Ford aftermarket Block Heater?? Install??
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From: Fuquay Varina, NC
Ford aftermarket Block Heater?? Install??
i know its not frigid where i live here in good ol' NC, but im jealous of the block heater in my dads F-250, so i ordered one from my local dealer, its a retrofit kit, was about $75. now i havent recieved it yet, but im wondering if anyone has installed one of these aftermarket heaters on the new F-150, i need to know if its something i can install on my own or just have the dealer do, and what would the dealer charge to do it. im pretty mechanically inclined, i just need to know whats involved with installing the heater. thanks guys
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
That block heater lives behind the exhaust manifold on the drivers side. If it wasn't installed at the factory and it doesn't get cold enough to need it don't bother, because it is a PITA to do yourself.
That's not to say you can't do it yourself, but it does require draining the coolant. popping out a freeze plug,(this is a delicate operation on an aluminum block), and possibly removing the exhaust manifold.
If you really want it in there, take it to the dealer. It's going to cost you about 5 or 6 hours labor, that's if everything goes smoothly. Dealers in my area charge about $80 an hour labor, so you stand to save some cash by being a glutton for punishment.
The choice is yours, hope I was of some help.
That's not to say you can't do it yourself, but it does require draining the coolant. popping out a freeze plug,(this is a delicate operation on an aluminum block), and possibly removing the exhaust manifold.
If you really want it in there, take it to the dealer. It's going to cost you about 5 or 6 hours labor, that's if everything goes smoothly. Dealers in my area charge about $80 an hour labor, so you stand to save some cash by being a glutton for punishment.
The choice is yours, hope I was of some help.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Fuquay Varina, NC
well my dealer wants to charge me 2 hours of labor at $50 an hour, so i was thinking of it. but around here the lowest the temps get are in the teens (F) its just more of a creature comfort item. you think the money could be better spent elsewhere?
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Performance air intake, Grill inserts, Tonneu cover, take your pick. But it's your truck and your decision. My opinion is if you don't need the block heater then why spend the time or money doing it. Unless you possibly see yourself moving to a colder climate, where you would need it.
But don't let me influence your decision, if it's something you feel more comfortable having then install the heater. All it takes is one or two nights of unusally cold weather to make it worth while.
In my part of Canada you can't get through winter without that heater, -30 to - 40 F are the norm for 5 months of the year.
But don't let me influence your decision, if it's something you feel more comfortable having then install the heater. All it takes is one or two nights of unusally cold weather to make it worth while.
In my part of Canada you can't get through winter without that heater, -30 to - 40 F are the norm for 5 months of the year.
