Block heater stopped working

[Ironmerganser]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Ironmerganser]

Does the cord just un plug from the back of the element?

 

[iracemine]

yup.

 

[BIG JOE]

Does the cord just un plug from the back of the element?

yup.

And if it is just the cord.. it might be a good idea to upgrade the wire gauge and the plug ends.

JMO but I think Ford (IH) could have used a more adequate cord.. for 1500 watts. My plug ends were melted some, around the neutral & load lugs.

Joe

 

[Ironmerganser]

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?

 

[BIG JOE]

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?

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

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

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 ?