After finding my power cord open on both hot and neutral i did some analysis:
I would HIGHLY recommend pulling the orange plug at the engine block heating
element and checking for corrosion. Probably annually would be good as this is a 1000watt heater pulling about 8-9amps. The undercarriage moisture buildup causes the corrosion and eventually will lead to cord damage thru excessive heat buildup(like mine). The stealership wants $73 for a new one! YIKES! U can get one online for $53. Sometimes they can be repaired if your handy with electrical. Recommend cleaning/burnishing contacts at BOTH ends to prevent failure. I use a combo of emery cloth and contact cleaner. A good cord/element reads around 15 ohms resistance on a ohmmeter(DVM) across both flat prongs(hot and neutral) on three prong plug.
I doubt the internal heating element goes bad as much. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Jim

 

Would recommend using silcone dielectric grease on both plugs as well. I do it on mine 2 times per year Spring & Fall and mine has held up pretty well. Just a light coating to protect them from the elements.

DG

 

i was thinking more along the lines of a conductive paste at the heater/block connection to seal out moisture and promote good current conductivity and your recommendation of the dielectric grease at the plug.

 

Good information....thanks.

Just speculation...but assuming that distilled water is not used, wouldn't the element itself be subjected to the same type of build-up that happens in the water heater in the house? Might that make it neccessary to clean it from time to time?