Is there a way to tell if your heater block is working properly ? It -15 out normaly when i get up and go to start it. One day it fired up no problem, but other days it take 15 seconds of cranking the engine for it to start. It doesnt smoke much on start up, just a puff and thats it.

-15 what? Fahrenheit or Celsius? That's a big difference there. -15*C = 5*F. -15*F = -26*C :eek: My pickup's started fine at ~0*F not plugged in, although it did rattle like all hell broke loose for a good bit.

Sometimes the block heater will hiss when it's working. I know the one on my pickup hisses when plugged in. The one on my blazer somewhat does, but the truck sat for so long it could have crud built up on the heating element.

If the block heater is working the upper rad hose will have a slight warmth to it. Leave the heater plugged in for a while(i plug mine in overnight when i know i've got somewhere to be in the morning) and check the upper rad hose.

Mine runs into the driver side of the block from what i can see... I dont know much about different type of block heaters:(

Tojo, I had the same question.

My '96 did not want to start this morning and it got to around -5F.

Plug is notorious for failing. Replaced quite a few over the years. Check for continuity between the two plugs(not the ground).

You should be able to hear the block heater cooking, like a slight boil. If you can, feel the drivers side of the block under the exhaust manifold. It should be warm to the touch.

Jake

Definitely agree with the boiling or hissing sound! Mine takes about thirty seconds give or take and then you can hear it working.

Sorry dave. Its Fahrenheit. I couldn't feel no heat under the exhaust manifold there Jake. But i look at the cord and it a little beaten up:( After that i could feel some heat under the exhaust manifold. I'll have to put something around the cord to protect it.

thanks all:o: