I have a 2004 Lariat super crew that was shipped from the factory to WA and didn't have an engine block heater. i want to buy a few heater patches, one for the oil pan and transmisson pan and a battery blanket. What wattage should i consider for sub 0 temps on my 5.4 supercrew? I'm also thinking of installing an engine block heater part myself or the circulaton heater types that warm the whole block? Any particular brands from Schucks, Napa, or car quest better than the other? I can't afford to pay a mechanic right now since I was laid off from my job in Nov. and I sure don't want to mess anything up trying to attempt the installation but i need to do this fast. I know the patches are a no brainer. Just need help with the other possible fixes and what tools do i need. thanks a bundle.

 

if your talking about the freeze plug type, you drain some coolant so your not swallowing a whole lot. knock the chosen freeze plug out, i chose the one on the drivers side closest to trans, its easiest to reach. put the new heater up in place and they usually have an o-ring and a screw that clamps it in place.

just clean the block up where its suppose to seal and you should be good, unless your lucky like me and for some reason i launched mine out 3x before i put a freeze plug back in

 

thanks a lot, yeah i was reading on another site that the best place was on the driver side near the rear close to the transmission, next to the motor mount. i hear your getting a whopping storm over the we.

 

If you get a circulation heater, you probably won't need any other heaters. Freeze plug heaters do work, but circulation heaters are 10x better.

 

im waitin for this whopper of a storm. so far here we have a white dust and a bit of wind as usual.

idaho i hear is suppose to get 1ft over night, thats nothin compared to the 18" over night last year. that was awesome fun driving home in after work in the mornin.

im not familiar with a circulation heater but my block heater kept my truck starting nice and easy at -19 a few years ago.