Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Block Heater Problem

[Oil Burner]

Has anyone experienced a problem with thier block heater? My ground fault interrupter is tripping on the 110v outlet in my garage as of last night when I plugged my 2001. 5 6spd. into it. I have used this outlet for this same application in the past with the same loads as last night without a problem. Is there a fuse or relay I should check concerning the block heater? It is cold here in Pittsburgh right now and I would appreciate the advice. GREAT info on this site. This is my first post. Thanks.

-J

 

[Mactruck]

Welcome Aboard.

There was an old post about this sort of problem Here

Do a search you may find more info.

 

[WDaniels]

First of all, Welcome to the most informative and educational site about our trucks. Hope you have many great posts and fun.

As for your problem, make sure that your plug that goes to the heater isn't shorted out. Inspect the length of it and if that doesn't reveal anything, remove the plug from the block heater(should just pull off) and ohm it out. Check and clean the prongs on the heater itself and then retry it.

WD

 

[Oil Burner]

Thank you for the replies. It sounds like I may need a new element. The GFI is behaving exactly as the attached post suggested. However, why would the coolant cavitate and destroy the element? Is there another repair to be made or am I using the heater incorrectly. I usually plug it in around 10:00 p. m. before bed and unplug it at 5:45 a. m for work. I would like to know before I install a new one and trash it also. I have 41,000 miles on the clock.



Thanks again

-Jason

 

[tractorface]

Can't answer that question but I work with large coolant heaters on Diesel gensets and they do not last as long as one would think. I would do a couple of simple things before I bought another heater. As suggested earlier, take the time to inspect the extension cord and block heater cord including the end of the cord that plugs into the block heater itself. If it has worked loose or is dirty you may be able to solve your problem easily. It would also be a good idea to plug into another GFCI outlet just to make sure yours hasn't gone south. GFCI's are very sensitive to any small current leaks (milliamps) to ground as thier job is to safegaurd human life. They don't last forever.

I totally agree with earlier posts cautioning against switching to a "regular" outlet. Something is WRONG, find out what and fix it.

If you have an ohm-meter check the resistance by placing one lead on the hot prong of the plug and the other on the neutral prong. Do this unplugged of course. Resistance should be close to 19. 2 ohms. If there is continuity between either prong and the ground prong you have found your problem. You can check Kim Hotstart for a new element if need be . They even have replacements rated 1000w instead of 750w. www.kimhotstart.com

Good Luck



No I don't work for them just use them when we need a heater. There are others too. Can also buy cords etc.

 

[tractorface]

forgot this

http://www.kimhotstart.com/hig.pdf



link with pics of scale on heaters and explanation of failure

 

[Oil Burner]

Thanks, I'll check the chord tonight.

-Jason