Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Stupid Block Heater Question, Part II

[Tulsa618]

OK, I seem to be unable to figure this one out – I’ve fried two block heater elements and two power cords now. What am I doing wrong?



I replaced the heater element after nearly four years of faithful service, only to find I must have reattached the [original] power cord at the element incorrectly. (How hard can that be!?) After plugging in I heard that familiar crackling sound of the heater going to work, but I noticed a few hours later there was no warmth. My ohmmeter indicated an open circuit. I detached the cord at the element and noticed that it had pretty much melted! Off to Cummins…



I bought another new element and a new power cord. When the recently purchased but failed element was removed I checked it with the ohmmeter. It was dead. So I put the new one in, and carefully attached the new power cord. I checked everything again with the ohmmeter. Power/return prongs checked fine and the ground prong was good to chassis ground and there were no cross-connections/shorts anywhere. I repeated the above: Plugged in. Heard the crackle. Got no warmth. Checked at the plug and found open circuit. Detached at element and found fried plug.



What have I done so wrong and what additional steps do I need to take?

 

[Bob Wagner]

if the heating elements were not sealed correctly (moisture protection) or if the element had too much moisture in the mgo it can cause a short circuit.



Theres not much you can do wrong on your end, since you are only dealing with 110v



next time check the heater by putting one end of the ohm meter on a terminal and the other end of the meter to the heater sheath.



If you see a circuit there the heater has a moisture or other problem.



there should be no leakage to the sheath.

 

[csevers]

When you install the heater, is the element touching the block inside somewhere? does the heater plug have a ground tab on the plug that needs to be bent out when the plug is pushed on?



Craig

 

[illflem]

Don't see how the heater install can go wrong

Where is the power coming from?

If the neutral wire to a sub-panel for an outbuilding, garage etc. has failed or has a bad connection you can get 220 volts at your outlets. Can fry things fast.

This will only happen if more than two things are using power at once as the hot line will flow though the appliance etc. back to the neutral thus energizing any circuits on the other hot wire to 220. This can be tricky to find, easy way is disconnect every power user but one, it won't work until another on the other hot pole is energized.