How to test Block Heater Circuit?

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I have a malfunctioning block heater #ad
& am looking for advice on how to test the wiring circuit & the block heater itself before I purchase replacement parts. Can not find anything in the Haynes Manual. Thanks!

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94 2500HD 5sp 4. 10LSD w/GearVendor OD,Killed Kitty w/ 9 lives & muffler fell off. Geno's drainplug, 120,000 miles. NRA Member

 

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Mike ,I'm not suprised the Haines manual doesn't say anything,one of these days you need to spring for a good one. If you have a ohm meter the resistance between the two AC prongs will be low if it works or open if it doesn't. If you don't have a meter just plug it in when it's quiet and dark,you should see and hear arcing as you plug the heater in. This type of heater either works or it doesn't,there is no in between. If it's plugged in overnight and it's cold your wait to start light won't come on even if it's -10 below.

 

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i take it the block heater is a *constantly on* type and has no internal thermostat to cycle it around a set temp... . so once pluged up it is active the entire time.

 

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Yep, good reason to spring for the DC manual when you can't even find simply @#$ in the 1 u got. Ended up being just the cord ($28 @ Dealer). Another good clue that it was shorted was when I plugged it in I received a shock (better than coffee! for that alert feeling!) #ad
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Here's a clue... I plugged mine in for the first time last night, temps here in the mid 40s. The block made a low sound kind of like when you turn a teapot on the stove.

Er... this is a normal sound, right?

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'95 2500 SLT LB 2WD, auto 3. 54, 67,000--Westech gauges, Prime-loc, Brite box, Back-off Box, Line X, Flowmaster muffler, Borgeson steering shaft

 

[Archive]

In the dark, cool weather around 40 slowly plug in the cord you should see a spark drawing circunt. Best to use a meter on the cord but this also works. if it is cool enough you will hear s low sound like bacon frying.

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96-3500 SLT EXT. CAB AM/FM/CD-RINO LINER. D-CELERATOR EXH. BRK-RED LINE VAC. OVER HYD BRK CONTROL- AIR BAGS W/HVY DUTY AIR COMP. PUTCO S/STEEL DEEPBOARDS FRONT TO REAR. REESE 20K 5TH WHEEL & GOOSE -REESE 20K HITCH BELOW W/17K RECEVER. CLEAR COATED & SOUND DEADINGING &UNDER COATED 5 SPD/W 4:10 MCHLN'S 235/16'S UNIDEN PC76/WEATHER-WILSON 1000 MAG MOUNT ANT. 4 WHL ANTI LOC BRK SYS.