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Block Heater just Fried

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Went out this morning so I could get the truck all nice and warm before I pulled the trailer today and the GFI kept tripping. I ohmed out the connections and everything was fine so I said the hell with it, stuck it in a regular outlet and heard a bzzzzzzzrrrrrrrrrrt. Pulled it out of the outlet and it looked fine. Traced it back to truck which smelled like burnt rubber but couldn't find anything burnt, maybe it just didn't look burnt enough. The elements were at the right ohms and everything so I don't see how they shorted unless it was the ground shorting to the hot or something. Anyhow, I probably need a new one and new cord. Probably this heater http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo.asp?number=3975628 And this cord http://www.genosgarage.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HEATER_CABLE_FL Hmm, that was cheaper than I thought it would be. I have heard rumors floating around that I can use an 8.3 block heater, is that true? I really just want something other than the 750, was thinking a 1000W one would be nice.

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    • Owner

    What I've found on a few the sock of the heater or the actual plug build up some oxidation and get a hot spot that will burn the cord. So like mine would make the plug so warm the plastic was doughy. So I pull the pull and took some light sand paper and clean the pins of the plug and hooked it back up and it nice and cool. As for the Geno's Heaters jump on them! That a excellent price. Being the last time I bought a heat element for a Dodge at NAPA was ~$120 excluding the cord... :spend:

    • Author

    Last I read it was $120 also so I was really surprised when it was that cheap. I am just waiting to see any replies on a higher wattage one. I would be thrilled to have it at 200F already :lol:

    Sounds more like your cord shorted out. Mine did that several years back and the dealer just replaced the cord and all has been fine since. (knock on wood) :smart:

    I agree with LiveOak. The first thing I would do is OHM out the heater element to ground and see what happens. If you get Infinity then you probably just need a cord. Moisture and dirt will conduct electricity and cause what you experience.

    • Author

    I need to run some more tests. Everything ohms out fine but after it starts drawing a load something arcs. I need a megger or something. For now I will just take the cord off and ohm it and see what's going on.

    • Author

    Does the cord just pull out of the element? Seems like it would but I am not sure and don't want to try it till I know for sure. Here is what mine looks like if you need to see it to be sure :shrug:

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    I believe the cord threads into the heater element.

    • Author

    After going out and messing with it I found out it pulls out. The 2 pins keep it from turning.But, looks like I will be buying both :banghead: The pin on the element is all fried/melted same with the cord.

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    • Author

    Cummins wanted $88. Napa didn't seem to even carry them anymore. I was trying to dig up the elusive 1000W ones.

    Here is the NAPA replacement... [ATTACH=CONFIG]2189[/ATTACH] I highly suggest you get the Geno's for the cheaper price... :smart:

    I ordereed a spare cord and block heater element tonight, along with an engine barring tool and a few other goodies. :thumbup2:
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