*WARNING* Block Heater Recall Turns into Engine Replacement!!!!

[HertiageMerica]

Why did you get a block heater in the first place? PA isn't that cold consistently.

I go to VT in winter a lot and didn’t think old tech like a block heater would be an issue. Heck I’ve replaced oil pressure senders on old cars with out issue.

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[AlienHunter]

It is where the heating element is threaded into the block where the issue apparently occurred. Plug is under the hood right top side of the car.

That is also where mine is located. The picture of the plug on the first post looks to be on the lower side near the tow hook. Maybe I was looking at someone else’s setup.

 

[Sunday Money]

It is where the heating element is threaded into the block where the issue apparently occurred. Plug is under the hood right top side of the car.

Ugh, that's brutal. I see you're located in Chesco. Do dealerships in the Philly metro area normally order rigs with engine block heaters, or do you spend a lot of time further up north and had it special ordered?

UPDATE: Disregard, saw you just answered the question as I was writing the post.

 

[HertiageMerica]

Does anyone know if the body needs to be separated from the frame when pulling the motor?

 

[23OBX2.7]

You get full factory warranty on that.

 

[Ducati1098]

Does anyone know if the body needs to be separated from the frame when pulling the motor?

Doesn’t need to be

 

[broncobase1]

Hey, at least your mechanic and shop are honest. They could have patched it up with a helicoil and sent you on your way. There are legit ways to fix this situation like tapping the hole for a larger bolt if there is room. Anyway -- I was in your situation back in 1999. I bought a new Dodge pickup that developed a rod knock within a few weeks. I demanded a replacement new vehicle or buy back but they said no way. Finally after weeks of haggling and lost sleep I gave up and let them put in a long block. Everything was fine, and the engine was good as new. I understand your concerns, but try not to worry. Most of these guys are good at what they do, and you are getting an engine with zero miles. As for carfax I doubt it will be on there, but even if it its probably not going to affect value. Its not an accident. Some will consider a lower milagae engine a positive, especially when it gets older and has thousands of miles on it. Good luck.

 

[Malicar]

Hey, at least your mechanic and shop are honest. They could have patched it up with a helicoil and sent you on your way... Most of these guys are good at what they do, and you are getting an engine with zero miles...

I agree with this. I hate other people working on my sht, but we gotta hand it to the mechanics out there that take pride in their work. A new long block is a sign of that pride and ownership.

Plus it's not a short block, so it's really just accessories that are the worry. Modern engines are pretty plug and play.

Id say the only thing to keep an eye on after you get it back, would be lines. Pinched or pulled oil, coolant, or electrical lines. Potentially loose hardware.

Stay positive!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I'm not sweating a long block on these, or even a short block on other more basic motors.
Especially if it's still pretty much new, like this one.
On the other hand, disturbing the turbo after some higher amount of mileage might make me a bit nervous. But that is from something I read many moons ago.

 

[michelle227]

Personally, I was going to get the block heater for when I go up north. I've got family in the very top edge of the country and wouldn't mind being able to plug in when it's an option - despite the Bronco spending the vast majority of its time in Texas where sub-freezing temperatures are rare even in the depths of winter.

Just remember that we do have some parts of this Great State that DO see sub-freezing on a regular basis.

Im north of Amarillo by about 90 miles- we've already had snow and this morning is the first time in a while that it wasn't in the 20s when I left the unit. And a good half-dozen below 20. This morning was a balmy 41 degrees. I left the gloves in the car...still had a wind chill around 32.

For the inexpensive nature of the block heater, I'd rather have it and not always need it than need it and not have it. I did my F350 the same way when I ordered it in 2000...

 

[Charley]

My Badlands (2.7) was a dealer, located in southwest Ohio, ordered vehicle with a block heater. Why as well?

1. not everyone has a garage.
2. very few garages are heated.
3. As others have mentioned, the Bronco spends time in areas where the block heater will be useful.

 

[HOSSMAN]

Man, from my position for (and some mentioned it) the dealer to be honest/transparent up front, jump up and put a long block in, no questions asked, not lie and helicoil it is a pretty big deal since us dealers always get the bad rap and sometimes rightfully so given some of the botch jobs I have seen other dealers do that end up in my shop (no we aren't perfect either, we all have a human element in us).But I also feel there is more to the story somehow?

As for you deserve a 10 year warranty from Ford and stuff, that's a pretty big swing from my seat. This isn't a Ford problem this is a dealer problem, no we don't all work for Ford, we work for the dealer. I could see customer care giving you a maintenance contract or basic powertrain extended warranty for a short time. For a statement like this, let's say you have an engine failure of some sort and Ford approves a long block replacement for the vehicle, do they owe you a 10 year warranty because of a part failure? When you have the cam phaser rattle we pull the cabs, tear apart the front end of the engine, repair and you still only have your powertrain warranty left or 2/unltd. if you pay out of pocket or get assistance from Ford. If you owned an HVAC business and a compressor took a crap on your new unit, they gave you a new unit, would you expect a 10 year warranty for starters? Same thing, different industry. Just my .02 but we all know opinions are like a$$holes, we all have one lol.

You might want to double check with your dealer on that 2 year warranty though. I am not going to post Ford Policy but I'd ask a few more questions as to 2 or 3 year and if you are under or over your current powertrain warranty.

 

[Tonka Bronka]

Well my less than 2 year old HE Manual was in for the shock and block heater recall along with state inspection.

I received a call saying they stripped the block removing the heating element and now will need to replace the Block with a Ford Factory Long Block.

I am absolutely stunned. Would have lived with out the heater had I known.
Does anyone on the forum have any advice or contacts with Ford that could be helpful?

I asked about extended warranty and they said 2 years on their work. My main concerns are anything that can happen to all the accessories that need to be put on the long block.

Maybe I’ll just pour myself a Bourbon…….

Is there no way to thread sert that?! I would tell them to explore all options on that. They should want to as well because it's their time and money.

 

[userdude]

Personally, I was going to get the block heater for when I go up north. I've got family in the very top edge of the country and wouldn't mind being able to plug in when it's an option - despite the Bronco spending the vast majority of its time in Texas where sub-freezing temperatures are rare even in the depths of winter.

You must live in the concrete jungle that is the Dallas/Arlington/Fort worth. Up here in the frozen confines of Denton, we've already gotten below freezing about 5-7 times. Maybe you mean below freezing the whole day?

Anyhow, I've in the Denton area most of the last 30 years and can't say I've ever wanted a block heater, so you are correct, it just doesn't get cold enough, long enough around here.

 

[cbrenthus]

Why did you get a block heater in the first place? PA isn't that cold consistently.

I got it because it was $100 option, not sure what it is now, but for 100 bucks I’d gladly have a block heater on every vehicle just in case.

I wasn’t aware of a block heater recall, but I don’t use mine anyway, as mine is in the garage

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