Is there a test that can be done to make sure block heater is working correctly? I'm thinking its MUCH easier to fix now, than when its -40. Also is there anything you guys recommend to do before the snow flies?

Thanks
Woody

 

I don't know much about block heaters; how about putting it into a container of water with a thermometer, and putting it all in the freezer?

You could move to California. Worked for me.

 

Set your multimeter to read continuity and connect it to the two posts on the block heater. There should be continuity across those two posts. Most multimeters can be set to beep or produce some type of sound to show continuity. If the cord is attached, just check across the two spade terminals on the cord. Red lead to one terminal black on the other. If there is no continuity, then the heater is bad.

 

The thing with using a continuity test is the element could be just about ready to pop and still ring out.

How old is the block heater ?? What brand??

My self much more comfortable on a nippy 30 below morning I can put on a sweat shirt and not sweat.

 

It's a Stant and was installed at the end of the winter two years ago. So basically has had only 1 winter of use.

 

nope. they are quite thick. either they ohm out or they don't.... far from being bad. it's like a 1/4" x 5/16 peice of resistance metal. best test is to plug it in and see if it gets warm in the block.

 

Put an ammeter on it and test the load.
No load - no worky.

Can't remember off the top of my head exactly what they draw but probably about 400-500 watts?

DO NOT plug it in when it's in the air. They need fluid around them or they will burn out.

Newer vehicles the block heater only works below a certain temp.
I think that might be a function of the cord. Not sure.

 

no, i have never heard of a smart heater. they are still sold as elements installed in the freeze plug. many different wattages from 300-1000. still it's less than 1 ohm they should pass. you plug it in and it should make heat. fairly simple and strait foreward.

 

So, if you've never heard of something, it doesn't exist?

There's more than one way to skin a cat dude.

The Op was asking if there was a test.

Yours isn't the only way.

 

Most of the newer ones have thermostats . So if your plugged in over a long weekend and it gets up to a hot 30 Degrees in the sun. It can cycle on and off.

How many block heaters have you changed over the last 40 years as they age they do tend to get thinner .

 

I have never messed with block heaters, but when I buy a battery, I buy the highest Cold Crank Amp battery I can find. I have been in -20 below and never had an issue with no starting. If I am correct the standard battery is only about 700-800 cranking amps. I try to get 1000 or more when I find them, it might be overkill but when the cold season kicks in, I know my truck will start.

Other things I would check is the grounds and battery connections are clean and in as great shape as possible.

 

You got me. I haven't seen the thermostat ones, but I can tell you it must be a function in line in the cord. I'll look into the stant ones if I can find them. if it doesn't ohm out at the cord, take your reading at the outer pins of the element itself. Subtract what your meter reads when you touch the leads together and it should be under half ohm.

 

Seems a good place to ask. So feel free to lit me have it if need be.

Just moved this summer to upstate NY (watertown). I may garage rig overnight depending on making room in it first. Is a block heater needed? I see some vehicles here with them but most not (just seeing plug sticking through grill). Seems most of the ones with it recently came from Alaska. Locals say last winter hit -40 with wind chill. I haven't researched it topic much.

PS- have change location multiple times on user CP but still SA, TX shows up.

 

rule of thumb is "plug at 20" so if you don't often get below 20 then i don't see the need for a block heater.

 

this only works if you have a cold engine (i.e. not warm from previous running engine) but if you were to plug in the block and let is block heater warm for 5 minutes or so and then if you were to run a laser thermometer at the block it should be warmer from when you first started.