block heater

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Jan 10, 2008 | 08:34 PM

6.9FordMan

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block heater

On my 1983 F350 6.9idi.

How can I tell if my block heater is working??

Jan 10, 2008 | 09:43 PM

ford trans tech

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you can look for a small spark when you plug it into an outlet or after a couple of hours on a cold engine the right head should be warm to the touch

Jan 11, 2008 | 02:43 AM

archangel

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From: Joliet, Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford trans tech

you can look for a small spark when you plug it into an outlet or after a couple of hours on a cold engine the right head should be warm to the touch

Never saw a spark, but the intake should be warm to the touch after a few (2 to 3) hours.

My intake measures 78 degrees when the outside temp is in the teens.

Now my heater is dead, but it still starts each and every time no matter how cold.

Jan 11, 2008 | 03:35 AM

faststang94

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you can hear mine when you plug it in. sounds like a electrical current in a power line or something.

Jan 11, 2008 | 05:27 PM

dwaymar

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listen and it should sound like it is perking coffee

Jan 11, 2008 | 10:19 PM

ford trans tech

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the intake manifold has no coolant in it , if it is warmer than the ambient temp then the heater works

Jan 12, 2008 | 03:22 AM

archangel

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From: Joliet, Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford trans tech

the intake manifold has no coolant in it , if it is warmer than the ambient temp then the heater works

Yes, it is a dry manifold, but the heat travels through the metal of the block into the lifter valley into the intake runners, and my heat gun pointed under the intake reads 78 degrees.

I do remember some mornings there was an (like something electrical was real unhappy) buzzing sound coming from under the hood on warmer mornings just before my block heater died on me!

Also, block off your radiator grill flush with the front end and it will hold in more heat on windy days.

Last edited by archangel; Jan 12, 2008 at 03:24 AM.