Heading to Alaska, need block heater

[config]

Anyone have or recommend an engine block heater for the Explorer. I'm heading to Alaska and need to get one installed. I've looked and see that they have a frost plug type, a lower radiator, a magnetic type that sticks to the oil pan, and even a dip-stick heater.

I'm looking more for effectiveness and not necessarily eas of installation.

 

[pservecc]

Bump.

I'd like to hear some opinions on this too. I'm familiar with all except the "lower radiator" type. What is that? And where's a good place to get these things?

 

[reserved50]

most effective would be in the block(frost plug style), I guess the lower rad hose one heats the water in the lower hose lol, and the oil pan one would let the oil flow quicker(Id rather buy synthetic 5w30 oil insteal)

 

[reserved50]

http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl119e.htm

http://www.uaf.edu/ces/publications/freepubs/SAL-02021.pdf

might also want a battery blanket

some more info

 

[config]

I called the Ford dealer and they said it would cost $400 to install the freeze plug heater because of location they recommend installing it. They said they would need to take out the alternator to get to it and it will take 4 hours.
I'm contemplating now to just install the lower radiator hose type myself (my local Autozone had one). I read it works as well but the installation location (vertical to the water pump) is necessary to ensure it works great.
http://www.twoguysgarage.com/forum/printthread.php?t=7735

Oh yeah, I will be looking for a battery blanket. Thanks!

 

[reserved50]

well the accessory info that Ford has specifically tells them to place it there, I would go to a general shop and ask them and not tell them what Ford says, basically you drain the coolant, pop out the frost plug, clean the hole up(I use some sealant, thats just me) then screw the bolt up on the plug to secure it then run the wire. Best is to have the frost plug centered though, but Im sure the lower rad hose idea is better than nothing

 

[Cleaverkid]

After living in the Dakota's for nearly 10 years, I can tell you that no one up there would be caught installing anything except the frost plug in-the-block type. Sure it's more money, but it gets right to the purpose of a heater...to keep the block/oil/water warm enought to turn over at 30 below! Once it's installed, it's a forget it forever type installation, where as the hose type would have to be replaced or at least reinstalled every time you have to replace the hoses.

Forget the magnetic and dipstick types..they're basically useless.

 

[Ranger379]

ya iv heard the freeze plug type are the best, i looked up on it a while ago, and the magnetic ones u put on the bottom of the oilpan are useless and if u looks there is not flat spot on the bottom of the oil pan to stick it to either lol

 

[justin146]

Go to a place that sells and services large generators. You can get a pump/heater that installs in the radiator hose pretty cheap- but be warned, the one on my generator draws 12amps.

 

[config]

I was initially going to get the frost plug type installed but for me, was cost prohibitive since I don't have the tools to do it myself (and the dealer charging $400). I just bought the lower radiator heater for $24 and will perform the install myself once it gets a bit warmer (20s right now).

 

[pservecc]

OK, I get that the freeze plug unit is the best, but I can't see $400 to put it in either.

@reserved, is there an easier way/place to install the freeze plug unit than the way Ford does it? If so, where & how?

@config, where did you get that radiator one, how is it installed, and what are the specs?

 

[config]

@config, where did you get that radiator one, how is it installed, and what are the specs?

I purchased it from Checker Auto parts. It's rated at 600W. Here is the same unit selling on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kats...emQQcategoryZ46098QQihZ020QQitemZ300047201512

 

[mwking]

It's been a long while since I installed a block heater, Ford seems to put them in as standard equipment on everything they sell in Canada now. When I put one in my Bronco II they recommended it be installed in the freeze plug hole in the front of one of the heads. Even if you have to take out the alternator for access I can't see that being a $400 job. Once you have access to the freeze plug a long punch and a couple of taps on one side will spin it sideways. Grab it with some pliers and pull it out. A few basic hand tools and a little time should be all that is needed. When I put mine in the only thing special that I used was a 3' steel rod that I got from someone to use as a punch, there's not much room to swing a hammer under the hood.

 

[cfd911]

block heater

my advise would be to get the lower radiator type and be done with it,

remember if you install the freeze plug type and it leaks ( which i had 1 in a vehicle leak 3 times your screwed)the only thing thats sealing is an O ring i will admin the freeze plug type is the best but, i think the lower radiator type will be just fine for you, just my opinion....

 

[Skinny C]

I live in Canada and have a frost plug type block heater on my explorer, I have always been confident in it starting at -35c (which we had here about a month ago) as for it leaking, if it is installed properly it should not leak for years or never, if it does, bring it back and tell them to install it properly.

 

[config]

What anti-freeze mix (i.e. 50/50) should you use for extreme cold? I heard a maximum of 70% or should a mixture of 50/50 OK?

 

[config]

I read the other post and it really isn't a bad idea to just install a new lower radiator hose all together. I might as well since the one that's there is most likely the original one. This way I can cut the new hose to size inside where it's warm, install the heater, then remove the old hose and install the new one and hopefully everything will fit perfectly.

 

[Skinny C]

Your coolant should be a 50/50 mixture for all temperatures.

 

[ProjectAviator]

I have used the lower hose, freeze plug and magnetic. All have worked. The magnetic kept the oil warm that radiated up through the hole motor.

Tim

 

[config]

Well, I've completed installing the lower radiator heater. I tested it and it seems to work just fine. I was hoping it would be HOT enough for the heater to be warm when I start it up in the morning but I guess that's not really the purpose. It does do a good job keeping the engine warm enough is sub-zero weather. I guess I'm ready to ship the Ex to Alaska!