Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Block heater go Poof (GFI Outlets and Block heaters = friends for life)

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Looks like TMTT is goin' to napa tomorrow as the block heater went puff tonite. Had I not had a fan plugged into the GFI outlet the heater was I would have not known it did. The cord to the block heater is good , the extension cord is fine and the fan is fine too. Plug in the heater by itself and instant *SNAP* :{ So Good for GFI's ... a visual that something is up and safety too.



Would starting the truck with it plugged in hurt it? This morning I had done just that as it was 3 degrees out and I hit the remote starter and exhaust brake from in the house. Then I realized afetr a minut "Oh Crap the block heater is plugged in" and ran out and unplugged it. Can I change that bad boy out and not loose all my fluid (I have grown accustomed to it being in there and kinda like it and so does the Cummins LOL!)

 

[Alphacowboy]

mine was doing this as well, it was just a bad plug on the end. I cut it off and put a replacement on the end, wala, fixed it!

 

[TORQUE THIS]

Been starting mine for 4 years with it plugged in... no problems...



Remember last year, it happened to me... it was the cord that threads into the heating element, it is probably loose like mine was.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

OOohh Mark good point! I forgot about that! I go checky Oo.

 

[Partyat33]

I see no reason why you can't start it with it plugged in. I suspect you cold even let it run for quite a while before (if ever) it overheats.



There is no electrical connection between the heater and the truck

 

[Moose Truck]

Was doing it with the '89 for 10 years with out a problem. When it did quit heating, it was the plug end of the cord, a Quick trip to Homer fixed right up. Still running the '00 with her plugged in. Good tip on the GFI, though.



Does anyone know about the plug end like the Big Dogs use? I think thatwould be more elegant than having a cord hanging out under the headlight. On the '89 I ty-wraped the cable to the grill, and it was OK.



Moose00