Engine block heater cord

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Nov 23, 2012 | 08:33 PM

#31

Abram

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

installed

what a PITA this was. Finally got it after 3hrs of forum research, youtube (found none) , budlight...plus some other readings here and there. It is installed now, just like the instructions calls for. Each harness pin fitted exactly on each hole along the way...looks good and glad save the 182 bucks it costs to have it installed. With that money I bought an oil filter cap, a coolant cap and reservoir thank(it was leaking some) fixed now. Also bought fuel and oil filters. Truck just had a tranny heat flush and coolant flush too. Runs a lot better. I stil have to clean the EGR valve sometime next week.

So any how, I plugged the thing last night (Around 49f here) left it run for 5 hrs+ and scII read in the morining (at 6am) around 125F EOT/ ECT on average making an easy/smooth start. Love it. Thankyou all for the advice and general info regarding the subject.

Nov 27, 2012 | 08:51 AM

#32

dbagg

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 27

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Doesn't the heater have a built in thermostat?

Nov 27, 2012 | 09:31 AM

#33

amdriven2liv

I'm hitting easy street

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 6,395

Likes: 27

From: Central Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbagg

Doesn't the heater have a built in thermostat?

No, they don't have a t stat. It is just an element.

And, if you leave the trucks heat setting on high and the direction on defrost, the heat will rise up through the defroster and help keep the windshield clear of ice.

Nov 27, 2012 | 12:11 PM

#34

amdriven2liv

I'm hitting easy street

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 6,395

Likes: 27

From: Central Oregon

I went back to look at information on the stock block heater, their information doesn't show a thermostat setting. Or, at least I didn't see it.

Nov 28, 2012 | 05:25 PM

#35

jeredh

New User

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

From: Memphis

I have a 2007 F250 6.0L, original owner, and have used the block heater feature every winter when temps get below 30 degrees F. I had it plugged in over Thanksgiving weekend and forgot about it. when i went outside i saw smoke coming from the bumper and both the extension cord and the block heater cord were hot, singed and smoking. awfully close to catching fire. admittedly i guess i had it plugged in for too long. hopefully this is a mistake you guys can learn from.

i'm going to replace the block heater cable. any comments from the forum would be welcomed. thanks

Nov 28, 2012 | 06:12 PM

#36

Mars57

Freshman User

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 42

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeredh

You should check the block heater with an ohm meter along with replacing the cord. Your block heater is probably toast. Follow the cord back to the heater, unplug it and test the element. Usually have three pins, hot neutral and ground. It could be open ( infinate resistance ) or shorted ( zero resistance ). A pain to replace but it can be done. Ive never done it on a 6.0 but have on gassers, probably same poop different shovel.

Nov 28, 2012 | 06:59 PM

#37

Yahiko

Fleet Owner

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 27,307

Likes: 549

From: Spanaway

Any time you dealing with an element you need to test 2 things
resistance from each side of the element to each other should be
about 9~15 Ohms and then to ground from the element you
need to check with meter set to M Ohm you should see infinite resistance
On this last one if you see any resistance that means you have a damaged
element and are leaking power to ground. If you have this one a GFCI outlet
it will trip. Some people think the fix is to remove the ground pin and that
can,will and has gotten people killed.
The cord could over heat because of corrosion on on the male end you plug in
of the female end at the block. You need to check to see if they are clean. If
not some contact cleaner and then apply dielectric grease when you reassemble.

Sean

Nov 28, 2012 | 07:14 PM

#38

Abram

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

Mars 57 check this link out. I hope it gives you insight to your heater cord problem.

DTS Articles - Block Heater Cord Corrosion

Here another article on how to installed the cord.

DTS Articles - 6.0L Block Heater Cord Location and Routing

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Nov 28, 2012 | 07:40 PM

#39

Mars57

Freshman User

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 42

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abram

Thanks Abram, but it is Jeredh that has the block heater problem, but that being said I did check the links and thanks for the insight. Looks like the block heater screws in, not like the old school heater I replaced which looked like a frost plug with pins and a screw in the center of it. Thanks again.

Jan 3, 2013 | 07:19 PM

#40

wilba504

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 112

Likes: 0

From: RI

New NAPA cord part number

It looks like napa has a new p/n for the block heater cord. Mine wore through and arced against the tow hitch, caught fire and popped the circuit breaker in the house early the other morning. No damage to the truck but got me moving real fast to put it out. It's been starting rough the last few mornings without the heater, its been down around 5 degrees. John

Engine Heater Power Cord(s)

Part Number: TWD 3600008

Jan 3, 2013 | 10:10 PM

#41

jaybread

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 290

Likes: 0

From: Albuquerque

I just ordered and installed the amazon.com "Kart" cord.
It's just like the stock cord, 2 pins and a ring screw on connector, goes right onto the heater connection over the starter.

$14. (Free 2 day shipping as a Prime member)

Works great.