block heater cord solution

[prototech]

I had a problem with my block heater cord getting all iced up and wet, then it would occasionally trip the GFI circuit in my garage and leaving me with a rough start in the morning. My brother had a GMC Topkick and I noticed that it had a male plug with a spring loaded cover mounted to the bumper. so any way I called my local GM dealer:--) they wanted 60 bucks! for the plug!



The alternative: I took a Polock 7-pin female socket and removed the guts, then I cut the back side off about 1. 75" from the mounting surface. Then I found a Hubbel brand 110 ACV male replacement end (I will find the part # if any one is interested)

It was so close the plug almost slipped right in, but I had to use a drum sanding attatchment on a Dremel tool to open it up a bit.

Once it fit together I positioned the prongs about 1/8" from the inside of the cover, then carefully drilled 2 small holes into either side of the plug through the original screw holes in the socket and used the original screws that came with the 7-pin to hold the guts in the socket. I then cut a hole in my front bumper, cut the heater cord and connected it to the new plug applying silicone generously to the back, and mounted the whole shotin' match in the bumper Haven't had a cold start in the mornin' since!

any one want more info or pics let me know.

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[boatpuller]

I haven't seen the GM part but there is another option for a male receptacle, some of the smaller pickup campers use a 15 or 20 amp male plug that's recessed into a box with a weatherproof cover, would be easier to just go buy one than to have to make one out of parts.



Hope this helps someone,

Caleb

 

[bgilbert]

yeah wheres the pics?

 

[prototech]

there you go, sorry it's not real fancy but it should get you there!

Proto

 

[DKasper]

If you want to go a step further . . .

Like Protech said, I got a nice metal receptacle($10 from my local Cat dealer), like the ones on our fire trucks that we leave plugged in all the time, to make plugging in a little easier. I drilled a hole in my bumper and mounted it. Then I installed a Wolverine oil pan heater in addition to the stock block heater, brought the wires from both heaters over to the receptacle and hooked 'em up.



Now plugging in is a breeze, and my oil starts out warm even when it's -5, like it has been this week!



I admit it's probably overkill, but it makes me feel better in weather like this!



Cheers



Dave

 

[stg2500]

Check out my pics. I did a similar thing using a plug that I purchased from the local peterbilt Dealer for around $20. I extended the stock cord to the new plug using a short piece of 12 guage extersion cord.