Engine Block Heater: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

WARNING: NEVER REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP UNDER ANY CONDITIONS WHILE THE ENGINE IS OPERATING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE COOLING SYSTEM OR ENGINE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY. TO AVOID HAVING SCALDING HOT COOLANT OR STEAM BLOW OUT OF THE COOLING SYSTEM, USE EXTREME CARE WHEN REMOVING THE RADIATOR CAP FROM A HOT COOLING SYSTEM. WAIT UNTIL THE ENGINE HAS COOLED, THEN WRAP A THICK CLOTH AROUND THE RADIATOR CAP AND TURN IT SLOWLY TO THE FIRST STOP. STEP BACK WHILE THE PRESSURE IS RELEASED FROM THE COOLING SYSTEM. WHEN IT IS CERTAIN ALL THE PRESSURE HAS BEEN RELEASED, PRESS DOWN ON THE PRESSURE CAP (STILL WITH A CLOTH), TURN AND REMOVE.

1. Remove pressure relief cap following described precautions. Attach 9.5 mm (0.4-inch) hose to drain tube and open radiator draincock. Drain radiator to a corresponding level below block heater. Close radiator draincock.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Raise vehicle on hoist.





4. Drain engine coolant.





5. Disconnect the block heater power cable from the block heater.





6. Loosen the screw.








7. Remove block heater from cylinder block.

NOTE: Mark the position of the heating element.

INSTALLATION

NOTE:
- Clean the inside diameter of the cylinder block hole machined surface and hole entrance.
- Apply a liberal coating of Premium Long Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B to block heater O-ring and cylinder block opening.

1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

NOTE: Refill engine cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in Oregon, FSFZ-19549-CC, in Canada, CXC-8-B) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A and water.

2. Connect battery ground cable.
3. Start engine and check for leaks.