Thunderbird V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Engine Block Heater: Service and Repair
Engine Block Heater
REMOVAL
1. Open hood (16612) and install protective fender covers.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable (14301).
3. Drain radiator (8005).
WARNING: NEVER REMOVE THE PRESSURE RELIEF 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 PRESSURE RELIEF CAP FROM A HOT COOLING
SYSTEM. WAIT UNTIL THE ENGINE HAS COOLED, THEN WRAP A THICK CLOTH AROUND THE PRESSURE RELIEF 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 RELIEF
CAP (STILL WITH A CLOTH), TURN AND REMOVE.
4. Disconnect block heater power cable from block heater (6A051).
5. Loosen retaining screw and pry block heater from cylinder blocks (6010) while moving retaining screw from side to side to disengage clamp strap.
6. Remove block heater while noting the position of heating element.
7. Remove block heater power cable.
INSTALLATION
1. Clean the inside diameter of the cylinder block hole machined surface. Remove any burrs at the hole entrance to avoid damage to the O-ring.
2. Apply a liberal coating of Premium Long Life Grease XC-1-K or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B to block heater O-ring and
cylinder block opening.
3. Insert block heater in cylinder block hole in the same position as it was removed.
4. Tighten screw to 1.6-1.8 Nm (15-16 inch lbs.).
5. Connect block heater power cable to block heater.
6. Install block heater power cable. Make sure power cable is routed and secured away from rotating or hot components.
7. Refill engine cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA or -B (in Oregon F5FZ-19549-CC),
recycled coolant or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A add water.
8. Connect battery ground cable.
9. Start engine and check for leaks.
10. Check engine coolant level as required.