I hate winter... Anyway I have an issue of block heaters burning up all the time. I replaced the freeze plug heater in my 97 3 weeks ago, it lasted a week then quit. Then I installed a tank style block heater last week it made it until last night and quit? What could be the problem with them? Should I just forget the heaters entirely? The coolant is full, checked that a few times. Other than that no clue what to look for.

Thanks!

 

Have you tried a factory block heater? It will install just above you're oil filter.

 

maybe using a long extension cord may have something to do with it..or leaving it plugged in to long? or possibly it was a faulty heater. for as cheap as it is i would try one more maybe it was just a fluke.


do you use it so that you will have heat when you start driving?

 

Have you checked the line voltage at the wall outlet? Low voltage will cause you trouble with high current. I use several engine heaters during winter. I have had several that didn't last long at all, while others have lasted for years. I used to leave them plugged in all the time but have started using timmers to limit the cost. I have also had as much trouble with the flat cords as with the heater elements. I now buy only heaters with detachable cords. I really like the screw in type heaters, they seal tight and are easy to change. PK

 

Ya I have tried the factory one that was the first one I tried and it lasted under a week, and due to its little bit more timly installation I used a tank style on this last time and it made it a few days, but I took it back for a refund.

I do use the heaters to help starting in the mornings when the temp gos below 20. I also ust the heaters on a timer so they only run for 4 hrs, so I cant inmagine it being too much on them? The last on I had the tank style one looked liked it had got hot enough to deform the metal and charred the paint on it, so for the time being i'm going with out a block heater of any kind.

 

Is you're extension cord and outlet properly grounded? I've never heard of block heaters just burning up like this.
What actually happens???
Bob

 

Ive checked those items as well with a meter, the extension cord was bought the same day as the first block heater was, and the outlet is good as well.

 

What does it do? Does it just quit all togather? Have you replaced the heater itself? Just tryin to help
Bob

 

oh ok I misunderstood some, the first one worked for a few day and then quit all together, I put an meter up to it and it had no continuity. The second one (tank style one) worked when I plugged it in the next day it looked like it had got extremly hot and burned itself up, it was visually burned up.

 

Buddy I'd be burned up too.
I haven't seen this before. This is gonna sound cheap. But have you tried a "heated dip stick"? Used to be a big after market thing 20 years ago. Was a dipstick that had a heated element, cord and all.
Bob