Rewiring block heater

[SuperDave]

I will give a warning about splicing those cords, someone spliced the one on my '85 and did a wonderful job by soldering and shrink wrapping the wires but that good job didn't stop it from catching on fire at the splice and screwing up a perfectly good grill and trans cooler. Just FYI

 

[Cubey]

I will give a warning about splicing those cords, someone spliced the one on my '85 and did a wonderful job by soldering and shrink wrapping the wires but that good job didn't stop it from catching on fire at the splice and screwing up a perfectly good grill and trans cooler. Just FYI

Yep. The $20-35 for a new cord is the better option IMO. The one I linked from O'Reilly can be had for less online than they sell it for.

 

[chillman88]

Look at the "Marinco mod." Should keep from tearing one up in the future.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

I had thought about using one of those for a battery maintainer on my dually when it gets parked for extended periods. Would be GREAT to have the block heater on one!

 

[chillman88]

This is the kit I bought a couple years ago. ($37 now) Listed as "not compatible with IDIs. Not sure if the element won't physiclaly fit or if it's because it's only 600W element. The cord is correct though:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ostart-600-watt-engine-heater/3100040/4871285

The 1000W proper fitment kit to fit is $85:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...00043/4871288/1985/ford/e-350-econoline?pos=0

It looks like just the cord is now cheaper:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...rd/e-350-econoline?q=engine+heater+cord&pos=0

For what it's worth, at least locally to me Amazon is a little cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ENENJQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_oREOFb5ZVQYDR

 

[Cubey]

For what it's worth, at least locally to me Amazon is a little cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ENENJQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_oREOFb5ZVQYDR

Yeah, I just paid retail for the kit since I was driving through Nebraska when I realized my batteries were going bad. I made it clear past Amarillo before I replaced the batteries since Walmart 65 batteries were out of stock at many stores, so trying to find a pair of the 65N (not 65S) batteries was a bit hard. Someone had suggested an Interstate battery corp store for cheap batteries but they weren't cheap in Amarillo. So, I went to Walmart not long after. I used the cord a couple times in the panhandle when on grid. I had to use my tiny generator's built in 10A 12V battery charger to top off the battery charges a few times until I got new ones.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Not sure if the element won't physiclaly fit or if it's because it's only 600W element.

Assuming that the picture is correct for the one that you bought, the heating element looks like it will hit a cylinder before the heater is completely seated in the hole. I may be wrong on that one.

 

[Cubey]

Assuming that the picture is correct for the one that you bought, the heating element looks like it will hit a cylinder before the heater is completely seated in the hole. I may be wrong on that one.

Could be. Probably why it isn't compatible.