I'm looking to put a block heater in my truck. I have searched all the threads, and found a bunch of information about them. However, there is one piece of info that I cannot seem to find. I've looked in the FSM, and even contacted JEGS to see if they knew - but they didn't.

The FSM talks about where to install the block heater, and mentions that the heater coil needs to be oriented the proper way, but never tells you what way that is.

In looking at parts online from Summit and JEGS, they don't have any instructions as to which way it should be oriented either.

Does anyone know what the correct orientation is? It's a 2001 5.9L.

Thanks,
Cartman

 

You're talking about a tank type block heater? If so, the heater coil goes below the tank, and the whole shebang is installed as vertically as possible, as low as possible without being in harm's way, and preferably as the lowest point in the system.

 

Actually, I am looking at the freeze plug type heaters, like this one:

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/51122/10002/-1

This is what the FSM says:

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Drain coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(3) Remove power cord from heater by unplugging (Fig. 9).
(4) Loosen (but do not completely remove) the screw at center of block heater (Fig. 9).
(5) Remove block heater by carefully prying from side-to-side. Note direction of heating element coil (up or down). Element coil must be installed correctly to prevent damage.

INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the block heater hole.
(2) Install new O-ring seal(s) to heater in gasoline engines.
(3) Insert block heater into cylinder block.
(4) With heater fully seated, tighten center screw to 2 N·m (17 in. lbs.).
(5) Fill cooling system with recommended coolant. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Start and warm the engine.
(7) Check block heater for leaks.


Since I don't have a freeze plug heater already in the block... I don't know what direction it needs to go in.

Thanks,
Cartman

 

notice how the heating element is turned 90*....

so when you go to put it in, the cavity in the block is likely to only allow it to fit one or two ways, and in other orientations the element will hit the casting. this might vary based on which freeze plug you install it into.

so all you really do is look to see which way it will fit, so that the element is in the coolant cavity and not touching the casting. it makes no difference whether its pointing up or down or east or west. just so its not hitting anything.

i would try to point it up, so it stays out of any sludge buildup in the bottom.

 

When I went through my motor I bought a parts store block heater (cost about $20?). The instructions showed exactly where to put it and how to orient it. I believe it is oriented upwards and would not go down. So far it has worked really well especially when it is -10 or colder and the windchill is approaching -40 degrees F.

 

Why not just get a block heater that goes into the lower radiator hose line? Easier to install and easier to fix if there develops a leak.

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...50022+2022009#

 

I have a tank type heater its 1500 watts I mounted it under the radiator on the lower support.

 

Where did you get that and how much was it?

How did you pipe it in?

 

My mom and dad got it for me a few years back I think it came from e-bay.
The inlet for the heater comes from the pass side block drain and the outlet goes to the split in the pass side heater hose.

 

Can you get a picture or 2 of the way it is piped in?