Block heater cord
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2013
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Block heater cord
I'm new to this forum, and forums in general for the most part so bear with me!!
The other night I plugged in my powerstroke.. Left it plugged in through the night.. Stayed at the house all day.. Went to drive it some point later that day and when I walked outside my extension cord was laying on the ground.. My block heater male end had melted off and was laying on the ground plugged into the extension cord. Has anyone had this happen before? I'm going to replace the whole block heater cord and as I do I will check it for any scuffs or anything that could have maybe caused this. I'm hoping this won't happen again..
The other night I plugged in my powerstroke.. Left it plugged in through the night.. Stayed at the house all day.. Went to drive it some point later that day and when I walked outside my extension cord was laying on the ground.. My block heater male end had melted off and was laying on the ground plugged into the extension cord. Has anyone had this happen before? I'm going to replace the whole block heater cord and as I do I will check it for any scuffs or anything that could have maybe caused this. I'm hoping this won't happen again..
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
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From: Puget Sound
Buy a timer capable of handling 1000 watts and set it to warm the truck up about 2-3 hours before your daily commute and shut off 1 hour after. The heater draws a lot of juice and a corroded plug will arc - causing enough heat to melt the plastic. Keep the contacts in good condition with silicone spray or some non-flammable water repellent. If you have a long extension cord like 100 feet or more, make sure it is a heavy gauge because those light-duty cords can't handle the power of long runs.
Those are the three tricks to safe block heater operation.
Those are the three tricks to safe block heater operation.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
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From: Kiowa CO
A common place for the block heater cord to corrode is right behind the plug itself. You can trace the cord all the way back to the heater element that is by the oil filter along the lower driver's side of the engine block to check for any other places that it could have rubbed and caused a short. Most likely though, it was right at the plug. You may be able to simply splice in another plug end (assuming the rest of the cord is OK) and be done with it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
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From: Hampton, Maryland.
Mine was cracking right behind the plug, as Chris mentions. Mine would arc and spark right there. I bought some liquid electrical tape from home depot and re-sealed and and didn't have any more issues. Since the new injector installation, I haven't used it. Truck has been starting fine.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
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From: Southern Colorado
Your IH dealer (or eBay) has new cords for $29-ish. Mine was rotted at the block end and had plug issues, and a new cord gave me peace of mind. Ford used a wire retaining 'bail' on the block end that had cut into the rubber end, threatening a short. The revised cord design uses a screw-down barrel nut that retains the cord without this risk.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
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From: Temperance, MI
Your IH dealer (or eBay) has new cords for $29-ish. Mine was rotted at the block end and had plug issues, and a new cord gave me peace of mind. Ford used a wire retaining 'bail' on the block end that had cut into the rubber end, threatening a short. The revised cord design uses a screw-down barrel nut that retains the cord without this risk.
I got mine from orilleys for about the same price so if you need it in a hurry the local auto parts store shouldnt be out of the question as far as prices go
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Perfect guys, thanks for the help..I will have to Ty that timer out.. I did have a lighter Gauge longer extension cord, so that May have had something to do with it. I will go to my local auto parts store and get a new cord tho, I would sleep better knowing that the whole cord is replaced.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: South Jersey
my plug end just went today and im looking for the new part number? and im in NJ and there is no O'rilleys anywhere near this state? Would Napa have the updated cord or Advanced Auto or Autozone? My dealer wants 140 plus tax and they cant have it till tomorrow afternoon!
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Billings, MT
my plug end just went today and im looking for the new part number? and im in NJ and there is no O'rilleys anywhere near this state? Would Napa have the updated cord or Advanced Auto or Autozone? My dealer wants 140 plus tax and they cant have it till tomorrow afternoon!
If you're just doing the end, you can pick one up at any hardware store. I wouldn't expect to pay more than $5! Just cut the old one off and wire the new one on. Real easy with a phillips #2. Green is ground.
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