Just saw this, and thought others might be interested...

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-8424/c-10101

Thanks for the link, it got me thinking about something on my "to do" list.
One of the things on my list to get before I drive back to Texas this winter is a long extension cord for the block heater. I wish I had one a few years ago when I tried starting the '79 NA 300TD (that was before I put a turbo engine in it) in 15 degree weather one morning in West Texas. I really ran the starter hard trying to get it to keep running, and blew hydro oil out one of the rear shocks when the seals let go
At the motel I was staying I saw people ran cords out of their rooms to their vehicles, mostly diesel pick ups BTW. I guess the management at some motels allows that so I am looking for something not too obtrusive yet at least 50 and maybe even 100 ft long. I don't want one of the heavy duty cords that is approved for contractors with bright yellow coloring. A two conductor green cord made for use with outdoor christmas lights is the best thing I have found. I wonder if the lack of a ground wire is too risky?

That JC Whitney retractible cord is kind of pricy but if I lived back East I would probably invest in one and install it permanently under the lower cowling or somewhere.

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

Hey, I like that...........................just what everyone with a diesel in the great white north needs. You never misplace your extension cord or drive off without it.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

*bump* that thing is cool

no ground on a 3 prong plug plugging into a 2 prong non grounded female = eletrical code violation

its not TOO dangerous since the hot and neutral are isolated from the casing on the heater..

They make green extention cords for christmas time use with grounds
Besides those take the beating better than a 2 wire cord (usually crappy) will

I live in Minnesota and can tell you that you don't want anything other than a cold-rated blue cord for this purpose. The other cords become very stiff and will snap or shatter (not a good think) in extreme cold. The blue ones cost a little more but are certainly worth it. Make sure you buy one that is of a heavy enough gauge that can supply the amps you need.

Thats interesting.......never heard of cold rated cords before.......I have noticed they do get stiff in the cold weather. Maybe its that I am far enough south that I have never seen them.

__________________
Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
---------------------
Section 609 MVAC Certified
---------------------
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

I'll go look for a blue cold rated cord, but $100+ for 18 ft.?
I'm sure I can find a much longer cold rated cord. I've never had a problem losing the cord or damaging the car.

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85' 300D No inspection, No registration fees, Cheap insurance
"If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're going to see some serious %$&^."