Engine block heater - 1973 Ford 3550

[CrosbyFamilyFarm]

I know the engine block heater debate has been done to death (magnetic v. radiator, etc.).

I just want to know if both an inline coolant heater and a block heater will work for my older machine. When people say things like "crack into the engine block" for the frost plug holes (whatever that is) it makes me blanch a bit. Whenever I've repaired any of my motorcycles through the years I've had a house of cards sort of experience going into engines. Go and fix one thing and the whole engine stops for a new reason. I'd like to be adventurous and install a block heater for my older Ford but southern Ct isn't exactly Fargo and I'm not exactly a diesel mechanic.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Your tractor is not the Space Shuttle or an F-22 so don't be afraid to work on it.

The best engine heater is the one that installs in a core plug hole. Depending on the access, installing it is simple. You drain the cooling system first. Taking a punch, holding the the punch off center, strike the punch with a hammer. This will rotate the core plug which you then pull out with a pair of pliers. Clean the inside of the core plug hole and install the block heater by tightening the center bolt on it. Install the plug in cord, refill the cooling system and check the block heater for leakage.
I have my block heater on a timer that turns it on two hours before I feed the cows.