GEN 2 [Thermal images] Engine Block Heater Working

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TurboTJ

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So I used my engine block heater for the first time last night up here in the high Rockies. To see if it was working, I pulled out my thermal imager and found that almost the entire engine was warm.

Got me wondering, how does the engine block heater work? Is there heating/charging going to the battery? Seems like a lot for just $100.

How long before driving do they recommend plugging it in? I read online that they’re high wattage and therefore expensive to run all night.

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JohnyPython

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That’s a pretty cool image there. Way back, I installed a block heater in my Sierra. It warms the coolant with a heating element inside one of the freeze plugs. It did a good job and the truck barely struggled in the morning when I started it.

I’m not sure how the Ford one works but I’m assuming same deal. I know there’s a recall on mine and I think it’s gotta be replaced.
 

FordTechOne

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That’s a pretty cool image there. Way back, I installed a block heater in my Sierra. It warms the coolant with a heating element inside one of the freeze plugs. It did a good job and the truck barely struggled in the morning when I started it.

I’m not sure how the Ford one works but I’m assuming same deal. I know there’s a recall on mine and I think it’s gotta be replaced.

Yep, it's just a high current heating element that warms the coolant.
 

Sozzy12

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I think I read in my owner's manual (yes, I read it....) they recommended 4 hours prior to starting. Any more was a waste of energy. This is a Gen 1 though.... The 6.2 has a lot more metal to warm than the 3.5.
 
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