04 F-150 5.4L 3V

I just ordered one from the dealer. I havent looked under the truck yet to see what this job will be like.

Anyone done this? Any problems? Advice?

Stu

 

I have one installed from the factory. I was under there looking at it and other things yesterday.

So if you need me to look at something, just ask...

 

Its an easy job. Mine came with instructions. It did little to improve MPG (if at all). I installed an after market heated seat mat and that is wonderful! I have a 4.6 and its cool in the cab in the winter, so the heated seat is great to have.

 

I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, but how exactly would a block heater help MPG's? Unless you're referring to the fact that you don't have to let the truck sit as long (if at all) to warm up in the winter. The main advantage I find to having one is that my truck starts much easier when it's 2 degrees out and the windows clear much faster since the engine is already slightly warm.

As for the install, mine came from the factory with one, but I would imagine it should be a fairly simple install.

 

Its meant to help with cold starts, as in they are now warm starts (cold engines use more). Unless its really cold where you live, don't bother!! Get the heated seat, warms you up much quicker!!

 

look where he lives lol think he needs it for cold start

 

A block heater will help your engine reach optimal operating temperature quicker therefore increasing MPG. A cold engine is not efficient. I drive nearly 5 miles to work every day and my truck's oil doesn't hit 100 degrees until I'm about halfway to work.

 

I've installed a few in older vehicles but I would assume the process is still the same... First drain some antifreeze from the radiator...Then you have to knock out a round steel plug from the bottom of the engine block called a frost plug. Once you knock that out the round block heater fits in there and has a srew you tighten up to secure it back in the hole. The heater usually has a rubber gasket on the edge of it to prevent the coolant from leaking. Once tightened into the frost plug hole attach cord to the end of the heater and run your cord out to front of your vehicle and through the grille or under the hood to plug into an extension cord. Top up antifreeze again and you should be good to go!

 

Don't skimp on the cord either. The PSD heater is 1000watts and that is a large draw on a long cord. Harbor freight has 12g extension cords for a good price, and thats what I use.

Adrianspeeder

 

also when you plug it into the house make sure the circiut is strong enough
i had a few problems with the one on my diesel truck tripping the breaker in the house

 

if it did improve mpg like everyone said because you didn't have to warmup the engine as long, wouldnt the difference be used when the block heater is plugged in drawing hydro?

 

It's called ELECTRICITY. Hydro is liquid. Sorry that always bugs me. Now to your question: the electricity is much cheaper than gasolin as long as you don't plug in for three days before start-up

 

I have used a heavy duty clock timer to turn it on for a couple of hours before I would drive off to save electricity. It depends on how cold the night would get.

 

the whole point of a block heater is so your engine doesnt get damaged
on start up when its fifty below zero out and your oil is the consitiancy of
peanut butter not to save mpg or freeze up solid

 

ok i live in northern mn... embarrass mn is like the coldest plac eon earth haha... it has the US record i believe.. its always-40 and dips to -60 ever couple years WITH OUT WIND CHILL. anyway i grew up about 45 min from that so we saw -30 and -40 alot. i used to plug my truck in about 2 hours before i left or when i worked at 4am i plugged it in when i went to bed at midnight. (i only working about 3 miles away) but it would start alot easier and my oil was more liquid form then if i didnt ha. with the heater it was one crank... with out it was like a dead bat. slowly cranking then would fire aabout 4 turns later. the block heater was doing its job in my case. if its only around 10 or above i wouldnt bother or be worried. thats just my 2 cents at least... dont kno about the warm air coming out sooner... as i sed i was only a couple miles away and my first hour of work was outside so before i left the house i had MANY layers on ha. but i woudl say go for it