Block Heater issues
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 7
From: Montana
Block Heater issues
Alright, every time i plug the truck in, i am popping the circuit breaker to that respecitve outlet. I am thinking it could be an exposed wire in the cord to the block heater, my extension cord is fine. Anyway, just in case it isnt the cord, does anyone know how much one of the block heaters cost??? And when changing it out, am i going to get drenched with coolant?? Thanks in advance.
Ken
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Ken
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,714
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From: White Mnt's,New Hampshire
are you running a long 14 GA or 16GA cord to the heater on a 15 amp breaker?? if so find a closer outlet or get a good 12 Ga wire and put a 20 amp breaker in the fuse box...if the breaker pops right as you plug her in then i would look for a short..
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
I would suspect your cord from the heater element to the plug might have a break in it. It will involve some crawling under the truck with a flashlight to find it. The cord may have rubbed up against the block or frame. Usually the element itself doesn't go bad.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 7
From: Montana
im suspecting it is the cord. this just started, i have been plugging the truck in for a couple weeks now, didnt have a problem until last night. with all the weather have been having, i think that the cord has an open wire somewhere, or the plug end has just plain gone bad. Thanks for your help fellas. Im going to probably but a new cord for it on Monday
New User
Joined: Dec 2008
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I've been plugging in for years (2000 PowerStroke) without problem, until last month when breaker constantly tripped. I called dealer who told me to get rid of the GFI outlet I had it plugged into. I've done so and hasn't tripped the standard breaker (20 amp) - a few weeks of use now.
When I asked if there could be another problem, just in case, he said he rarely if ever has seen other problems... "It's always the GFI outlet. The block heaters don't like 'em."
Hope it helps, it worked for me.
When I asked if there could be another problem, just in case, he said he rarely if ever has seen other problems... "It's always the GFI outlet. The block heaters don't like 'em."
Hope it helps, it worked for me.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: Darrington, WA
I just bought a new cord for my block heater on EBAY for about $20, It is listed for a 6.0 but the seller said the 7.3 takes the same cord. I should have it in a few days.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,530
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From: Montana
im not up on the electrical jargon, but what is the GFI outlet? is that the one with the red circuit breaker built into it?? I cant change those out, because i live in Base housing(military). But i had been plugging in for a good two weeks and never had a problem until last night, so my guess that on my trip to Idaho i must have wore a hole in the cord or maybe even got some condensation in the plug to cause it. a new cord with a new end should do the trick
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Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 7
From: Montana
i do have an outside one that doesnt have a GFI, but it is tied into a GFI system, 
New User
Joined: Dec 2008
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My experience with GFI outlets (and standard breakers for that matter) is that they 'wear'. The more they trip, the easier they trip next time. Typically GFIs are used for outdoor plugs, garages, bathrooms, etc. - anywhere water may be present (required by code??). They trip quickly and easily, with the slightest current leakage. Some devices don't deal with that well, and engine block heaters seem to be one of those.
You could try the other GFI circuit you mentioned - it may be not so sensitive. Or maybe the new cord will work. I went the outlet route in my garage and it worked (and it was quick, simple, cheap and I had it on hand), but now I'm not protected by the GFI. Oh well...
You could try the other GFI circuit you mentioned - it may be not so sensitive. Or maybe the new cord will work. I went the outlet route in my garage and it worked (and it was quick, simple, cheap and I had it on hand), but now I'm not protected by the GFI. Oh well...
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,949
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From: Near DC
From what I understand, GFI is to protect you from electrocution by instantly tripping if there is a ground fault interruption (GFI). That's why in some states, they are required if an out is within X feet of a water source.
Just don't stand in a pail of water in the garage and stick a screwdriver in the non-GFI outlet. You'll be fine, you still have breakers.
Just don't stand in a pail of water in the garage and stick a screwdriver in the non-GFI outlet. You'll be fine, you still have breakers.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 190
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Ken, I've had a couple of "strokes" and have had problems with the cord ends.
Usually right behind the plug end, the wire breaks inside the insulation. I just
"fixed" mine without going to Ford. I got an appliance cord and cut it off with a
7" tail, cut off the bad end off my truck and spliced them together. I use shrink
tube on all three wires and then shrink tube over all of those. A little elect. tape and all is good. I had 2 go on my 95, both cost me about $60+. This fix is working great for about $5. If you go the ford rout, it is a pretty easy fix as well, just more money. Trace the cord back to the oil filter, and unclip the cord. Good luck and thanks for serving! Jeff
Usually right behind the plug end, the wire breaks inside the insulation. I just
"fixed" mine without going to Ford. I got an appliance cord and cut it off with a
7" tail, cut off the bad end off my truck and spliced them together. I use shrink
tube on all three wires and then shrink tube over all of those. A little elect. tape and all is good. I had 2 go on my 95, both cost me about $60+. This fix is working great for about $5. If you go the ford rout, it is a pretty easy fix as well, just more money. Trace the cord back to the oil filter, and unclip the cord. Good luck and thanks for serving! Jeff
