Block heater stopped working

Ironmerganser

Ironmerganser
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So about a week ago my block heater just stopped working. I haven't had a chance to look at it in the day light yet, but they aren't fused or anything are they? It is basically just an extension cord with a heating element on the end correct?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
 

DaveBen

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Yes sir, no fuses. Put an ohm meter across the plug and see if you get about 15 ohms, if open it is shot.

Dave
 

JRJ04

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if you have to end up changing out the heating element...i wonder if youll have to drain your coolant or is the elemet housed in something?
 

DaveBen

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You gotta drain it OR wear it. Easier to drain the coolant, fix the heater, re-fill; than to mop up spilled coolant.

Dave :)
 

iracemine

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I was on my second cord before my plug went. Make sure your cord is good before you go replacing the plug. :coffee
 

Ironmerganser

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OK....I like the idea of improving the cord (bigger is better I always say!!)

So....How do I go about doing that? I mean, I know how ot improve the plug end and the cord, but how do I improve the end that plugs into the element?
:dunno
 

BIG JOE

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OK....I like the idea of improving the cord (bigger is better I always say!!)

So....How do I go about doing that? I mean, I know how ot improve the plug end and the cord, but how do I improve the end that plugs into the element?
:dunno

Don't know the configuration on a 6.4 but......

:dunno I [soldered] in a splice, about 6" from the element plug.:dunno

Another fix to Amp load/voltage loss is: Use a Heavy Duty (12 ga minimum, 10 ga is better) extension cord to supply power to the Block Heater cord.... through a 20 amp (Min) timer.... on a circuit that doesn't have any other demands on it, during the time period you have the timer set for ?

Joe

FWIW ? I made up a dedicated, 10 gauge cord.. that is [Just Long Enough].. to reach from the timer.. to my Block Heater plug. Minimum Amp load/voltage loss ?
 
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