Help with identifying a part

[mikersoft]

Greetings.. New member here.. I recently picked up a 2000 XLT Reg Cab with the 3.0 Flex V6. While chasing down a couple leaks (oil & coolant), one thing led to another and it turned into a full blown project to pull the engine, clean everything up, inspect, then replace all the seals & gaskets.

Once the block was on the engine stand, we rotated it upside down & a small mysterious part fell onto the floor. I'm certain this didn't come out of the block.. It was not covered in oil, but it has some coolant residue on it. It must have fallen off something else during dis-assembly & removal from the truck.

Can anyone help ID this part? Thanks in advance.

-Mike

 

[Doofy]

It looks like the rear portion of a block (freeze plug) heater. The previous heater may have been replaced and you should see an electrical cord going to the new one.

 

[enjr44]

It looks like the rear portion of a block (freeze plug) heater. The previous heater may have been replaced and you should see an electrical cord going to the new one.

Man, you are good!!

 

[PlumCrazy]

Yup. Block heater mounting tabs. The previous owner may have either kept the heater and put a new freeze plug, or the heater was replaced.

 

[mikersoft]

It looks like the rear portion of a block (freeze plug) heater. The previous heater may have been replaced and you should see an electrical cord going to the new one.

Thank you!

It did have a block heater. Coincidentally, when I removed it today, I found another piece just like that at the bottom of the water jacket.

-Mike