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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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#2
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I always prefer the tounge on the connectors approach.....
Or you could check the voltage coming in or going out... |
#3
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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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'84 300SD sold 124.128 Last edited by compress ignite; 12-26-2009 at 10:01 PM. |
#4
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Or simply feel the water jacket after the heater has been on for a few hours.
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"Buster" in the '95 Our all-Diesel family 1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car 2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022) Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762 "Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz." -- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970 |
#5
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Quote:
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........... |
#6
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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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Gone to the dark side - Jeff |
#7
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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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#8
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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 |
#9
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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. -Jim
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1995 S350D, Green with black leather interior. Bought January 2008 w/ 233,xxx miles. I did 22,000 miles during the first year of ownership. |
#10
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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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'84 300SD sold 124.128 |
#11
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Quote:
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#12
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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
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Block Heater
My 79' 300SD doesnt have a block heater. How hard is it to install??
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Mark 1979 300SD southern survivor (Old Yeller) 151K 1967 Cougar XR7 CA car (Precious) 88K 1967 Pontiac LeMans TX car (08' resto project) 72K 1995 F350 Powerstroke Dually from TX 139K 1996 Honda Accord (the winter beater) 134K 1994 Fleetwood Wilderness 30' fifth wheel |
#14
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Voltmeter/Ohmmeters are $2.99 on sale at Harbor Freight. Everyone should have one
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Mark in MA 05 MB E320CDI 402k Granite Grey Metallic 05 MB E320CDI 267k Black 05 MB E320CDI 232k White 05 MB E320CDI 209k Tectite Grey 99 Dodge 2500 Cummins 5sp 148k 62 Jeep CJ-6 120k |
#15
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It won't be if its cold outside. The block heater is only around 400watts.
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