Anybody know if there's a fuse somewhere for the block heater - I've noticed the past two mornings when I go out to start the truck it acts like it was never plugged in at all. I double checked the power to the extension cord. It did start with no problem but turned over really slow like the engine was really cold (4 degrees here this morning) and the grid heaters were cycling on, which they never did before when the block heater has been plugged in. Do these block heaters ever go bad?

 

Pull the power cord off of the block heater and clean the contacts that may be where the problem is.

 

Take an ohm meter and check for continuity between the plug prongs. Open means bad wire or element.

 

Check the molded plug end. 95% of the time that end is the culprit. All the twisting that occures there is usually a broken wire.

 

A replacement cord is around $15 and the usual failure mode. Takes about 15 minutes to replace.

 

Mine also took a dump years ago. Can anyone explain how to replace the block heater cord? The block heater doesn't look like it comes off my 95 CTD. I can't see anything to put a wrench on?

 

A knurled collar (nut) holds the cord on the the block heater. Reach under there with your hand and feel around for the collar. It will usually unscrew by fingers only.

 

Yes they do go bad but not often. Those heaters in a genset usually last at least 3 years and that's on all the time. They have a thermostat but do get a good work out. If the element is bad, you might want to check the coolant and change it. If it ate through the element, oil cooler is next.

 

Fueling around, you are awesome!!!!