Hi,

I'd like to add the Ford engine block heater to my truck. How long of an install is it (difficult?) and how much should it run from the parts department? Last year we had a warmer than usual winter (mostly high 20s) but this winter its been between -10 and 15 for a long time now and I'd like to help the truck out when its starting in the morning. I'd also get heat in the cab a bit faster I'm guessing. Thanks for the help.

 

Petrone,

If you find out how much it is would you please post the price. I'm looking at installing one as well.

Thanks -Nate


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1999 F-150 XLT 4x4, Reg Cab, SB, Styleside, 4.6 V8, 3.55 LSD, 5 speed Manual Trans, Visteon CD-6 changer, Midland CB




[This message has been edited by nhiggins (edited 01-27-2000).]

 

Called the Ford dealer today and they said the engine block heater kit would run $82.50. I had to specify the 5.4L V8 so I don't know if it differs depending on the engine, but I don't think Ford would complicate things that much. He didn't know much about the install(did not have a picture either) but said it included instructions. I'd heard $40-$60 on here before for the block heater.. so I wonder if this is really a good price.



[This message has been edited by Petrone (edited 01-29-2000).]

 

I would have got the Engine Block heater, buts its like a diesel. You have to plug it in.

 

You don't Have to plug it in, but it helps for the engine to start easier, and run a bit warmer. Its mainly for convience, and I won't have another vehicle without one!

Diesel's on the other hand, are required, here anyways, to be plugged in if they're outside. If you don't, the diesel fuel will gell up@ 15 degrees.

 

I was quoted $18 for the block heater at my local(Ohio) Ford dealer.I believe I was told about $70 for installing,about 1.5 hours to complete. Just call any dealers parts dept. for the price of the heater,then call the service for installation price.Hopefully you have dealers that know what they're doing.You'd think there would be some standard in service for dealers.......you'd think.

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1999 F150 XLT 2WD Harvest Gold 6'bed 120"WB 4.2 Auto A.R.E. CX Cap BedRug

 

Petrone,

The Block Heater should run you about $20.00. Installing it requires draining the coolant, removing a Frost Plug on the block and installing the Heater. Refill the cooling system and voilla. Should take about 45min max. I personally would not drain the system. I would just pop the plug and catch what drains drom the plug hole in a pan. Do it with the engine cold, hot coolant burns.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

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00 F-150 XLT SC Flairside 4x4 4.6 w/5spd
Warn XD9000i, skid plates, Draw tite class III,
Rancho RSX Reflex shocks,
SmittyBilt Nerfs, Borla Cat Back
Modified Air Cleaner Outlet Tube,
Superchips




[This message has been edited by JMC (edited 01-31-2000).]

 

JMC:

I talked to two dealers and they both wanted $81 for the block heater 'kit'. Then, one wanted $130 to install it because they said it'd take 2-3 hrs. The other said it'd be $57 and would take them an hour or less. I'll have to call the second one and inquire why the part is so high..

 

pastmaster, what do you mean you
"dont have to plug it in"?

 

"plug it in" meaning--plugging in to electricity, plugging into a outlet.

 

JMC:

Talked to the dealer again today and they confirmed it would take .8 hours to install. However, they said the part needed was the complete heater kit #XL3Z-6D008-AA @ $82.50. Does this sound right to you?

Thanks

 

Actually, I think that is what the option charge is when you order it from the factory!

 

Yes, I checked and that is the factory price for the Engine block heater. However, the engine block heater package also includes a '72-amp HD battery', I dunno if the engine block heater kit sold through the parts dept comes with the battery however.

 

48 minutes to install isnt that long at all.

Past,

I read in the owners manual that you have to plug it in. Is this an error in the manual?

 

For '99, a block heater from the factory was $90 retail/$77 dealer invoice WITHOUT the HD electrical (63H)or Trailer tow group(535).WITH either of these,it is a paltry $35 retail/$30 dealer invoice.This is from KBB prices for '99,which I found to be 100% accurate. This was the one thing I wished I had ordered,but it's not a back breaking difference. The world will keep rotating.

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1999 F150 XLT 2WD Harvest Gold 6'bed 120"WB 4.2 Auto A.R.E. CX Cap BedRug