Charred block heater plug!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Independence, Ky
Charred block heater plug!
So...... Earlier this afternoon I had a breaker trip that prevented the laundry room light from working. I reset the breaker and all was good. So I thought!
A couple of hrs later, as we were leaving, my daughter informed me that the laundry room lights were again, not working.
As we were running late I elected to investigate when we got back home. I was removing ice from the truck when my daughter came out, and I told her to unplug the truck since she was closer.
When we got back home I went to plug the truck in and I noticed both the truck end , and the female end of both plugs were charred and somewhat deformed, indicative of them both being hot. The plug in the garage outlet was fine!
I immediately put 2 and 2 together and realized this was the reason for the breaker tripping.
The cord I use is dedicated to my truck, and seldom gets used for anything else. I been using it for 3 yrs., and it is in good shape with no cuts or bad areas. Any electricians out there who can shed some light on what might have caused this? Could it have burnt my heater up?
A couple of hrs later, as we were leaving, my daughter informed me that the laundry room lights were again, not working.
As we were running late I elected to investigate when we got back home. I was removing ice from the truck when my daughter came out, and I told her to unplug the truck since she was closer.
When we got back home I went to plug the truck in and I noticed both the truck end , and the female end of both plugs were charred and somewhat deformed, indicative of them both being hot. The plug in the garage outlet was fine!
I immediately put 2 and 2 together and realized this was the reason for the breaker tripping.
The cord I use is dedicated to my truck, and seldom gets used for anything else. I been using it for 3 yrs., and it is in good shape with no cuts or bad areas. Any electricians out there who can shed some light on what might have caused this? Could it have burnt my heater up?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis, Mo.
That should be plenty heavy enough - Make sure the plug prongs (both male & female) are clean & making a good connection. Loose connections will cause overamperage and charring or loose wire on the plug end ?
4000 rounds a min
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,223
Likes: 0
From: Albemarle NC
That cord is plenty big enough do like Bill said and check the ends on both cords. Also check the condition of the block heater cord it goes all the way back to the oil filter.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 1
From: Northern Idaho
Mine does that too but I believe the wire that connects to the male plug is just getting old and oxidizing. I actually had to cut my male plug off and cut the wire back some and get a new plug from HomeDepot. Later when I get a new bumper I'm putting the plug in the bumper with a water tight lid on it to keep the wires and plug from getting exposed to water and road grime and oxidizing.
When the wire starts to oxidize it creates more resistance which equals more heat which causes more deterioration and then starts a ruthless cycle of heat, oxidation and resistance.
I would do what these guys said and make sure there aren't any hard spots in your wire for your block heater. Check near where you plug it in. If there are hard spots then cut the wire and replace your plug.
I would also check the resistance of your block heater but I don't know what the resistance is supposed to be. I know the shorter the wire the less the resistance but they all should have a optimal range.
When the wire starts to oxidize it creates more resistance which equals more heat which causes more deterioration and then starts a ruthless cycle of heat, oxidation and resistance.
I would do what these guys said and make sure there aren't any hard spots in your wire for your block heater. Check near where you plug it in. If there are hard spots then cut the wire and replace your plug.
I would also check the resistance of your block heater but I don't know what the resistance is supposed to be. I know the shorter the wire the less the resistance but they all should have a optimal range.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 1
From: Eastern Ohio
Mine does that too but I believe the wire that connects to the male plug is just getting old and oxidizing. I actually had to cut my male plug off and cut the wire back some and get a new plug from HomeDepot. Later when I get a new bumper I'm putting the plug in the bumper with a water tight lid on it to keep the wires and plug from getting exposed to water and road grime and oxidizing.
When the wire starts to oxidize it creates more resistance which equals more heat which causes more deterioration and then starts a ruthless cycle of heat, oxidation and resistance.
I would do what these guys said and make sure there aren't any hard spots in your wire for your block heater. Check near where you plug it in. If there are hard spots then cut the wire and replace your plug.
I would also check the resistance of your block heater but I don't know what the resistance is supposed to be. I know the shorter the wire the less the resistance but they all should have a optimal range.
When the wire starts to oxidize it creates more resistance which equals more heat which causes more deterioration and then starts a ruthless cycle of heat, oxidation and resistance.
I would do what these guys said and make sure there aren't any hard spots in your wire for your block heater. Check near where you plug it in. If there are hard spots then cut the wire and replace your plug.
I would also check the resistance of your block heater but I don't know what the resistance is supposed to be. I know the shorter the wire the less the resistance but they all should have a optimal range.
16 ga wire is around .005 ohms per foot, so if you see more .05 ohms on a leg of the cord I would look for problems. Myself, I would check for bare spots and try a new plug. Then go from there if you have issue's.
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
Agreed. New plug on the heater cord with a protective cover, and replace the female end on the extension cord (or replace the extension cord). Have a look at the opposite end of the heater cord (next to the oil filter) just to make sure everything is "cool" there.
All that moisture and oxidation on the plug makes for a poor connection after a while, which generates sparks and heat.
All that moisture and oxidation on the plug makes for a poor connection after a while, which generates sparks and heat.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
I was afraid that my plug end of the truck was showing signs of wear so I proactively did this mod: Marinco Plug mod
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TreeFarmer05
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
14
Jan 10, 2010 08:39 PM
SkySkiJason
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Oct 9, 2008 12:47 PM
CHACH
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Nov 8, 2003 10:11 AM
