What's the easiest way to change a block heater in a 5.4

 

drain the coolant first. there is a drain on the radiator and a pipe plug just below the heater on the block.

 

I dont know for sure but i thought block heaters were only for deisels. They plug into the wall to warm the engine prior to starting for those nasty cold winter mornings.

I dont think the 5.4 has a block heater.

Do you mean a heater core?

 

No, alot of newer trucks have them including the 5.4. they come in handy when its cold and the truck lives outside.

 

here is a pic from JMC. it shows the heater and the drain plug on the left side of the block.

 

any ford vehicle sold in canada since the '80's comes with a block heater

 

My 97 4.2 dont have one.I just came onto the message boards to see if there is anything on NONSTARTING.I think it is the starter BUT i figured MAYBE something stupid maybe that FORD might have done might fix it but i guess not.AND when did FORD start putting the soleniod on the starter?Just asking cause i have mostly done up older vehicles so just asking

 

a starter always has a solenoid on the starter but there is a starter relay on the fire wall behind a plastic cover. on the right side above the header.

 

the solenoid on the starter is what some people call the bendix. it's just the part that pulls in to push the starter driver gear to the ring gear. it's actually called a solenoid switch in napa's books. the solenoid is the part that's mounted on the firewall which is actually a starter relay.

 

sorta

the bendix is the starter drive gear assy
i used to change them out in the '70's instead of getting a new starter

...zap!