testing a block heater
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Maine
testing a block heater
I was wondering if there is anyway of testing a block heater to see if its working. I've been plugging my truck in on a timer so it comes on for 3 hours before I want to use it in the morning. I'm not sure if its working well. It seems to start the same whether i plug it in or not. Can you test the heater for continuity at the plug?? Any information would be helpful. It always starts even this morning with sub zero temps plus wind chill. I'm glad I put new batteries in it though have to crank it quite a bit to fire it up.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,561
Likes: 5,599
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
if it is quiet where you are, you can hear the block heater after it is plugged in for a few. it sounds something like an old percolator coffee pot. hen i plug mine in, if i do it rite, i can hear the power "snap" when contact is made between the plug and extension cord.
the most common failure on the block heaters is the actual plug itself.
the heater and wire are good, it just needs a new plug.
the most common failure on the block heaters is the actual plug itself.
the heater and wire are good, it just needs a new plug.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Maine
Originally Posted by tjc transport
the most common failure on the block heaters is the actual plug itself.
the heater and wire are good, it just needs a new plug.
the heater and wire are good, it just needs a new plug.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
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From: Manitoba
First make sure the BH red power plug is in the BH, then do a continuity test with a meter on the main plug wires at the grill. If there is no continuity check the wires for breaks just behind the 120V plug. Pull on the wires and you can see the break as the shielding gets smaller, cut off the end. If the 2 power wires now have continuity through the BH just replace the 3 prong plug.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,561
Likes: 5,599
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
whenever i plug mine in it is at least overnight. there have been times that i have plugged it in, then did not use the truck, and forgot to unplug it. 
thing has sat for weeks nice and toasty warm waiting for me.
the upside to leaving it plugged in for at least 8 hours is the battery maintainer that is hooked up charges the batteries with the block heater. i use a multi plug extension cord to go through the grill, and the block heater is plugged into the extension under the hood with the battery maintainer.
thing has sat for weeks nice and toasty warm waiting for me. the upside to leaving it plugged in for at least 8 hours is the battery maintainer that is hooked up charges the batteries with the block heater. i use a multi plug extension cord to go through the grill, and the block heater is plugged into the extension under the hood with the battery maintainer.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
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From: Hartford, WI
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Maine
Thanks for all the suggestions. A couple weeks ago I checked the cord that plugs into the bh. I unplugged it and cleaned the terminals. I then plugged it back in and I can hear it working now. I don't know if its running at 100% but it seems to be enough to help on the cold mornings. Which we surprisingly haven't had many of this winter so far. I think only 1 or 2 below zero mornings. Thats unusual for Feb. in Maine...
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,561
Likes: 5,599
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
yup. the average daytime temp here in jersey this year has been 40-50º,with a few 60-70º days here and there, and only 3 snow dustings so far.
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,561
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
nope no snow so far, only 3 dustings.a 3 inch, a 1 inch and a few flakes. not even enough to put the plows on.
but it was enough for all the city slicker idiots to play demo derby.
but it was enough for all the city slicker idiots to play demo derby.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,501
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From: Faibanks Ak.
Every one I have ever plugged in and that is lots will spark and you can hear it and see it at night.
I might use a drop light to test it but I wouldn't use it to leave it plugged in they are not heavy enough.
Even at tenps way below 0 we just plug them 2 hours in advance they drive the electric bill up substancially.
I might use a drop light to test it but I wouldn't use it to leave it plugged in they are not heavy enough.
Even at tenps way below 0 we just plug them 2 hours in advance they drive the electric bill up substancially.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
mrkelowna,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
Snow, you want to see some?
Come on over, we have plenty.
Almost time to go out and make the rounds checking my lots.
12 hours plowing yesterday.
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
Snow, you want to see some?
Come on over, we have plenty.
Almost time to go out and make the rounds checking my lots.
12 hours plowing yesterday.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
use an ohm meter on it , besides testing the element for contonuity see if there is continuity between the power poles on the plug and the ground
if there is continuity the element is going bad and that continuity can cause cooling system issues through eletrolysis
if there is continuity the element is going bad and that continuity can cause cooling system issues through eletrolysis
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