

[Cb Mw]

Just went out and plugged mine in. It's going to well below zero and I'll take the peace of mind.

Interesting images in this thread. Thank you.

 

[Kanuck]

A friend of mine worked at Temro in Winnipeg. They made block heaters and interior car warmers. They we designed to reach the maximum temperature of the motor in 4 hours. They are anywhere from 400 to 750 watts, depending on the size of motor.

I always plugged my vehicles in during the winter when they sit outside overnight. I found they turned over easier and warmed up faster.

 

[Brad34]

Great photos, thanks for sharing.

I think the OP is using the block heater for its intended purpose. Cold starts are tougher on engines, and this will save wear and tear over the long term. It also will provide heat to the cab faster, which is nice. The manual says the block heater "allows the climate control system to quickly respond."

I believe the manual for my 2019 said using the block heater was recommended when the temp is -10F or under. The manual for my 2021 says " The engine block heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below 0°F (-18°C)."

 

[ReverendQ]

Hello everyone, I'm brand new to the forum and purchased my new-to-me 2021 F150 w/3.5 Ecoboost on 12/1/2023. One of the first things I did was have a factory engine block heater installed. I live at 7600' elevation in western Colorado where it was -2F this morning. The heater is on a timer that kicks on at 4 am and these thermal images were taken at 7 am. Thought you might find it interesting. I got the heater since the truck will live outside and I want to reduce the stress of cold starts to improve longevity of the vehicle.

@ForrestO , Great stuff! While I live in SoCal I was thinking I would add it to my XLT302A for trips North and into the mountains. Do you know where I can get installation instructions? (I like to do these things myself, or with my son.) Or can you share the appropriate cost for dealer to install it? Finally, any pictures of the cable in the engine bay and leading up to and including the engine heater element might help me with my decision Thanks in advance.

 

[ForrestO]

@ForrestO , Great stuff! While I live in SoCal I was thinking I would add it to my XLT302A for trips North and into the mountains. Do you know where I can get installation instructions? (I like to do these things myself, or with my son.) Or can you share the appropriate cost for dealer to install it? Finally, any pictures of the cable in the engine bay and leading up to and including the engine heater element might help me with my decision Thanks in advance.

Hello ReverendQ, the dealer charged $367 for the Ford part and $262 in labor for the installation. When ordered new, I believe it would have been an $80 option from the factory.
When I was younger I would have been tempted to do it myself but in my old age I pay to have these things done for me.
I gulped at the price for the dealer part and install but still found it worthwhile for the benefit. Had I tried to DIY, I’m sure it would have ended up costing me a lot more to fix my inevitable screwups, besides the time.
Sorry, I don’t have any installation instructions or advice. I sat at the dealer waiting room being productive in my business (on my laptop & phone) while they made it magically appear for what was a fair price to me.

 

[KTM753]

Sweet FLIR! Would love to have one ...

 

[ForrestO]

Sweet FLIR! Would love to have one ...

It’s a $236 Infiray:
Limited-time deal: InfiRay P2 Pro Thermal Camera for iPhone, Thermal Imager with Magnetic Macro Lens, 256x192 IR High Resolution, -4℉ to 1112℉ Temperature Range, 9g Smallest Thermal Imaging Camera with 40mk for iOS https://a.co/d/4VI56hx

 

[JJSnell]

So I realized this week that an engine block heater is the only thing my Plat doesn't have.
My 2015 had one and I wish my '22 did.

I'm gonna see about getting one installed this next week.

 

[Fox146]

It seems winter has caught up to us. We’ve had -40 ( c or f, doesn’t matter) but garage stays around -20c so normally don’t use the block heater. Good news is the truck warms up super fast, probably best one I’ve had for heating up quick and it will still go into electric mode although not as long of course, but still impressive I think.

 

[Rinn69]

I helped a friend install one in his F-250 6.0 and it was very easy. I located the plug on the engine block, took it off, blew the dust and dirt off, cleaned the threads with a small wire brush, and screwed it in. Ran the plug to the front using zip ties as needed. Made start-ups on cold N Texas mornings a breeze.

 

[ReverendQ]

I helped a friend install one in his F-250 6.0 and it was very easy. I located the plug on the engine block, took it off, blew the dust and dirt off, cleaned the threads with a small wire brush, and screwed it in. Ran the plug to the front using zip ties as needed. Made start-ups on cold N Texas mornings a breeze.

Thanks @Rinn69 , that is about what I imagine the job consists of however, looking down in the engine bay, I cannot seem to locate the plug to replace with the heating element. Maybe if I remove my front FX4 skid plate and look up? Hoping some pictures from a kind F150 owner with one might help. A shop manual or install instructions too.

 

[HammaMan]

Thanks @Rinn69 , that is about what I imagine the job consists of however, looking down in the engine bay, I cannot seem to locate the plug to replace with the heating element. Maybe if I remove my front FX4 skid plate and look up? Hoping some pictures from a kind F150 owner with one might help. A shop manual or install instructions too.

I came across it somewhere, you remove the airbox and access where it goes from the driver's side of the engine block. If you search for the part, it should have instructions.

found it
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/adding-oem-engine-block-heater.4980/#post-81996

 

[ReverendQ]

I came across it somewhere, you remove the airbox and access where it goes from the driver's side of the engine block. If you search for the part, it should have instructions.

found it
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/adding-oem-engine-block-heater.4980/#post-81996

Thanks @HammaMan , zactly what I was looking for but could not find searching earlier. I will add this little addition to my modifications list, but probably wait until I am changing the coolant or if I discover I have the dreaded heat exchanger leak (I am watching for)...or if I decide to change the intercooler, or if I know I am going cold for a bit, yada yada. Anyway, good to know where it is and how to spot it. Thanks again.

Sponsored