Rookie needs Block Heater Help ASAP!

[AJCONLINE]

Hey folks, I just bought my 99 F250 7.3 a few weeks ago and just found out it has a block heater. (too late as I missed my appointment by then because she would not start for me). Anyway, how do I know the block heater is operating? I plugged it in but donen't seem to make much of a difference starting and now I'm draining the batteries. The extension cord does not seem warm or hot at all to the touch, that was all I could think of to check. Are there any fuses for the block heater, if so, where? Any help ASAP would be great 'cause I'm waiting to start the truck and my day, I can only watch so many movies On Demand! Thanks, Adam

[scotty2280]

it take like three hours to warm that motor up, how long has it been plugged in for, also if you have one put a gfi on it.

[Powerstroke W/smoke]

ya usually on my truck, after it sits while plugged in for a while, when i start it my heater is usually already somewhat warm

[Clay Henry]

No fuses, its 120v.
If your not starting, have the batteries and alternator tested.
It should still start even unplugged IF you have good power from the batts.

[scotty2280]

plus maybe try cycling the glow plugs a couple of times before starting it!?

[Clay Henry]

Originally Posted by scotty2280

plus maybe try cycling the glow plugs a couple of times before starting it!?

Yes, another good idea. And cycle them as long as 30 seconds if its really cold.

[AJCONLINE]

Originally Posted by scotty2280

it take like three hours to warm that motor up, how long has it been plugged in for, also if you have one put a gfi on it.

What's a gfi? Good F'n Instrument? (that's all I got, lol) Its been plugged in for atleast 3 hours now but I kept trying to start it off and on about every half hour so now the batteries only turn it for about 3 seconds. I got a mess of problems here...

[vitalidle]

GFI is ground fault interupter is code for and electrical outlets in the bathroom or around water I suppose. You need to charge your batteries up first and then you should probobly check out our glow plug relay and glow plugs.

[Clay Henry]

GFI= ground fault interupt.
Its a plug with a breaker in it.
The best way to tell if the block heater is working is to feel the block down where the heater is located after its been plugged in awhile.
How cold is it there?

[AJCONLINE]

Its about 25F feels like 16. Will be about 10 tonight and was that atmost last night.
-If I jump it and it starts, can I just leave it running or does that burnout my alt? P.S. The batteries do have some juice so they're not totally dead.
-CHenry...How's the veggie system working out for you? Good if you got 40K I assume but any problems, clogged injectors or anything? I'm saving for a "Greasecar" system (Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems) to cut down my fuel costs and carbon deposits in engine. Was it hard to find the oil and how do you filter it, just with a basic fine filter like with auto paint?
-Also guys, how do I know if my glow plugs are bad, can I check them without a tester? I assume they're going 'cause I have to cycle the plugs when cold, right?