Looking for winterization advice

[atmetal]

I just recently bought my first SHO, which is a 2013 model. I live in Alaska and bought it out of state. While not an issue at the moment because it's being stored until March, I eventually need to get the car winterized for Alaskan conditions. Among other things, this includes an engine heater.

One guy I've talked to who has ownership experience with other Ecoboost engines told me I would not be able to install the traditional block heater that fits in the freeze plugs because it heats the engine unevenly. He has been living here much longer than me and he says Ford preinstalled these heaters when sending cars to Alaska, but then found that it activates the check engine light and eventually leads to premature damage on some components.

So, I have had a few alternatives suggested to me by him and someone else. One option was a circulation heater, which comes with both natural and forced circulation. This suggestion also made me wonder if the engine's water pump, if electric, could be modified to be a stand-in for the extra pump normally required of I chose to use forced circulation.

Another option was using an immersion heater. I originally heard him say "submersion" heater, but I don't get any car-related results when I search for that. So I'm pretty sure he meant immersion.

The third option was relying on the oil pan heater that normally gets installed anyway, but in this case, get one with much more power to compensate for the lack of a coolant heater.

While my main concern is getting a setup that doesn't allow the cold to put too much stress on the engine, which apparently happens on these engines even with a traditional block heater, cost is also a factor. I really liked the circulation idea, but was warned that not every car has the ideal path of coolant flow and can cause these systems to only heat a portion of the engine, leading to the same problem as a normal block heater. There is also an official Ford part for this issue, but it costs over $300. Not to mention, I can't find it on their parts search page.

I appreciate any knowledgeable input on this.

 

[SHOdded]

Welcome! Yes, Ford should have a block heater available for the Taurus, as with any other model in their lineup. Maybe Irish Pride can look it up for you, or one of the other members that work at Ford dealerships?

Hopefully this provides a running start
https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/part...ter.html?Filter=(38591;30734;43021)&PNC=6A051

• 
  7T4Z-6B080-A
  "O" Ring
  O-Ring
  Base Number: 6B080
  Callout Name: 6B080
  $4.63
  $3.22

• 
  YF1Z-6A051-AA
  Heater Assy 480W
  Base Number: 6A051
  Callout Name: 6A051
  

• 
  DG1Z-6B018-B
  Wire Asy - Engine Block Heater
  Wire Assy
  Base Number: 6B018
  Callout Name: 6B018
  $146.03
  $99.89

Also, while block heating is critical, so is transmission. You may get started quickly, but you still have to putter along until the trans warms up, as it has no builtin way to warm itself. Any heat it has comes from transmission operation, and passive heat from the engine/catalytic system. In winter, it can take a good 10-15 minutes before you can start going all happy on the go pedal.

 

[atmetal]

That's so weird. Using Ford's official parts page, I used the keyword "heater" and the resulting list was devoid of those parts you provided. Yet, when I use the part number, they show up just fine.

I also called my local dealer and they did clarify that the problem I mentioned was solved by updating the part and relocating it's installation point. Contrary to my initial understanding, the update is still a resistance heater just like I'm accustomed to on all other cars here in Alaska.

I can assure you that the transmission, along with the oil pan, will receive a heating pad. Fortunately, that is something that any big box auto parts store can provide. Same goes for the battery trickle charger.

Thanks for providing that parts website. It looks like it has a much more intuitive search system.