i want to install a tank type block heater, i was thinking of mounting it on the driver side frame by the lower rad hose and teeing into the lower hose at the reserve t and hooking in on the heater core hose that connects into the rear of the engine.

will i couse any problems with the normal flow while the engine is running or will i have to install an electric vavle so it will be closed when it's not plugged in.

i need to be able drive as soon as i start eng as i work in emergency services

97 f150 4.6L v8 4x4

 

If I understand you want to tap the small hose going to the degas bottle then through the heater and finally to the heater core. Which way will the coolant flow? From the lower rad hose over to the heater core?

JMC

 

natural curculation should occur by heat rising forcing fluid up toward heater line back down through block as it cools, and a suction should draw fluid up from lower hose cousing flow thru block

 

You might want to install a reed valve in the hose going to the heater. Ford has a restricter in the heater hose to keep the heater core from being worn through by the high flow rate of the coolant passing through the core. I am not sure what the high flow would do to the efficiency of the rad by having the coolant trying to make its way backwards through your after market heater system.

JMC