Troubleshooting block heater
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 894
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
You will loose more than "some coolant"....you get effing covered, unless you drain the radiator, and then you still get wet.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
Gotta agree. Had new one ready, pressure off of system, lost maybe a pint.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, VA
So, is the problem with the cord usually in the plug or along the length? Is there a good way to bypass temporarily? It's going to be cold as ***** tomorrow and I'd like to have the engine warm... It was tough to start the other day at 13°. I've been considering putting a hot plate under the truck. Probably not a good idea, though. 
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
Good question, sorry I didn't check mine to be sure where the failure was. I will add though, more important is to let the glow plugs heat up for at least a minute or so. This will be way past the wait to start light going out. Mine started yesterday after being outside for 10+ hours, temp in the teens, unplugged. Wasn't happy, but let it warm up good before driving.
Might try a sunlamp under the truck?
Might try a sunlamp under the truck?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
Yes. The WTS light times out from a pre-determined signal, and the glow plugs stay energized for 60-120 seconds, depending on temp. That is why we put an led on the glow plug circuit.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
New cord is less than $30 at the IH dealer and has an improved, screw-on terminal end where it meets the heater. The OE design is not great - the metal retainer tang was digging into the rotted rubber on mine - looked like a fire hazard.
Semper Fi
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 771
Likes: 1
anyone have the IH part number for the new type cord? I replaced my element and cord this summer when I did my ELC conversion. New element has never heated up like the old one...barley registers on the temp gauge. Does the cord need to be oriented to the element in a certain way? or could the new element be faulty?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,852
Likes: 39
One important thing to remember when you are making a "low-ohms" measurement like this is that the resistance of the measuring leads (and the quality of their connection to the thing being measured) can become a significant source of error. You might have one or two ohms in the leads, or maybe more if the terminals are corroded.
The best way to do a measurement like this is a four-wire method, sourcing a current in with two wires, and measuring the voltage with another two, and doing the math. A little more complicated...
But my point is, if you think it should be 14 ohms, and you're reading 18, it could very well be because of your meter leads, or corrosion where they are connected to the plug.
The best way to do a measurement like this is a four-wire method, sourcing a current in with two wires, and measuring the voltage with another two, and doing the math. A little more complicated...
But my point is, if you think it should be 14 ohms, and you're reading 18, it could very well be because of your meter leads, or corrosion where they are connected to the plug.
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: NW Indiana
anyone have the IH part number for the new type cord? I replaced my element and cord this summer when I did my ELC conversion. New element has never heated up like the old one...barley registers on the temp gauge. Does the cord need to be oriented to the element in a certain way? or could the new element be faulty?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, VA
I replaced my plug last night with an $8 plug from HD and my heater is working great again. At the least, this is a good temporary solution. I'll probably replace the cord at a late date. For now, I'll just silicone the crap out of this plug and see how long it lasts.
I'd be interested in the IH part number, too, if someone knows it.
I'd be interested in the IH part number, too, if someone knows it.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Don't know about the OEM numbers, but......
From the Zerostart company (who makes OEM for International):
1000W Heater 3500043 (stock heater)
1500W Heater 8602611
Heater cord 3600008
All for the T444E / 7.3L Powerstroke
From the Zerostart company (who makes OEM for International):
1000W Heater 3500043 (stock heater)
1500W Heater 8602611
Heater cord 3600008
All for the T444E / 7.3L Powerstroke