Block Heater
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Elder User
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Block Heater
Is there any way to test a block heater. I went out this morning to fire her up and it took a bit even after being plugged in for 36 hours. It was 20 degrees which is not that cold. I got a new cord end today and installed that but all the connections looked very clean and strong so i don't think that is the problem. If the block heater is bad are they hard to replace??
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 293
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From: Huntsville,Ont.
Since they are hard to get at, the easy way is to connect a lead to each of the prongs on the plug, plug one in to a power source then touch the other to the other pole of the source and if it sparks, the heater should be working.
You could also check for resistance with an ohm meter but I don't know what the value would be.
When I plug mine in I can hear it working after a minute or two.
You could also check for resistance with an ohm meter but I don't know what the value would be.
When I plug mine in I can hear it working after a minute or two.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
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From: Manitoba
First make sure the BH red power plug is in the BH, then do a continuity test with a meter on the main plug wires at the grill. If there is no continuity check the wires for breaks just behind the 120V plug. Pull on the wires and you can see the break as the shielding gets smaller, cut off the end. If the 2 power wires now have continuity through the BH just replace the 3 prong plug.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 293
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From: Huntsville,Ont.
he already put a new cord on, so if the test shows it doesnt work then the plugs not in the heater right or the heater may be bad.
Continuity may be a false reading because there could still be resistance in the element.
need to know the resistance value.
Continuity may be a false reading because there could still be resistance in the element.
need to know the resistance value.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,493
Likes: 3
From: NY
Just feel around the engine to tell if the heater works. The rad. should get warm as well as around the top of the engine. You don't need a tester to tell if the heater works, if the engine doesn't get warm - the heater doesn't work, not rocket science.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,493
Likes: 3
From: NY
Is not really that important to use unless you live where its 40 below every day or you have bad GP's. Mine has been starting up great with original plugs and 0* outside.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,493
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From: NY
Ooooooooor just feel around the engine, it should be warm.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,098
Likes: 1,504
From: western SD
The block heater is held in by a screw in the center that threads into a butterfly clamp on the inside of the block. To change the block heater,
1 drain the coolant
2 remove starter
3 loosen the screw in the center of the block heater
4 pop out old heater, use a screwdrever to pry it loose as it is sealed with an oring
5 clean hole where block heater was and install new one
6 reinstall starter
7 refill coolant and your done
1 drain the coolant
2 remove starter
3 loosen the screw in the center of the block heater
4 pop out old heater, use a screwdrever to pry it loose as it is sealed with an oring
5 clean hole where block heater was and install new one
6 reinstall starter
7 refill coolant and your done
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Elder User
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I know that this is usually frowned upon but all the coolant is only 3 weeks old so i would like to reuse it. If i get a brand new five gallon bucket and drain into that do you think it would be safe to reuse
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