block heater cord problem

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Dec 21, 2008 | 04:20 AM

78f3504x4

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From: Whately, Ma

block heater cord problem

Last nite my block heater cord repetedly popped the resets on three different outlets, nothing else was plugged into them. Cord wasen't wet. Any ideas?

thanks, Steve

Dec 21, 2008 | 05:43 AM

Cuda_jim

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From: MICHIGAN

Are you talking about GFI or the circuit breaker?

The block heater draws 1000-1300 watts of power....about 10 amps.
The initial amp draw is probably higher....I hear a pretty loud snap when it's first plugged in.

Dirty spades on the heater outlet will increase the amp draw even further
(resistance) they get corroded, especially if you don't use/have the protective cover over them when not in use.
Try a little scotch brite to shine them up. Also, plug the cord in a the truck first, then into the outlet or
use a power strip with a switch to turn it on and off.

If you have a GFI outlet you must use a 3 prong, grounded cord.
Have you tried a different extension cord? How long and what size wires is it?
IMO, you need the shortest cord possible with the largest wires.
Longer cords (50 ft) or small wire (16 gauge) will draw more amps...popping a circuit breaker.

Dec 21, 2008 | 12:04 PM

FARM69

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From: Kearney, Nebr

Since we are on the block heater topic, how long do you think it takes to warm up the engine say at -5? A couple hours?

Dec 21, 2008 | 12:25 PM

Hussler

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From: Medford Oregon

In my climate, high teens I did a test over a period of a week. I tried 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours. The magic number for me was 3 hours. Anything more than three hours was a waste, anything less was not enough so that is what my timer is on. Don't know about -5 though ... burr, don't want to even think about it.

Dec 21, 2008 | 12:27 PM

FARM69

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From: Kearney, Nebr

Yeah, thats what I was thinking.

Dec 21, 2008 | 01:25 PM

79_250RangerLariat

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Depends on wether you want a warm enuf to easy start or warm enuf to heat the cab. Last winter (0* days) for an easy start 45mins - an hour made a difference. But didn't do much for quick heat in the cab.
Fired the 97 up one morning at 3* with -20+ chills not plugged in...

Didn't like that very well.

Dec 21, 2008 | 01:36 PM

78f3504x4

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From: Whately, Ma

GFI outlet, never had a problem till yesterday. Two different cords. Same problem. I'll clean up my BH cord and try it again. Truck started mfine this morning, 15 degrees.