So this winter here in Tennessee has been more brutal than in the past. So I am thinking of getting a engine block heater for my 2005 V6. However, I know nothing about them. All I know is that a girl I work with said that she has one on her car that her husband installed for her & it only cost like $30.

I sure if I get one my brother can install it for me. But like I said I know nothing about them. So what are they, what do they do, would it be worth it for me to get one? Just anything that anyone can tell me about them would be a great help.

Thanks guys.

 

All it does is keep the engine oil warm for easier startup, and it must be plugged in in order to work (extension cord from your house). I highly doubt it would be worth it unless you dip into -30.

Also, I have heard horror stories about them being installed after market, coolant leaks and such. It replaces one of the frost plugs in your engine block. I say stay away, you don't need it. I live in Canada and never plug in.

 

I have a different take on this. I also live in Canada. For the most part, the winters aren't too bad but occassionally we get days that dip below zero. I like having the heater because when its plugged in, the car starts up a lot easier and the heater starts working quicker, plus its less wear and tear on the engine. I ordered one with the 2012 Mustang.

You probably would never get as cold as we do up here, however, if for some reason it does on a fluke and the antifreeze mix is off, you could end up with a cracked block. All the heater does is warm the coolant. The heat does filter into the rest of the engine, however to get the oil warm you would need an oil heater (they are like pads that attach to the oil pan). Apparently this is more effective in saving wear and tear because it helps the oil circulate easier and provides less cranking effort.

I'm sure you can install on as aftermarket. Done incorrectly they can leak as mentioned, but if you make sure the hole is clean and you use some good sealant (The Right Stuff is my favorite) you should be able to install it with no issues.

 

if you decide to do it here are the Ford OEM part numbers for what you need and a pdf file on installation instructions, the instructions show how to remove and install the oem block heater, on a car without heater you would just be removing the oem freeze plug.

4R3Z-6A051-AA block heater list $36.65
4R3Z-6B018-AA heater wire harness list $82.67
6R3Z-6B019-AA wire harness extension list $52.98

 

I live in Canada and you can buy what's called a re-circulating block heater that circulates the anti-freeze and can be plumbed in. They work great. Here in Saskatchewan we dip into the -40 area and my truck has no problem starting when plugged in

 

Another Canadian here...since most cars start fine above -25C(-13F), the only real benefit is that the car's heater will start working a bit quicker, since the engine takes a shorter time to warm up.

That said, unless you're consistantly below -20, I wouldn't bother with it....just start your car 5-10 minutes before you get in.