2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Block heater up in smoke

[ChrisOlson]

Hello again



I work remote in Alaska so sometimes I leave my dodge CTD alone for weeks in my heated garage, however this time I had to leave my truck outside in the rain and the weather because of a cabinet upgrade project. so I get home for a few hours and I plug the block heater in and sparks from under the truck and a very large cloud of smoke came out of the hood so of course I unplug the cord and pop the hood and look for fire. no fire so after working on diesel engines all day I am in no mood to work on my truck last night as I have to be back at work at midnight. So my questions.



1 anyone else have this happen.

2 where does the block heater tie into on the CTD

3 anyone replace this and how long did it take.

4 any advice is very helpful and welcomed.



thank you all in advance.



Chris Olson

 

[Geno's Garage]

Chris,



The block heater is on the passenger's side of the block, just aft of the oil filter, right below the exhaust manifold (#2 cylinder. ) Ithas a hex-head, and should be removable with a socket. It looks sort of like a water heater, heater element. Good luck. Hope this helps.



~Andy

 

[ChrisOlson]

thanks andy



I can always count on genos



I will be looking to order a set of PIAA towing mirrors from you guys soon.



is this a do it your self job to swap the mirrors out??



chris

 

[chopperman]

Chris, It's an easy fix. Did mine on my 94 no sweat. Make sure you have some antifreeze ready because yous going to loose quite abit. When you loosen the hex nut get it to where it's loose and wabbles but not all the way out. There is a rubber ring that seals the heater inside the block you need to pry that out. When you get it out you'll loose your antifreeze. Reinstall your new heater tighten to snug refill your antifreeze and check for leaks. Your new block heater comes with all new wire so re-route your new wire to the front bumper and you are done. Easy project no sweat. Good luck, Brian

 

[ChrisOlson]

thanks chopperman



my only problem is time trying to find the time.



chopperman is the chopper for helicopters or motorcycles.



chris

 

[JGK]

Before you pull the heating element, make sure its not just the cord. The plug on mine shorted out last winter. You can buy just the cord from Cummins. It is replaceable without pulling the heating element. Takes about 20 minutes.



I would think if you got a bunch of smoke from under the hood, its the cord. If the element died, it simply wouldn't heat up and there'd be very little, if any, smoke created.



-Jay