Block Heater Plug - Wet

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Decided to check out my block heater last night - Wanted to plug it in a couple of hours before the daily commute. Took the cover off of the plug and lo and behold - water came out. My guess is the water is condensing due to the 40 degree temperature swings between day and night. The unit worked fine but I'll be drilling a small "vent" hole in the cover so that any trapped moisture doesn't corrode the heater plug. Any body else run into this? PS-It only got down to 39 last night but 11/2 hours of plugged in block heater made a noticeable difference in driveability right "off the blocks"

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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty

 

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Jim, you don't need to drill a hole in it, just stand it up leaning on the light fixture and it will stay dry. Been doing this since 93 with no water on the plug. Regards Pete

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01. 5 Loooaded up!!!!!

 

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Pete: Did your truck come with a round "cable clip" to keep the wire/plug from falling down behind the air dam? If so - have you used that clip to keep the plug pointed sky-ward? or just lean it against the headlight assembly?

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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty

 

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Tuck it up slightly toward the headlight. I had the same water problem with the cord behind the bumper.

 

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Jim, just like Bob said, lean it on the light, that clip just keeps the cord in the general area but you can pull a little extra out if you need to. The cover on the plug will pretty much wedge it self against the light fixture. Pop the hood in the evening pull the cord out, close the hood and plug in a dry plug. Pete

 

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I had the same problem except the water froze to the plug inside the cover when it was aimed down. I knocked off the ice and plugged in for the night. Now I just lean the plug up against the headlight and no more problems!

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Lyndon Hendry

2001 2500 QC LB ETH/DEE 3. 55RE Patriot Blue
Pop-Up Hitch, Stock engine except for MIA blow-by-bottle

 

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I've found that I have more problems with the plug getting wet and the cover freezing on when I use the cover. I now leave mine uncovered all winter,no problems. Mine hangs out about 6" thru the round hole in the bumper,easy to get at. I do keep a dry rag by my extension cord to wipe dirt and water off before plugging in. If you plug in a dirty/wet plug it can heat up due to a poor connection and melt the female end of your extension cord.

 

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Thanks all - What fascinated me was how much better she ran after the block heater had been plugged in for an hour and a half - even though it only got down to 39 last night. The previous nights we've been down to 28. She starts and runs OK - I just love waiting for the "Wait to Start" light to turn off. I wonder what it's like if you leave it plugged in all night #ad


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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty

 

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Jim, it doesn't hurt a thing to plug it in all night except the electric bill will go up a little. Pete

 

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I've talked to truckers who swear by plugging in when the temp goes below 70°F. If you have cheap power or can afford it why not?

 

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I've got mine done like illflem's, run out through the round hole in the bumper, cover/cap hanging off. Leave it like that all winter.

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Tom
GLTDR B. A. D. Boys
www.lubedealers.com/meers.html

 

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Hi!!

I have not used the heater in Arizona but will soon. to displace water and remove corrison from the plug spray on WD-40. Works great of used it for years to displace water in distributers, etc.

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2001 RAM 3500 dually Quad Cab SLT, 4. 10 limited slip, HO 245 hp, 6-speed, dark garnet pearl coat, interior agate, All options except heated leather, added Betterbuilt brite diamond tool box, Linex spray-in bed liner, DeeZee brite diamond cab/bed running boards and TurboSaver (from Gino's) also Reese 5th wheel 15k hitch. No plans to bomb. This is my retirment vehicle currently pulling 21' 5er want to buy 30 to 35 for retirment.

 

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illflem - you know where California's cheap power went - right up some deregulator's A** #ad
#ad
However - This morning - down to 32 degrees - instead of waiting 15 to 20 seconds for the "Wait to Start" light to turn off - It went off in about 2 to 3 seconds. The PG&E bill will be cheaper than new batteries.

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Jim E. - Newbie to Diesels w/2001-2500Quad-4X4-LB-Bronze Beauty