O/T block heaters on Ford diesels

Nancy Howell · Dec 9, 2009

Has anyone had any problems with the block heaters on the Ford powerstroke diesels? (There was a post not too long ago where, I think it was a Dodge, the block heater caught fire and burned the truck up.) So, I wanted to know if anyone knew of any problems like that with the Fords.

Bob · Dec 9, 2009

Ford, Dodge, etc., don't make their own heaters. A couple of companies make virtually all the units on the market. Phillips & Temro and Kats are the first that come to mind.

So, any problems wouldn't likely be limited to one vehicle brand.

That being said, I'm sure block heaters HAVE caused a few fires over the years.

However, I'm sure the block heater gets blamed for about ANY vehicle that catches fire for ANY reason while the heater is plugged in.

tractorsam · Dec 9, 2009

At the end of the day, anything electrical is a hazard when energised. The best you can do is minimise that risk by inspecting the cord and connections for chafing, corrosion, etc. I have a Ford diesel with a block heater and I have no qualms about leaving it plugged in. Sam

Anonymous-0 · Dec 9, 2009

My block heater burned out but tripped the breaker. One of the electrical contacts where the cord attaches completely melted away and that caused it to leak there. I think block heaters are like anything else, they can wear out or go bad. Millions of them in use though. Dave

ChrisinMO · Dec 9, 2009

I've got a '95 F250 w/ 7.3L Powerstroke. The block heater went out last year. Just worn out, I guess. Replaced it and have had no problems.

We used to live in MN near Lake Superior. Everyone plugged their vehicles in, including gas engines. Never heard of any block heaters causing fires. A pretty simple 110V setup. I guess it could happen though.

Christopher

onefarmer · Dec 10, 2009

Haven't used the block heater in my '96 F250 yet. This will be the third year I've owned it. Been starting fine on just the glow plugs. StJohns Mi.

Mike (WA) · Dec 10, 2009

I was the guy with the burned up truck- it was a Ford diesel. We suspected the block heater, for no other reason than we had had some front-end damage and it could have been damaged. But then a bunch of folks brought up the speed control dis-engagement switch recall, which also could have been the cause. A forensic fire guy came out, and, as I expected, couldn't figure out the cause because it was so well incinerated. Then they hauled it away, and "that was that".

bruster · Dec 10, 2009

The 2 power strokes that I had came equipped with block heaters, and they were used once the temp got down to 35d. This was just the point that the engine would struggle harder to turn over, but they never failed the 7 years I had the trucks
Bruce

O/T block heaters on Ford diesels

Nancy Howell

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Bob

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tractorsam

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Anonymous-0

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ChrisinMO

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onefarmer

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Mike (WA)

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bruster

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