Block heater?

[Buffs F-350]

Well I finally got around to installing that block heater cord today. All I have to say is what a PAIN. There is no way to run it according to the instructions ( unless you have really small hands). I ended up routing it behind the coil tower along the frame and using different places to tie it up. Just to inform anybody that needs it if you dont know if yours is working use an ohm meter and test between the two prongs (at the element) should be between 12.5 and 17 ohms if not the element is bad.

 

[bushpilot]

someone should measure the resistance at the cord / outlet plug...
before i crawl under the truck (in the wet/snow) to test the element
id like to be able to check it at the cord

 

[Buffs F-350]

someone should measure the resistance at the cord / outlet plug...
before i crawl under the truck (in the wet/snow) to test the element
id like to be able to check it at the cord

I think thats a given anybody with common sense would cheak the cord first the reading I gave is for the element only. The only proper way to test the cord is to disconect from the element and take direct resistance readings per line. Taking a reading at the plug would only confirm that something in the circut is bad The cord should have a reading of 0 ohms the element is 12.5 to 17 ohms.

 

[bushpilot]

i agree it might be common sense...but im a LOT more LAZY than that

 

[Buffs F-350]

i agree it might be common sense...but im a LOT more LAZY than that

LOL dont you live in texas anyway isnt a block heater an oxymoron down there

 

[bushpilot]

LOL dont you live in texas anyway isnt a block heater an oxymoron down there

yup...i bought the truck when we lived in virginia...thats when i moved
the outlet to the rear bumper. I think i used the block heater ONCE last year...it actually
got below 30*...ONCE

still travel to COLD areas.

and to prevent the hy-jack....My thoughts were that the cord WILL increase the resistance
measured...depending on the LENGTH of the block heater element & cord.

 

[Buffs F-350]

yup...i bought the truck when we lived in virginia...thats when i moved
the outlet to the rear bumper. I think i used the block heater ONCE last year...it actually
got below 30*...ONCE

still travel to COLD areas.

and to prevent the hy-jack....My thoughts were that the cord WILL increase the resistance
measured...depending on the LENGTH of the block heater element & cord.

Mine didnt it was 14.5 at the element and the same at the plug. If there was any resistance in the wire I would expect corosion at some point. And by the way nice setup switchung the plug to the rear

 

[bushpilot]

Mine didnt it was 14.5 at the element and the same at the plug. If there was any resistance in the wire I would expect corosion at some point. And by the way nice setup switchung the plug to the rear

ok ill check mine today to see what 20 odd feet of xtra 8ga wire does
to the resistance.