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  #1  
Old 10-19-2008, 11:07 AM
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Block heater test?

Hi, is there a way to test a block heater to make sure it works before cold weather starts?

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Old 10-19-2008, 11:09 AM
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I always prefer the tounge on the connectors approach.....


Or you could check the voltage coming in or going out...
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Old 10-19-2008, 11:50 AM
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Block Heater test

Edited with BC's assistance:
1. Plug in for 3-5 hours...Is the Valve cover Toasty Warm...It works just Fine.

2.More difficult...With DMM set to "Continuity Test" apply leads to poles of engine block heater plug.[Then you can do #1 to double check]

3. If you stand Very Quietly and lean over the engine,You'll hear the Coolant
kinda gurgling.

thanks BC
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Last edited by compress ignite; 12-26-2009 at 10:01 PM.
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Old 10-19-2008, 12:05 PM
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Or simply feel the water jacket after the heater has been on for a few hours.
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Old 10-19-2008, 12:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by compress ignite View Post
1. Plug in for 3-5 hours,get in MB, insert key, turn to "Run" ...Is engine at
operating temperature? If so it works.
The block heater will not raise the engine temperature to anything close to operating temperature. In fact, it will barely raise it off the peg.........rendering this method a bit useless.

One other possibility is to simply watch the electric meter. At 400W, you'll definitely see a difference in the speed of that wheel if the heater is drawing current. Quick and positive...........
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Old 10-19-2008, 12:30 PM
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Use an ohmmeter across the blades of the plug, should show some resistance/connection between the flat blades, and open/infininate from either blade to the round pin.

Or plug it in, when you unplug it you should hear or see a faint spark (in the dark is easier).
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Old 10-19-2008, 01:48 PM
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Power meter to test block heater

I bought a power meter from La Crosse Technology (not very expensive) and use it to test whether block heater is ok. I plug it into the wall socket, extension cord from it to car, and block heater plug into extension. It will show watts being used if heater is working, 0 otherwise.
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Old 10-19-2008, 02:09 PM
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Sheesh. Plug it in for 2-3 hours. Put hand on top of valve cover. If warm, block heater is working.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D with block heater
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Old 10-19-2008, 02:20 PM
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I have a power meter called a Kill-A-Watt. $30-$40, records power, current, and can do a running total of power over time since last reset.

http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-CE.html

Another way to tell, sometimes I can hear mine making a sizzling sound.

At the beginning of the season the heater WILL raise your coolant temperature enough to be able to see it using the car's temperature gage. It was in the low 40's last night here, my heater was plugged in all night, and my needle came up to the first line above the bottom when I turned the key. Once it really starts to get cold it may not move when the key is turned on.

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Old 10-19-2008, 09:50 PM
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BC is correct

Mr. Carlton,

4hrs total time with block heater plugged in 5PM to 9PM
Ambient 65F @ 75 percent humidity
110F measured with thermometer (small Chef's type) wedged between
crossover and valve cover.
43C As measured by 124.128's dash Temperature gauge.

(Bonus information for me:W124's dash gauge is accurate (at least at 110/43)
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Old 10-19-2008, 09:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by compress ignite View Post
Mr. Carlton,

4hrs total time with block heater plugged in 5PM to 9PM
Ambient 65F @ 75 percent humidity
110F measured with thermometer (small Chef's type) wedged between
crossover and valve cover.
43C As measured by 124.128's dash Temperature gauge.

(Bonus information for me:W124's dash gauge is accurate (at least at 110/43)
As expected........just enough to allow the engine to start like it's summertime. It won't get that warm if the ambient is 0°F. however.
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Old 10-19-2008, 10:14 PM
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Canadian method

Plug it in when it's quiet around. You should hear a faint "singing" just like an electric kettle......
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  #13  
Old 10-20-2008, 12:47 AM
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Block Heater

My 79' 300SD doesnt have a block heater. How hard is it to install??
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Old 10-20-2008, 03:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by compress ignite View Post
1. Plug in for 3-5 hours,get in MB, insert key, turn to "Run" ...Is engine at
operating temperature? If so it works.
2.More difficult...With DMM set to "Continuity Test" apply leads to poles of female block heater plug.[Then you can do #1 to double check]
Ohmmeter across the MALE block heater plug (review your birds and bees Compress!) Should read about 28 ohms.

Voltmeter/Ohmmeters are $2.99 on sale at Harbor Freight. Everyone should have one
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Old 10-20-2008, 04:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by compress ignite View Post
Is engine at
operating temperature? If so it works.
It won't be if its cold outside. The block heater is only around 400watts.

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