Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

engine block heater.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 11:35 AM
  #1  
12 pointer's Avatar
12 pointer
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
engine block heater.

Just put a new end on mine because I saw a bad spot in the plug. here is my question.Is there an indicator light to tell you it's plugged up? or do you just find out when you start it cold and it fires right up?

thanks, you guys are a great help.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 11:41 AM
  #2  
officer131's Avatar
officer131
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
From: Metro Detroit, MI.
I haven't noticed any light to say that it is pluged in. Just hope there isn't a short somewhere and start it cold. I have the 7.3 and temps were 10 degrees today and it started fine after sitting for a day. Hope this helps, maybe somebody else has a different say. good luck.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 12:40 PM
  #3  
sflem849's Avatar
sflem849
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 0
From: SE Wisco
There is an indicator on lighted extension cords
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 01:07 PM
  #4  
spinge's Avatar
spinge
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Carroll County, MD
There are also replacement plugs (the end on the cord on the truck) that are available with a light in them. They will tell you if you have power, but not if the block heater is working or not (due to bad cord, element,...). They are kind of expensive, though. They are available from electric supply houses, I think they are made by P&S, IICR.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 01:15 PM
  #5  
distortedcloud's Avatar
distortedcloud
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Red Deer, AB
One way to find out if its working, is to follow the cord to the heater and listen for it. It should have a low hum and/or you can take a temp gun to it.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 02:02 PM
  #6  
muddingmcdude's Avatar
muddingmcdude
Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: dryden,michigan
hah i doo it another way i just go to the outlet and unplug it and plug it in and see if i see sparks lol
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 02:33 PM
  #7  
12 pointer's Avatar
12 pointer
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by muddingmcdude
hah i doo it another way i just go to the outlet and unplug it and plug it in and see if i see sparks lol
thats me right there. plugged a raido up to check my heavy gauge cord. will the temp gauge on the truck be reading warmer before I start it than it normally does cold.?
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 02:42 PM
  #8  
dodgeny's Avatar
dodgeny
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: wilson
that is what i did- i bought a lighted plug- so when the timer turns on the engine block heater- the plug lights up, letting me know it is on and working.

http://www.galesburgelectric.com/Woo...Detailed_Image



http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/d...9&d=1202671424
 
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 Feb 10, 2008 | 03:02 PM
  #9  
medhvac's Avatar
medhvac
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,852
Likes: 1
From: house springs,mo
Club FTE Gold Member
after you plug it in but your ear over the drivers front tire u should hear it start to hum!
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 03:51 PM
  #10  
sflem849's Avatar
sflem849
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 0
From: SE Wisco
Originally Posted by 12 pointer
thats me right there. plugged a raido up to check my heavy gauge cord. will the temp gauge on the truck be reading warmer before I start it than it normally does cold.?
Mine does some days, but it really depends on ambient temps and wind speed and direction.

Just so its said, you can ohm out the block heater and cord and check it that way. It should be right around 15 ohms.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 10:26 PM
  #11  
12 pointer's Avatar
12 pointer
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by sflem849
Mine does some days, but it really depends on ambient temps and wind speed and direction.

Just so its said, you can ohm out the block heater and cord and check it that way. It should be right around 15 ohms.
thanks, I have it in a garage. well, its a 24x40 but has no doors yet but does block the wind. I am going to check the temp guage in a few. How long does it take to heat one up. Like right now, it is 17 degrees. Mine has been plugged up for about 5 hours. manual said it's ok to leave them plugged up all night. does it say how long it take to get hot????
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 10:34 PM
  #12  
PaysonPSD's Avatar
PaysonPSD
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
Likes: 14
From: Payson, AZ
It's not going to get hot, but after five hours in a semi-enclosed area the temp gauge may register just barely off cold, which is a good thing. If the top of the radiator feels warmer then the side of the truck something is gettin' heated. Can you hear it kind of simmering when you listen with your at the driver wheel well?
 

Last edited by PaysonPSD; Feb 10, 2008 at 10:36 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 10:41 PM
  #13  
spinge's Avatar
spinge
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Carroll County, MD
Originally Posted by 12 pointer
.......manual said it's ok to leave them plugged up all night.....
Yes, you can leave them plugged in all night, the only limiting factor is your electric bill. Remember, they draw like 1500 watts (a fair bit) so it is like leaving a hair dryer running all night. It can add to the electric bill. It might hurt your pocket a little, but it won't hurt the truck.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 10:49 PM
  #14  
nhill2090's Avatar
nhill2090
Posting Guru
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 2
From: East Peoria, IL
i think someone calculated it out to something like $31 a month to plug in your truck 8 hours per night for a whole month
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2008 | 11:05 PM
  #15  
12 pointer's Avatar
12 pointer
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=PaysonPSD] Can you hear it kind of simmering when you listen withwheel well?[/ your at the driver QUOTE]

I cannot hear very well anymore.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:46 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