Testing my block heater.

boltonranger

17 years ago

This is on a 4cyl diesel (UD).

I want to know if the heater is working - doesn't seem like it but I wanted to confirm.

If I connect my electrical meter to the heaters prong plug;

what readings should I look for to tell if it's shot?

-br

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Comments (7)

bill_kapaun
17 years ago
Using OHMS across the 2 terminals, it should show low Ohms. IF it was shot, it would show infinity (open).
Greg Goyeneche
17 years ago
I don't know the rating of your block heater in watts, but my F350 diesel is 1000 watts and measures about 10 ohms. If it's rated about 500 watts, then the resistance would be about 20 to 25 ohms. As Canguy says, if you read open (infinite) the element is burned out.
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boltonranger
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks to both of you.
Flat blade to flat blade I get zero.(Shot huh?)

One flat to ground gets continuity,
the other flat to ground gets zero.(Are these 2 readings "normal")

-br
bill_kapaun
17 years ago
How do you define ZERO.
IF you mean zero resistance, it's a dead short.
IF you mean infinity, it's open/blown.
boltonranger
Original Author
17 years ago
Oops I see what you mean Bill;
By zero I meant open circuit - no continuity, no needle sweep when set to ohms.
-br
bill_kapaun
17 years ago
It's blown!
boltonranger
Original Author
17 years ago
Ha!
Thanks Bill.