I just had a block heater installed. It's the Ford part that installs into the freeze plug area. I've never had one. I plugged it in last night to see if it works, even though it was only 35F overnight. I checked it this morning and it was definetely warm, not hot. All radiator hoses and even the engine were not hot, but they were warm to the touch. My concern is that I could HEAR the heater heating. It kind of sounded like the tea pot heating up. A sort of steaming sound. Is that a normal sound?? Should I not use the heater when it is this warm out? Coolant is up to level, so I don't think that's a contributor. Overall I'm not too concerned, the engine certainly isn't getting close to being as hot as when it's running.

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Deep Blue 2000 XLT, 4wd, 4.6L, Automatic, SB, SuperCab, Norfalk Plant, DP Box

 

I would have to agree, the noise is normal. All the blockheaters we have make noise. They've been making nnoise for 20 some years on a couple of our vehicles with no problems.

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Where did you purchase that block heater? I live in Wisconsin and always wanted to get one. We have been down to -15F here this winter but my truck started with ease. Does that come with a battery heater? Some people around here who ordered the cold climate package say that the battery has a pad of some sort around it that is also heated. Have you heard of this?

 

Thanks for your responses. I realize that the heater isn't really "necessary" until under 0 degrees F or so. But, I don't like to have to wait 15 minutes to get heat. I'm also a firefighter, so those cold night starts to get to the firehouse aren't very good on the engine. I'll probably use it whenever it's 35F or less. Thanks again!

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Deep Blue 2000 XLT, 4wd, 4.6L, Automatic, SB, SuperCab, Norfalk Plant, DP Box

 

I bought the part through the dealer, and had them install it. You can find the part on the web also, and probably get it a bit cheaper http://www.genuine-ford-parts.com/fo...ts_counter.asp
I got a price of $76 with delivery from these guys, and my dealer matched it. Installation takes about 1-2 hours at the dealer. I anticipated doing it myself, but, it's been too cold and I don't have a garage.
I'm not familiar with the battery pad. Our winters aren't nearly as cold as yours, but, I like to be warm!

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Deep Blue 2000 XLT, 4wd, 4.6L, Automatic, SB, SuperCab, Norfalk Plant, DP Box

 

The block heaters are available at just about any decent auto parts store. or if you want to pay more, get it from ford! the pads that i have seen around batteries have not been electrically heated but rather are insulation. the battery is naturally warmed as you drive and the battery is charged. the insulation pad helps the battery retain its heat. i would be really interested if you have seen an application where the pad is actually electrically heated.

 

There are two devices that can be used to heat a battery. One is the blanket which wraps around the battery and is pluged in to heat the pad. The other is the pad, that goes under the battery and is also pluged in. Either one works well to keep the battery warm during extreme cold temps. If you use the blanket remember to remove it before summer so that the battery does not over heat.(Like wearing a jacket in the summer)

 

The sound you hear is just the heater element interacting with your coolant . . if you are using a 5W30 oil, you shouldn't need your block heater until it gets quite cold . . .like around 0 degrees . . .however,using the heater should increase your fuel economy and make your heater provide warm air sooner . .

 

All the sounds/feels you are getting is normal.