Block Heater

[redytrk]

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]

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]

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]

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/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=65731?

 

[Moot]

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

 

[Moot]

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

 

[redytrk]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.