heater question

[2001cummins]

Plugged in my block heater and noticed a noise like it was crackling unplugged it and went away. Is it going bad? Never noticed it before.

 

[2001cummins]

Its like it vibrating inside.

 

[Billysgoat]

Anytime you hear that it's best to leave it unplugged, get a meter and check to see if it is going to ground. Also check continuity through the two flats on the plug, you should have resistance, but it shouldn't be an open circuit.

Off the top of my head though, it doesn't sound good.

 

[2001cummins]

Is it best just to get a new block heater?

 

[Billysgoat]

Possibly, check to make sure you don't have continuity from any port on the plug to the truck first, you could possibly have a broken wire.

 

[2001cummins]

ok thanks

 

[Diehard Ram]

I thought the craking and poping was normal. Mine does that everytime. But just for a second or two.

 

[LReiff]

You may hear a slight arc sound in the plug but second for a second when first plugged in. A properly functioning block heater is silent.

 

[Billysgoat]

My guess is the cracking and popping is from the heater elements, the issue there is if it's cracked, you could get 110V to the truck. I don't think the ECM or any other electronics would like that.

 

[Diehard Ram]

Dang it something else i need to replace. When does it end!

 

[2001cummins]

Why is one heater L shaped and one is straight. Does it matter which one I get?

 

[Diehard Ram]

If this is for your 01, than you need the straight one. The threaded one. The other style is for old 12v blocks. It is a bolt in freeze plug style.

 

[2001cummins]

Ok thanks

 

[trxtimmy]

I had this same thing happen.. replaced it and it went away.