Block Heater Cord Woes

Hexus · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 5:12 pm

Alright, it's frackin' cold outside, and now apparently I have a block heater cord issue.

Before I go out and lay on the 30 degree concrete, has anyone replaced their cord yet? IF so, do you have any tips or pointers? Initially it popped the GFI in the garage, and I reset it and watched fancy sparks fly all over the front of my jeep. Then I noted the cord was worn right near the plug and there were several spots from 7+ years of bending/blowing in the wind, where I could see the wires coming through, so obviously a short.

I taped up about 8" of the cord, tried again, and got less sparks, but still got them.

Anyways, has anyone replaced the whole cord? Or should I just do a couple feet from inside the engine bay? Thoughts?

I'm sure I can figure this out easily, but I would prefer to hear some experienced folk first, that's why I'm a "Lifetime Member" after all, lol.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 5:49 pm

I don't have the PN handy but it was only like $25 at my friendly local dealer when we replaced stoutdog's in about 08 or 09. Not a big deal but it's handy to have 2 people. 1 down below to remove and attach the connectors and 1 up top to pull the old cord out (might want to tie a bit of string to the bottom end when pulling out to then attach to new wire to pull in) and feed the new one down. When done use zip ties to attach the cord to the dip stick and wiring to where you can tuck it in near the power distribution box. I uses a bit of 2 sided velcro to secure it to the radiator upper cross member to keep it from flopping around.

There is a picture of the lower end posted at viewtopic.php?f=98&t=74594

Kind if tight in there but doable.

ColoradoCRD · **Joined:** Sun Dec 10, 2006 9:25 am **Posts:** 60

I did not experience a short but my block heater went dead a few years ago due to wear. I cut about 6 inches off the cord and installed a new plug.

65Corvair · **Posted:** Thu Dec 19, 2013 12:47 am

I had a wire break in my cord next to the plug. No sparks or shorts, just a non working block heater. I added a bit of wire (from an old extension cord) and installed one of these in my bumper. http://www.amazon.com/Marinco-150BBI-On-Board-Charger-125-Volt/dp/B000NI38MG/ref=pd_sim_auto_4
After about a year of use, the little flap cover doesn't stay closed any more. I may be moving to this other one because it looks like it will seal better.
http://www.amazon.com/NOCO-Genius-GCP1-Black-125V/dp/B009ANV81S/ref=pd_sim_sg_6

Here is a pic with the Marinco Unit installed in the front bumper.

Hexus · **Posted:** Sat Jan 18, 2014 11:30 pm

I went ahead and got one at the Local NAPA for $18. It was actually better quality than the OEM. It was fairly easy to replace except that the plug in is nearly unreachable for someone of my size. It sits pretty much directly underneath and further in than the stupid FCV and it's easiest to reach from around the top of the FCV with the Intercooler hose (Driver side) removed, but you can only see it from underneath.

After about 20 minutes of wrestling and swearing, I installed the new cord and then routed it much better along the frame. I zip tied it in about 4 places along the way and we should be good for another 140k miles!

kjjet · **Posted:** Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:25 pm

Hexus wrote:

I went ahead and got one at the Local NAPA for $18. It was actually better quality than the OEM. It was fairly easy to replace except that the plug in is nearly unreachable for someone of my size. It sits pretty much directly underneath and further in than the stupid FCV and it's easiest to reach from around the top of the FCV with the Intercooler hose (Driver side) removed, but you can only see it from underneath.

After about 20 minutes of wrestling and swearing, I installed the new cord and then routed it much better along the frame. I zip tied it in about 4 places along the way and we should be good for another 140k miles!

You replaced the compete cord? Do you have a P/N? Mine is not looking to good from years of use.

Thanks
KJJET

Hexus · **Posted:** Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:38 pm

kjjet wrote:

Hexus wrote:

I went ahead and got one at the Local NAPA for $18. It was actually better quality than the OEM. It was fairly easy to replace except that the plug in is nearly unreachable for someone of my size. It sits pretty much directly underneath and further in than the stupid FCV and it's easiest to reach from around the top of the FCV with the Intercooler hose (Driver side) removed, but you can only see it from underneath.

After about 20 minutes of wrestling and swearing, I installed the new cord and then routed it much better along the frame. I zip tied it in about 4 places along the way and we should be good for another 140k miles!

You replaced the compete cord? Do you have a P/N? Mine is not looking to good from years of use.

Thanks
KJJET

If you have a NAPA nearby it's KAT 28400.

kjjet · **Posted:** Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:33 am

Thanks

KJJET

racertracer · **Posted:** Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:52 pm

I had a problem with my cord and I was informed that the problem is usually near the plug area where the wires tend to snap due to the plug shaking as it hangs out of the front grill when the vehicle moves..

I cut the wire back 2 inches and replaced the plug with one of these http://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-15-A ... 100011602#

I then sealed the the wires with this Plastic Dip Intl.: Black Liquid Tape, LET14Z03.

It was a simple fix and now the cord is better than new and works perfect.

kjjet · **Posted:** Thu Jan 23, 2014 1:55 pm

We all know how it goes. When its real cold something will fail. So my heater stopped working. the Jeep started but had the death shake due to it being -6F outside.
I checked it with a ohm meter and found a very high resistance, until i moved the wire a 1/2 inch from the plug then i would get fluctuations in the readings. Napa was out of stock for a replacement cord. So i cut off an inch and installed a new plug end. Like racertracer.

Worked prefect this morning. I highly suggest checking your cord with a ohm meter.

KJJET

racertracer · **Posted:** Thu Jan 23, 2014 3:57 pm

You got it...... and don't forget the black paint on sealant.

This sealant is the next best thing to Wonder bread. It seals stress breaks on the cord, creates a thicker stronger rubber barrier, holds back humidity, rain, snow, cold, heat, rattles and shakes.

Why heck, when I am not using it as an engine heater cord it doubles as a short tow rope extension. Or a bow string in case of an emergency.

Block Heater Cord Woes

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