Need a block heater, what route to take...

[snowman_MT]

I just drove home a 2.0 ecoboost Maverick XLT fx4 AWD. So far this thing is nothing but awesome. Unfortunately the dealer did not have the optional block heater installed. Winters where I'm at in MT can get down to -30 so I'm hoping to install some level of block heater to improve engine longevity and speed up warm up somewhat.

My first question is where the removable plug used to install the factory block heater that heats the coolant? I haven't been able to come up with anything besides some info on a focus ST forum saying the 2.0 ecoboost plug is under the intake manifold on the drivers side. I took a peek and there's a plug in there that would take a huge Allen wrench. Anyone want to trace their wires back and confirm this is the one?

Has anyone installed the plug? How much of a pain was access? Was draining and bleeding the coolant difficult? I'm kinds surprised there's no write up or YouTube video out there on the job.

Alternatively I might just take the simpler and cheaper route of using a stick on pad heater on the oil pan if it looks like the plug type is going to be more trouble than it's worth.

Thanks for any input. I've got a tonneau, ski racks, and blizzaks on the way and am stoked to make this thing an all around winter weapon. A block heater would be the final touch!

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[Hunters Edge]

Hello and welcome to MTC. Congratulations on your new Maverick.

I wonder what the dealership would charge to install it. The reason I mention this you should be getting or got Ford points. Which could be used for or toward the parts and installation. Don't wait to get the points if you wait it times out and you missed that opportunity.

 

[Snox801]

I have one but it’s raining today so I don’t feel like digging around. That being said I used the sticky oil pan heaters on previous vehicles similar to vw standard equipment. Works great. In fact it may be the better option. Oil takes much longer to get warm and being very thick at startup may be more harmful than anything. Other than it will not blow warm air right away.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I just drove home a 2.0 ecoboost Maverick XLT fx4 AWD. So far this thing is nothing but awesome. Unfortunately the dealer did not have the optional block heater installed. Winters where I'm at in MT can get down to -30 so I'm hoping to install some level of block heater to improve engine longevity and speed up warm up somewhat.

My first question is where the removable plug used to install the factory block heater that heats the coolant? I haven't been able to come up with anything besides some info on a focus ST forum saying the 2.0 ecoboost plug is under the intake manifold on the drivers side. I took a peek and there's a plug in there that would take a huge Allen wrench. Anyone want to trace their wires back and confirm this is the one?

Has anyone installed the plug? How much of a pain was access? Was draining and bleeding the coolant difficult? I'm kinds surprised there's no write up or YouTube video out there on the job.

Alternatively I might just take the simpler and cheaper route of using a stick on pad heater on the oil pan if it looks like the plug type is going to be more trouble than it's worth.

Thanks for any input. I've got a tonneau, ski racks, and blizzaks on the way and am stoked to make this thing an all around winter weapon. A block heater would be the final touch!

Seems like I remember someone posting that the intake had to be removed to replace their block heater under warranty.

 

[Metaloon]

It's very easy to install on the Ecoboost. You're correct on the location, big Allen plug underneath the intake manifold. Driver's side front of the engine, fairly high up. No need to remove the manifold. All you need is a ratchet with some extensions and an Allen adapter to go on the end of it.

1. Pull skid plate and set up something to catch the coolant
2. Remove plug, let coolant drain to that level
3. Install heater element (torque to 41 ft lbs) and attach cord
4. Refill coolant (I used new coolant, less than one gallon), follow just about any bleed procedure you find on the internet, check and make sure there's no leaks
5. Skid plate back on and you're good to go.

I bought the heater element from Ford and a random aftermarket cord (just match the plugs). Much cheaper and allowed me to route it so that it comes out of the passenger tow hook slot. That way I don't have to pop the hood to use it.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Glad it's easy for EB.

On Hybrids it is nearly impossible to add after engine assembly at the plant.
One of those cases where they start with the heater; and then build the engine around it, it looks like.

You just can't get to the spot on Hybrids after the fact.

 

[snowman_MT]

Thanks for the writeup, that sounds very manageable. Although any opening up of a brand new engine is a little nerve wracking after only ever working on cars with 200k on the clock haha.

I like the idea of combining the oem plug quality with a better cord location. 100 buck for the plug still seems a bit high when I can get a US made amazom plug and cord both for 60.

Zerostart 3100002 Engine Block Heater for Ford, Jaguar, Mazda, Lincoln, Volvo, 3/4" NPT Thread | CSA Approved | 120 Volts | 400 Watts https://a.co/d/auSXSJ6

Any thoughts on this option? Looks about the same from what I've found to the OEM.

Bummer about the hybrid plug location but there's always the stick on ones! One could argue hybrids in general arent great for harsh winters with the colds effect on battery performance. Have you used yours much below zero?

 

[snowman_MT]

Metaloon - do you have a link to what cord you used with the OEM Ford heater? I might go that route but all the cords I can find are for powerstrokes and don't look like compatible.

 

[Metaloon]

I figured the OEM heater element was worth it, consequences of a failure down the line could be pretty serious. I grabbed the cord from a local parts store after checking the fit, so I'm not 100% sure which one it was. Might have been the Kat's 28216.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

One could argue hybrids in general arent great for harsh winters with the colds effect on battery performance.

The Hybrid Maverick can heat the battery with its secondary antifreeze/coolant system; plus heat from the exhaust system. Don't confuse it with 100% battery electric vehicles that don't have a gasoline engine available for a source of heat.

Hybrid usually gets slightly worse mileage in winter, but still excellent. And even better in summer - particularly City driving, which is excellent.

 

[snowman_MT]

Yeah I'm just going to pay up for the Ford part. I'd hate to have to replace it again with the coolant mess I'm about to make haha. I'll post if that Kat's 28216 cord works. It would be a cheap alternative to the stock wiring that ends in the engine bay.

 

[Blinky]

I'd personally go with an oil pan heater. Block heaters are better than nothing but depending how long you leave it plugged in, the oil may not get warm since there's a beefy gasket between the block and pan, and no coolant passages down there.

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