Block Heater

**redytrk** · 01-06-2010, 04:26 PM

Any one know how to determine is a block heater is working properly. Plunged into AC of course LED on end of extension cord indicates current is at the plug leading to the crankcase. From there on its a mystery to whether its actually heating. This is a factory installed heater on a 2004 MBE 900.

Past years seemed cold weather cranking has been much better.

**greg334** · 01-06-2010, 04:37 PM

With a meter that measures current. Like one of them $30 horseshoe meters from Harbor freight. If the current is more than say 8 amps, it is working.

**redytrk** · 01-06-2010, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by greg334

With a meter that measures current. Like one of them $30 horseshoe meters from Harbor freight. If the current is more than say 8 amps, it is working.

THANKS, i`ll see if I can get my neighbor to buy one...So I can borrow it.

**redytrk** · 01-06-2010, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by greg334

With a meter that measures current. Like one of them $30 horseshoe meters from Harbor freight. If the current is more than say 8 amps, it is working.

Tester must be called something else. A search on the Harbor site can`t find it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...mnumber=65731?

**Moot** · 01-06-2010, 07:16 PM

Redy, I think this is what Greg was referring to:
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

**Moot** · 01-06-2010, 07:19 PM

The meter in the link you provided should work also, assuming the back of the meter has an outlet to accept the load.

**redytrk** · 01-06-2010, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Moot

The meter in the link you provided should work also, assuming the back of the meter has an outlet to accept the load.

There must be a plug in some place. Else, how could you check a fridge. Heck after I get this little jewel,I`m gonna check all my appliances.

**banditt11** · 01-07-2010, 05:46 PM

I just plug it in real slow till I hear a pop and I know it is doing the job. Been doing that for years. And if it doesn't pop look for a known good cord to plug into. still no pop, Burnt out heater plug. Just my thoughts and it works for me.

**stamp11127** · 01-08-2010, 08:40 AM

These are just a different version of the heating elements in a hot water heater. I would start by using the multimeter to check the resistance of the heater first. That way you avoid a live circuit. The meter from Harbor Freight should have a setting for checking the resistance, measured in ohms, anything other than infinity and 0 should be good.
Infinity means an open circuit - electricity will not pass through the element for some reason.
0 would mean a short and no resistance & tripped breaker

**guido4475** · 01-12-2010, 12:08 AM

When I plug my heater in it doesnt make a noise, but it works great.Starts up like a summer day, actually it melts the snow off of the hood and windshield.I have installed tank type heaters in the past, and they made a noise when I plugged them in.

**Moot** · 01-12-2010, 12:36 AM

When I delivered to grocery houses I would often have to break an "8" high pallet down to a "4" high pallet. I would slice the shrink wrap at the "4" high mark and get the forklift driver to place a pallet just below that level. I would then push the top "4" high block onto the empty pallet all the while making a motor noise with my mouth and nose. Yeah, noises are good. Especially motor noises. Brrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmm.

**dancorn** · 01-12-2010, 12:55 AM

When the block heater is plugged into the generator it revs up immediately. The generator revs down when the heater is unplugged. That tells me it is working.

**Jack_Berry** · 01-13-2010, 04:40 PM

on my tdi i know the heater is working because the glow plug lite on the dash is on for only a second or two. when the engine is stone cold it takes 5 secs or more to go out.