Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

block heater ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:30 AM
  #1  
going360's Avatar
going360
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
block heater ?

How can I tell if the block heater is working?
It is getting down in the teens and after having it plugged in all night I have to cycle the gp's at least twice if not three times to get it started. When I say cycle i mean for at least 60 sec's each.

Any thoughts?
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:50 AM
  #2  
Action4478's Avatar
Action4478
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Originally Posted by going360
How can I tell if the block heater is working?
It is getting down in the teens and after having it plugged in all night I have to cycle the gp's at least twice if not three times to get it started. When I say cycle i mean for at least 60 sec's each.

Any thoughts?
When I plug mine in , all the lights in the neighborhood dim,, ( well ,at least the ones in the garage)

You should be able feel it getting warm, just by touching it, some say they can hear the water "gurgling " in the block...
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:58 AM
  #3  
tjbeggs's Avatar
tjbeggs
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

you can use an ohm meter to test the heater as well. It should have continuty and a few ohms if its working. if you get a high ohm reading or OL (out of limits) then either the cord or the heater is bad. Also make sure the outlet you plug it into is working. I might or might not have had that problem this week!
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 12:25 PM
  #4  
Hussler's Avatar
Hussler
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Club FTE Silver Member

It's down to mid 20's here and with block heater plugged in WTS light comes on for about 2 seconds and fires right up. Without block heater WTS light comes on for about 15 seconds and truck fires right up.

Now for the twenty four thousand dollar question. What does the block heater heat? Some say the oil, some say the water or does it just heat the metal block?
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 12:30 PM
  #5  
tjbeggs's Avatar
tjbeggs
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

Block heater heats the coolant. which in turn heats the oil and the block itself. But the heater is in the coolant.
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 01:42 PM
  #6  
going360's Avatar
going360
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
thank you all... I do know that the outlet is hot. I do not hear water "gurgling", so I will put the ohm meter on it. I really don't think its working, but will check for sure.
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 06:45 PM
  #7  
Hussler's Avatar
Hussler
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Club FTE Silver Member

Hey 360, did you find the problem? Just plug in a power tool or spouse hair dryer to extension cord to see if you have power. Also I found a really nice timer at ACE Hardware for $13.95 which handles 1200 watts and is grounded. Perfect for these trucks and have mine come On at 03:00 and Off 06:00 as I leave for work a bit after 6AM. I've tried it for all night but the 3 hour rule seems to apply.
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 06:58 PM
  #8  
going360's Avatar
going360
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
I do know that the outlet works. I will do some more checking when I get the truck home.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 07:39 PM
  #9  
Hussler's Avatar
Hussler
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Club FTE Silver Member

Went and checked the block heater with multimeter this evening and it was at 15.9 ohm's. So anything between 10 to 20 ohm's is probably OK. If working properly that means you will be drawing about 7.5 AMPs of power. That is a lot of current so make sure you have a good extension cord.
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 10:01 PM
  #10  
ltfox's Avatar
ltfox
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 0
From: CentralEastern Utah
Originally Posted by going360
How can I tell if the block heater is working?
It is getting down in the teens and after having it plugged in all night I have to cycle the gp's at least twice if not three times to get it started. When I say cycle i mean for at least 60 sec's each.

Any thoughts?
I'm sure you a have a bad gp or two. Why don't ya fix them, then maybe ya wont have to worry about plugging in. If all gp's work properly you should start easy in those temps.
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 10:46 PM
  #11  
going360's Avatar
going360
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ltfox
I'm sure you a have a bad gp or two. Why don't ya fix them, then maybe ya wont have to worry about plugging in. If all gp's work properly you should start easy in those temps.
I was wondering about that as well... So, how do I figure out wich ones are bad?
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2007 | 11:40 PM
  #12  
FARM69's Avatar
FARM69
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,207
Likes: 0
From: Kearney, Nebr
You still shouldn't have to cycle the glow plugs twice if you've plugged it in all night.

I'd check your GPR first. It's the starter looking solenoid by the fuel filter. Take a big screw driver and jump the two posts for 60 sec and then try to start it. If it starts right up thats your problem.

P.S. I can only hear mine "gurgle" in the morning after its been plugged in all night.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2007 | 02:51 AM
  #13  
kawa's Avatar
kawa
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1
From: Rogue River, OR
Originally Posted by going360
I was wondering about that as well... So, how do I figure out wich ones are bad?
You can check the GP's with out tearing everything apart. Unplug the the plugs that plug into the valve cover gaskets. There are two (2) for each side and are an the top of the engine.

Each plug has five (5) pins, 1-2-3-4-5 One and Five are connected to your glow plugs. With a digital ohm meter, ground the black lead (to the battery if possible) and then the red lead to pins #1 & #5.

If you get a reading of "OL" (Open Line) that GP is dead. You are idealy looking for a reading of ".05" or less.

You can also check the center Pin #3 as it is the ground pin that is shared by both GP's on each plug. Check both the male and female plugs for burn damage, broken or bent pins and/or sockets.

Hope this helps and if I have given you any bad advice trust me when I say the Guru's will come forth and beat the crap out of me. lol

Rog
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2007 | 04:33 AM
  #14  
Cuda_jim's Avatar
Cuda_jim
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
Just a heads up, The center pin of the VC connector is the common (-) for the injectors and will give you a higher OHM reading because it's going through the IDM circitry. Use a good, clean engine block surface or battery ground. FYI: The GP's body is grounded when it get screwed into the cylinder head.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2007 | 10:50 AM
  #15  
kawa's Avatar
kawa
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 1
From: Rogue River, OR
Originally Posted by Cuda_jim
Just a heads up, The center pin of the VC connector is the common (-) for the injectors and will give you a higher OHM reading because it's going through the IDM circitry. Use a good, clean engine block surface or battery ground. FYI: The GP's body is grounded when it get screwed into the cylinder head.
Your right, I wasn't thinking, as often as I have hooked those puppys up I knew there is only one (1) wire to the GP's.

Rog
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:39 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE