How to put a block heater in a OHV 4.0

[-Nathan-]

Original Poster: -Nathan-

Difficulty: 5 out of 10

Time to install: 1 – 2 hrs.


Disclaimer: The Ranger Station.com, The Ranger Station.com Staff, nor the original poster are responsible for you doing this modification to your vehicle. By doing this modification and following this how-to you, the installer, take full responsibility if anything is damaged or messed up. If you have questions, feel free to PM the original poster or ask in the appropriate section of The Ranger Station.com forums.


Brief Explanation: In colder climates, a block heater is a necessity to ensure proper start up. Basically the heater takes place of a freeze plug, which when plugged in warms the coolant and the surrounding block.


Tools Needed:

- hammer
- punch
-needle nosed pliers
- various screw drivers
-various wrenches/sockets

Parts Needed:

- block heater (ask for motorcraft at parts dealer, is significantly cheaper)
- non – petroleum based grease
-coolant



Steps:

1. First things first, remove the air box assembly.

2. Then, remove the inner fender. Honestly, this was the hardest part of the job.

3. Here you can see the freeze plug you have to remove.

4. Now, before you remove it, open your rad cap (make sure the engine isn’t boiling hot) and then drain the coolant either by a)the lower rad hose...this makes a big mess, or b) use the draincock on the rad.

5. Then, take a punch or screw driver, and beat in the edge of the freeze plug. Afterwards, just haul it out with a set of pliers.

6. After the last of the coolant has spewed out, give it a wipe clean, and grab your block heater. Here is the Motorcraft one I bought from ford for 35$

7. Now, take a little bit of NON-petroleum based grease and lube up the o-ring.

8. Take it, press it into the hole, make sure its seated in the whole way around. Tighten the screw...this opens up the wing nut and makes sure the plug stays in place.

9. Then plug the end of the cord in and run it through the grille or where ever you like. Put the inner fender back, and then the air box.

10. Make sure to refill the rad until full, turn on the engine, and let it run WITHOUT the cap on in order to get some of the air out. Top up and then you’re ready to go

 

[wahlstrom1]

Good writeup for those who don't know about our pesky northern climate blockheaters. Oh, and because I did it too the first time I won't make fun...but you might wanna use the draincock to drain the rad next time, lol.

 

[Chazman]

What's the ford part number for this block heater kit?

 

[Ranger44]

This work on 3.0's and 2.3's?

 

[-Nathan-]

Hey, i assume it would be the same on the other engines...not completely sure of which plug to pull though. I threw the box away without thinking...dont have the part number sorry. If you got to any ford parts dealer though just ask for teh "aftermarket" block heater, ie the motorcraft one.

 

[AgPete139]

Wow! Who knew?

Heated dipsticks, electric head bolts, warming blankets, coals, draining the oil, heated oil pans, & block heaters. Hm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_heater

Northern folk = freaks! Oh, and excellent write-up.


Pete

 

[97fordrunner]

Great Write up, Both my trucks didn't come with them so I need to get going on this so I can have a warmer truck in the morning.

 

[mjonesjr]

If you could use the format found in the Announcement at the top of the Submission section, I will submit this for the Tech Library and possibly the Winter version of TRS Mag.

Here is the announcement:
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/announcement.php?f=5

 

[kunar]

how much of a difference does this make?? does it put enough heat in the engine to even show on the temp gauge?

 

[-Nathan-]

at -50* celsius, without it youre probably not going to get your engine started. Mine does enough that it starts with ease, and the air blow a little warm. So yes, it does A LOT.

 

[mjonesjr]

how much of a difference does this make?? does it put enough heat in the engine to even show on the temp gauge?

When I had my '97 Ranger, I put one of these in it. When I would get a fire run at 3 am on a 10*F morning, I would have enough heat in the cab that it would be decent and defrost my windows.

 

[kunar]

When I had my '97 Ranger, I put one of these in it. When I would get a fire run at 3 am on a 10*F morning, I would have enough heat in the cab that it would be decent and defrost my windows.

thats what im looking for... a little boost so i dont have to let it sit running for 10 or 20 mins before i leave to have some heat... i didnt think it would really make enough difference though. maybe i will look into it, the reduced stress on the cold engine in the mornings would be an added benefit

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Even on a 30 degree day, it makes a world of a difference on a diesel. They also make a heater they call a "tank heater" that circulates the coolant as it heats it so it warms it up quicker, but they are bulkier.

 

[Mac]

A lot of times you can also find the battery heater blanket at a JY along with the stock block heater. Option up here.
Dave

 

[PlumCrazy]

Even on a 30 degree day, it makes a world of a difference on a diesel. They also make a heater they call a "tank heater" that circulates the coolant as it heats it so it warms it up quicker, but they are bulkier.

And they have to sit lower than the block. Which may be difficult to to on a ranger.