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GT350 engine block heater

theshawnc

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Does anyone know if it's possible to install an engine block heater on the 5.2 of a 2017 GT350? I sent a couple emails in to Ford Performance, but they haven't ever gotten back to me, and my local dealership doesn't have a clue. I used to have a 2018 GT 5.0 that came with a block heater, so I was wondering if that same part would fit on the 5.2?
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I did some light research on the subject and couldn't get a solid grasp of where the engine block heater was physically located for your 2018 5.0. Looks like some Coyote-based trucks have them in the front timing cover area and some in one of the freeze plugs in the block. Do you happen to remember where?

The concern I can initially see with a block heater on this car is the external oil cooler. Even if you warm up the coolant in the water jackets, you'll still have a substantial portion of cold oil in the external lines/cooler that is much cooler than the oil in the pan/block. Could be a bit rough on the engine at first, but maybe I am overthinking.

Side note, are you blocking off the air intake for the engine oil cooler? you likely don't even need that in these temps. What are your normal oil operating temps?
 
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theshawnc

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I think the 5.0s heater was in the freeze plug, but I can't say for sure now. I guess I should have taken a more careful look before I sold it. I haven't driven the 350 in really cold temps yet, so I can't say what the oil temp would be in this situation. Is there a good way to block off the air intake for the oil? And thanks, I appreciate your input.
 

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I think the 5.0s heater was in the freeze plug, but I can't say for sure now. I guess I should have taken a more careful look before I sold it. I haven't driven the 350 in really cold temps yet, so I can't say what the oil temp would be in this situation. Is there a good way to block off the air intake for the oil? And thanks, I appreciate your input.
Couple ways depending on how much work you want to put in. Black duct tape is what most of the race teams use :)

Outside of that, I thin sheet of AL cut to shape and zip tied to the grill will work well, though.
 

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theshawnc

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I'm told this is the block heater for the coyote. Part number YF1Z-6A051-AA
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Pretty much. I'd like to be able to drive it on nice winter days, since winter is five months here.
The 2020 GT350 Owner's Supplement says that 0w-40 oil is suitable for use when the temperature is below -7 C. That might help.
 

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Have you looked at engine blankets?
I know nothing about them but did find them while searching because of this thread. Also found heaters built specifically for this purpose.
I hate to say it but if I move to a cold weather climate, I’ll probably buy something else that I can enjoy all year.
Living in milder weather nearly my whole life has spoiled me. Spent a few years in northern Colorado in the ‘80’s but was focused so much on work and raising a family, I didn’t have time for fun cars.
Hard for me to wrap my head around winterizing cars and motorcycles and not use them for months at a time.
 

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You could also use one of those plug-in oil dipsticks as a cheap half-measure. My dad always kept his car plugged in during Indiana winters with one of those, since his car was stored in a 3-sided outdoor garage with no door. Probably better than nothing in your situation, although I agree with @honeybadger that the oil in the cooler would still be pretty cold initially.
 
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theshawnc

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I did some light research on the subject and couldn't get a solid grasp of where the engine block heater was physically located for your 2018 5.0. Looks like some Coyote-based trucks have them in the front timing cover area and some in one of the freeze plugs in the block. Do you happen to remember where?

The concern I can initially see with a block heater on this car is the external oil cooler. Even if you warm up the coolant in the water jackets, you'll still have a substantial portion of cold oil in the external lines/cooler that is much cooler than the oil in the pan/block. Could be a bit rough on the engine at first, but maybe I am overthinking.

Side note, are you blocking off the air intake for the engine oil cooler? you likely don't even need that in these temps. What are your normal oil operating temps?
I was able to do some driving the last couple days in temperatures right around freezing. The oil temp seemed to stay between 160-170. I'm going to take your advice and block off the oil cooler air intake.
 
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theshawnc

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Have you looked at engine blankets?
I know nothing about them but did find them while searching because of this thread. Also found heaters built specifically for this purpose.
I hate to say it but if I move to a cold weather climate, I’ll probably buy something else that I can enjoy all year.
Living in milder weather nearly my whole life has spoiled me. Spent a few years in northern Colorado in the ‘80’s but was focused so much on work and raising a family, I didn’t have time for fun cars.
Hard for me to wrap my head around winterizing cars and motorcycles and not use them for months at a time.
If the block heater doesn't pan out those engine blankets might be worth checking out. I had a Corvette that I would park all winter, but it drove me crazy knowing I couldn't drive it almost half the year. I figure I only live once, so I might as well drive a car I love, whenever I can.
 
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theshawnc

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The 2020 GT350 Owner's Supplement says that 0w-40 oil is suitable for use when the temperature is below -7 C. That might help.
Thanks, I don't think the '17 supplement has that info
 
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theshawnc

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You could also use one of those plug-in oil dipsticks as a cheap half-measure. My dad always kept his car plugged in during Indiana winters with one of those, since his car was stored in a 3-sided outdoor garage with no door. Probably better than nothing in your situation, although I agree with @honeybadger that the oil in the cooler would still be pretty cold initially.
I guess if the block heater doesn't work out I can look into that heated dipstick as an option. Thanks.
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