Section 03-03: Engine Cooling | 1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-Super Duty, Bronco Vehicles and F-250, F-350 and F-Super Duty Vehicles with 7.3L Diesel Engines Workshop Manual |
A block heater (6A051) is standard on the 7.3L diesel and optional on other engines. When equipped, the 7.5L engine has dual block heaters — one on each side.
The block heater consists of an electrical heating element installed in one of the core plug openings in the engine block and an electrical cable which plugs into a standard 110-volt AC electrical outlet. It is designed to keep the engine coolant warm during cold weather as an aid in cold starting.