engine block heater ohms reading
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engine block heater ohms reading
I am having trouble with the plug on the truck getting extremely hot. I am using a 12ft extension cord w/ 12ga wire. The ohms reading at the plug is 16.5 . Is this too high?
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Thanks for the reply. I have looked for debris and can't find any. The plug has gotten so hot the nuetral side has become loose. I took it to the dealer. They said the cord I am using is too small. I have checked my outlet on the house and it is fine. The wire on the outlet is 12ga and so is the cord so there shouldn't be any problems there. Can't figure it out, its getting scary hot!
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
If it's just the plug, then something is wrong with the plug. Either corrosion on the terminals, or loose connections where the terminals meet the wires. Try another cord. The connector should stay pretty cool as long as the terminals are the appropriate size, the wire should warm if it's too small.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Amherstburg, On canada
is it the cord on the truck getting hot or the extension. if its on the truck - its probably wire strands broken in the molded plug and it would need to be replaced
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Its the plug on the truck. I am using a brand new extension cord. Took the truck to the dealer, they told me everything on the truck was fine but the loose prong on the neutral side concerns me. I should take the truck and the cord I use to the dealer and have them look again I guess. Thanks for the help. This is a great site!!
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Amherstburg, On canada
ill bet its loose or broken strands inside the molded plug - you need to have it cut off and replaced or a new cord installed.gotta keep in mind all the "wiggling" you do when you plug and unplug the heater - it will break strands when done often enough.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
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I recommend replacing the plug on the truck with a heavy-duty one. You could use a Marinco marine plug, like some people here (myself included) have done, or you could just get a heavy-duty plug from the hardware store. Keep in mind weatherproofing.
A loose connection in this area is not to be trifled with. High resistance at the plug will cause more power to be dissipated there, which of course means more heat. Tight, clean connections are necessary.
If you decide to replace the plug, keep the old one around verify the locations of the connections when you install the new one.
A loose connection in this area is not to be trifled with. High resistance at the plug will cause more power to be dissipated there, which of course means more heat. Tight, clean connections are necessary.
If you decide to replace the plug, keep the old one around verify the locations of the connections when you install the new one.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
I'm with all those pointing at the plug on the truck.
Heat occurs when electrical current encounters resistance. Your symptoms all point at the neutral contact on the truck plug.
It is unfortunate the "mechanics" at that dealership do not understand the basics of electricity. Time to move on to someone who knows what they are doing.
Heat occurs when electrical current encounters resistance. Your symptoms all point at the neutral contact on the truck plug.
It is unfortunate the "mechanics" at that dealership do not understand the basics of electricity. Time to move on to someone who knows what they are doing.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Why at the neutral? Resistance to the return path from the hot path should create heat as well? Heat is a byproduct of amperage backing up. If the resistance is high before or after the heating element, then the total resistance is higher, but the point where the resistance is highest should be hottest, correct? I guess I am trying to say that in series does it really matter where the resistance is in this case?