How difficult is it to replace the stock block heater. I went to plug mine in the other night and it kept popping the gfi plug in my garage. I tried to use another cord and outlet with the same problem. I was told that my block heater may have shorted out. I am assuming I have to replace it. Cna anyone let me know how hard and what I need to do. Many thanks.
Eric.

You have to look just behind the engine mount on the driver'side. It has a couple bolts to take out to remove it.

if your interested, somebody is selling oil pan heaters on ebay for 22.95. i just ordered one. only draws 150 watts. most other ones i have seen cost 50 or more.

Had the same problem about a month ago, kept popping my gfi too. i checked the plug and it didn't seem bad but i replaced it anyways. after looking at it closer i found that the wires were touching now it works fine problem was the plug tho...

It's difficult for a block heater to "short out". It's designed to work until it burns out. This created an "open circuit" and it no longer heats or draws current. The bigger problem and most common failure is the power cord. They flex, bend, corrode, fray, get cut, rub on moving objects, fall out and drag on the ground, etc. You get it. Big pain.

I have replace cords at about a three to one ratio over block heaters. I save them whenever I find them on salvage yard trucks. I've given several away and made happy customers because they didn't have to buy a new heater pkg.

Glad you found the problem, it's cold out there!

Check your local NAPA parts store, the block heater replacement they sell is the same that GM used from the factory. They have replacement cords available, I just purchased one two weeks ago for my daughter, about 15.00;)

Thanks everyone! I will try to trak down the short first. From the info you have provided it sounds like that may be the problem. If not I will have to replace it. agin thanks.
Eric.

I just picked up a block heater from Napa. It's a tank heater style which circulates the coolant throughout the engine block. My friend just installed one in his crane. He said he loves it because it circulates the coolant through the heater core. Of course the blower is not running to heat the cab, but he says that the cab is noticably warmer with the block warmer plugged in.

This is going to be a welcome addition to my Suburban- the temperature has been dropping below zero every night for the last week!

The block warmer cost $70.

Steiner

I don't think 150 watts will do much.

What is the factory rating on the block heater?

Stick with the block mounted style of heater and away from the tank style. They work better and last longer and not hose to crack and blow off in the middle of nowhere.

Napa's best block heater for the 6.2 - 6.5 block is 650 watts. (according to the destruction sheet in the box) This probably varies with manufacturers.

the block type heater are normally 650 watts or so. the tank heater get much hotter, but they lose alot more heat to the cold outside temps than does the block style. NAPA should be able to look up a block style heater for you and order it. IF they say they can't, email me with you truck info and I find you a part number even if I have to call my old NAPA store in North Pole Alaska. I know they will have it.

I just replaced the block heater in my rig last week. It was really easy. Bumper-to-Bumper here in Rapid City had a 650 watt heater for $13.99. I opted for the 1000w heater for $30.00. We got 8 inches of snow a last week, and my truck was plugged in at -5 degrees F.... that heater melted all the snow off my hood. Upon start-up, water temp was 180 F. I think the heater is a Binford!!

Ya, you know, I've wondered why no one has mentioned the Binford yet. That sounds good. Melt the snow and heat the engine, all at the same time! I like the idea of the heater coming on as soon as you start up.

Remember, when you drive off after starting up on a cold morning, the rest of the drive train is still cold!!