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Nov 5, 2012 | 08:16 PM

#16

jayro88

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 1,943

Likes: 21

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDFan4010

I would like to use my block heater, but fear the whole cracked block thing. Are the original units ok to use? If so how long could they be plugged in.

Sorry-this is my first 7.3, and my old 6.9 didn't have this issue.

I could be wrong since I am new here, but I thought it was the early 6.9's that had the block cracking issue and that the newer 6.9's and 7.3's were fine. Am I wrong?

Nov 5, 2012 | 08:19 PM

#17

jayro88

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 1,943

Likes: 21

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevind95

That's my next a little project so I probably get on that tomorrow OH somebody said in an earlier post that the heater itself scwews into a freeze plug. Will water come streaming out when it is removed ?

Before pulling all that just check the cord and then the heater with an ohm meter. The resistamce will vary depending on the wattage, but you should get continuity. If you dont at the plug, then test the actual heater. If you have it at the heater, then all you need to do is fix the cord. I had this exact issue last week. Splices the cord, and I am back in buisness.

Nov 5, 2012 | 08:30 PM

#18

bashby

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 7,437

Likes: 4

From: Charles Town, W bygod Va

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayro88

I could be wrong since I am new here, but I thought it was the early 6.9's that had the block cracking issue and that the newer 6.9's and 7.3's were fine. Am I wrong?

That is correct.

Nov 5, 2012 | 11:25 PM

#19

JDFan4010

Junior User

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 54

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Ok, good to know, so I'll be using my block heater on a timed circuit then.

Nov 6, 2012 | 06:19 AM

#20

bashby

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 7,437

Likes: 4

From: Charles Town, W bygod Va

In case anyone's wondering, I figured out that at my electrical rate, a 1000 watt block heater costs about $0.10/ hr to run.

Nov 9, 2012 | 10:05 PM

#21

kevind95

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 201

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Ok I found that the wire at the plug going to the heater itself looked like it got pulled and was seperated away.(not sure but probably happened when I pulled away while it was still plugged in Do you think that would happen?lollollollollo)

Nov 10, 2012 | 12:07 AM

#22

pro3qtr

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 503

Likes: 0

From: MT

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevind95

Sounds like a WIN !!!

Nov 10, 2012 | 04:22 AM

#23

Scratcher

More Turbo

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 618

Likes: 3

From: Grand Rapids

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDFan4010

Early 6.9 blocks up to mid 85 had a thinner block around the heater causing it to crack. From mid 85 onwards the blocks were thicker to address this issue.

My current rebuilt 86 has no block heater and starts fine with a healthy set of GP's and batteries.

On cold mornings I run a mains powered fan heater for 30 minutes in the cab to get rid of ice and snow before heading out. That usually gets me by until the thermostat opens and allows heat through.

I have a KATS in line coolant heater on the shelf. Once I lose compression and she becomes harder to start I will install the KATS