Breaker trips after block heater is plugged in on 2006 diesel... the heater did work for a couple of warmups , I did notice the plug from the truck was warm when it was time to unplug and start truck

Universal block heaters that install in the freeze plug holes and ones that install inline of the radiator hoses are available at most parts stores.

Option 1 Block heater http://www.jcwhitney.com/magnet-mount-engine-block-heater/p2000836.jcwx?TID=8014524FT2&zmam=15972153&zmas=21&zmac=165&zmap=10836G

Option 2 Dipstick heater http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/KAT15200-20-Oil-Dipstick-Heater-p/302643.htm?click=1014

WHERE IS BLOCK HEATER

do you let your glow plugs cycle or are your glow plugs even working

Hi Funny,

If a GFCI trips or causes a breaker downstream to trip, something needs to be altered. Do not by pass a GFCI. It is designed to save lives and property.

It's drawing a lot of current. The most likely cause is the cord you are using is too light (14ga. or higher) or too long.

Depending on the length, extension cords should be 12ga, minimum, preferably 10 ga. When in doubt, go heavier.

The block is supposed to heat up, not the wire.

Best regards
Mike

it takes quite a while for a diesel to warm up by just idling in order to produce any heat.you have to put them under a load (drive it), before you will get any noticeable heat.if you have a block heater, plug it in 4-5 hours before you plan on driving it and that will definitely help produce interior heat quicker.

There is no fuse on a block heater. It is an extension cord with a resistor (element) on the end (see photo. If it not working, the resistor (coil) has failed. A new block heater is required.
Before replacing, however, check the outlet and/or beaker the outlet is on to see if it has tripped.
I too live in s/e Michigan, and it was -19 this am. No block heater can keep up with these extreme temps.
:)

Your car has a block heater, which heats your coolant to a set temp. Check to see if the block heater has no resistance through it. If it does, replace block heater.

you may have to replace it they do burnout

A block heater is just a simple heating element. There are no fuses b/c you run house voltage (120V) out to it, and those are on breakers, so no need for 12V truck fuses.

Block heaters can range from 500 watts on up to 1500 watts. U know those heaters in Wal Mart that only go up to 1500 watts? That's as much as heaters (including block heaters) are allowed to pull off house current. Remember, use a heavy gauge extension cord, not that 100' long skinny thing. That's not good.

OK, to check the block heater, all you need is a simple voltmeter. Switch it to Ohms (resistance). That's the one with the Omega sign. Put one lead on one flat terminal on the plug of your block heater, and put the other lead on the other flat terminal. Leave the ground (round) terminal alone.

If it reads infinity, or open, then your block heater is bad. It's an open circuit.

If it reads resistance, then it should be good. I don't know what readings for a Powerstroke they should have, b/c often resistance changes with how hot/cold it is outside.

If you plug it in to your house and you hear arcing/sparking, then don't use it until you figure out what's doing that. The block heater is usually on the passenger side, although on Powerstrokes it could be different. However if you follow your plug, you're gonna find where that heater goes. Chances are some idiot has pinched the wire.

If you plan on replacing it, soak it down good with penetrate oil. It's gonna be a bear. And remember to drain your antifreeze down.

Block heaters are great b/c it reduces wear on your glow plugs, plus you get hot heat almost instantly after you start.

Plugging it in any long than two hours before you crank it is a waste of time. It can only get the block so warm, and it does it really quick.