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[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 09-07-2018).]

Yes this is a northern state thing. Its a block heater to help keep the oil in the block warm for easier starting and less wear from the to thick of oil in cold weather. It was an option on the fiero and almost any car.

It's an engine block or oil pan heater. They help start a car in below zero weather. I've had them on numerous vehicles. While in Pennsylvania 20 years ago, they hit days below zero. I plugged in my Explorer and I was the only one in my neighborhood (no one even had garages) to start my vehicle. Well that and a battery that had high CCAs helped.

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[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 09-07-2018).]

quote Originally posted by tshark: I think I'll remove/replace this cord. It has no bare wires, but looks like a fire hazard. The sheath is very rough and dry. Sortof unbendable. Doesn't seem to have been used in about 30 years.

Are you planning on using the block heater anytime soon?

Brad

Had to install the cord for the block heater on my Powerstroke. Ford put heaters on all of the 6.0 diesels, but only put the $5 cord (that they charge $40 for) on trucks destined for northern states. You know, it gets below zero in Illinois, too.

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1986 SE Aero coupe.

3.4 DOHC swap is complete and running, now just have to finish the rest of the car...

I would just leave it there. There is no electricity going through it unless you plug it in so it's not a fire hazard. That and depending on what type of heater you have, it may be more of a pain to remove than you think. Block heater can be a selling point in the future also.

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[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 09-07-2018).]