Block Heaters - Keep Burning Out

[True Grit]

I am getting low life on my block heaters - like a couple of months. Anyone have a thoughts as to why these are burning out so quickly?

TG

 

[scottwvyc]

I have had mine in for more than 2 years now with no problems. Just a guess, but could you be getting an air lock where elements are after you shut down and they burn out with no fluid around them?

 

[Silverado6x6]

I was losing heaters left and right on a cummins engine until I replaced a small aeroquip bypass hose that was rotted out internally, it kept an air pocket in the back half of the block, check any line bypassing the thermostats especially if its a small like a #4 aeroquip. I only found it bad after physically removing it and blowing air through it BOTH ways.

 

[34Hatt]

I think the post above makes the most sense!

I suggest switch to wolverine pad heaters they work the best and you can heat the motor from the pan up. Do a search here you will find many happy people with them.

 

[REBrueckner]

Two things will kill internal block heaters..an air pocket as described above where a circulation hose or engine orifice is blocked.

A second killer is an installation in the wrong place where water cannot circulate. They should generally be installed low, not high, in the block, where heated water can rise and be replaced with cold coolant...coolant circulation is a must.

 

[MicroKap]

I was also told to make sure that the block heaters were turned off when you are going to start your engine and don't turn them back on until the engines are off again. It had something to do with the fluid being pumped by the heater and possibly causing air pockets that could eat away at the element. I'm not sure if this holds true, but I haven't had any trouble with mine in over four years.

 

[Avenger]

This is pretty unlikely to be the problem but it never hurts to check. Are the heaters rated for the right voltage?