Block heater working?
 

:confused: The extension cord plugged into the timer is giving juice..this I know.How can I tell if it's getting to the block?It is 50 degrees out and this is a test run.Should I expect the heat guage to show something?Is it too warm out? How can I tell if it"s working?? Thanks.

With the engine cool, plug it up, wait an hour, place your hand on top of the valve cover 2/3 of the way back.

It should be warm.

If it is not, check the cord first for continuity.

Good Luck!

dbgrate,

First,Plug a light bulb into the same socket you plug the engine heater into. Use a triple plug if necessary.

The light bulb will dim slightly when the engine heater plug is connected if the heater is working.

I don't know about "juice" but the above is called an IR loss and will reduce the voltage to the light bulb.

P E H

dbgrate.

With my car when you plug the engine block heater in you can hear it.

It's not very loud but it makes a bit of a humming noise.

I believe you can also follow the cord down to where it is connected to the engine block and you should be able to feel some warmth.

Good luck.

:confused: Shouldn't the temp guage move up ,at least a bit???

not that I know of.. mine doesn't. The temp needle may increase faster after cranking "warmed-block" engine than when you crank and drive one that's not had the engine block heater engaged.

All three of mine make a crackling sound like metal being heated.

Thanks for all the tips...I'll try them out ...and,Mandrake,since my '87 SDL spent it's first 15 years in So.Carolina,maybe it will respond to your suggestion :D ya ' think??

Thanks again..I just plugged it in and almost immediately could hear a small tick/hiss sound...unplug and the sound stops...Eureka! it works.