Can I install a block heater?

[4X4XFD]

Hi. I have a 2002 FX4 with 4.0 V6, auto. Have recently discovered a minor coolant leak. Appears to be just below the head on pass side. Don't know if it's something with the head gasket or the freeze plug I see just a little below the head, toward the front of the engine.
I had a 1999 XLT 3.0 which had what I believe was a factory block heater. Seems like it had a Twin Cities sticker on the rear window so maybe that's how it had a factory block heater.
If my '02 Ranger needs to have that freeze plug replaced I'm wondering if that location would be good to install a block heater. Or does anyone know where a factory one would be installed.
I miss having one since the truck stays outside (no garage). It can get 0 to -15 degrees on occasion here in SW Mo. Also any block heater brand and part number would be helpful. I've searched the site but didn't find much info...especially for a '02 4.0.

Thanks

 

[ericbphoto]

Might be easier to go aftermarket. I believe you can get heaters that fit in freeze plugs and also some that wrap around the oil pan or something like that. If you have a lot of extreme cold, It could also be wise to install a battery heater blanket to keep your battery warm.

 

[Roert42]

There is also a style that heats the coolant and circulates the coolant through the bock.

 

[4X4XFD]

I'm thinking of getting the freeze plug type. NAPA says a KAT 11458 is suppose to fit.
I don't know which freeze plug location to use.

 

[RonD]

Any core plug(freeze plug) on the side of the block will work, the "best one" is the one you can get to the easiest

But if you are replacing a core plug then that's the best location

Heater warms coolant and that causes it to rise above cooler coolant so there is some minor circulation in the block and heads spreading out a bit of heat
On cold start water pump circulates warmed coolant instantly through out the engine
So there is not a "better" core plug location, any will produce same results

 

[CorbinsRanger]

Hi. I have a 2002 FX4 with 4.0 V6, auto. Have recently discovered a minor coolant leak. Appears to be just below the head on pass side. Don't know if it's something with the head gasket or the freeze plug I see just a little below the head, toward the front of the engine.
I had a 1999 XLT 3.0 which had what I believe was a factory block heater. Seems like it had a Twin Cities sticker on the rear window so maybe that's how it had a factory block heater.
If my '02 Ranger needs to have that freeze plug replaced I'm wondering if that location would be good to install a block heater. Or does anyone know where a factory one would be installed.
I miss having one since the truck stays outside (no garage). It can get 0 to -15 degrees on occasion here in SW Mo. Also any block heater brand and part number would be helpful. I've searched the site but didn't find much info...especially for a '02 4.0.

Thanks

They are about $50 at NAPA. I installed mine on passenger side of block. You can get to it by removing the wheel and fender skirt, Not to bad of a job. I can send you a pic of location if you want. Cheers from Saskatchewan.

 

[4X4XFD]

Update. Currently, NAPA doesn't have the KAT block heater available. Come to find out the mfr KAT doesn't have any. So I went with the ZeroStart brand from O'Reilly. PN 3100039 for $49.
I've done my share of shade tree mechanic but I'm short on time nowadays and autos aren't as simple as they used to be. I took the truck to a local shop I trust to find the coolant leak.. Turned out that was the right decision. They did a leak test and found the thermostat housing was the problem. They replaced the entire thermostat housing assy. Guess composites can give out after 20 years. The leak caused one of the bolts to freeze and it broke off in the block when they tried to remove it. In this case the best decision for me was for someone with the experience and tools to do the job and not me. They replaced the entire thermo housing assy, by-pass hose and another hose connected to the housing.
They also installed the block heater I'd purchased. The proper position in the 4.0L for a block heater is the right front freeze plug location. All went well but they commented that given the 6 o'clock element position required it put the cord up where it is close to the exhaust manifold. They did what they could to alleviate the situation but I will reconsider redoing the cord using some high temp alum coated glass fiber tape I have. All in all, I'm pleased with the outcome and the truck is in better shape than before....tho not cheap with the added labor needed. I really like having the block heater option now for those cold nights.
Thanks everyone for your input!