Almost Lost The Truck, Garage, House, Bike, Sled etc etc - Diesel Forum

MotionMan · 01-17-2006, 12:32 PM

Went out this morning, had the truck plugged in on a timer but woke up early for a meeting so it had just come on, the plug was smoking and shooting sparks, even though the GFI plug did it's job the plug and wire protector were on fire. I sware it had just come on seconds before I went out in the garage and I caught it before it burned the bumper plastic. If I had woke 10 minutes later I would have had a major fire. I can't even believe my luck here. Called on a new plug....$68.00 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] I use my heater often and it was looking a little like it was wearing out at the plug end. I will replace this every year if it will avoid loosing everything I own. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

JohnBoyII · 01-17-2006, 02:20 PM

Whew ! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

Yep - what I've found that the "working" end of any cord is where the bending and moving and plugging and unplugging is what eventually wears out the cord right behind the end....

Might consider a thru the bumper Marinco plug if you use it that much...

And coming from the RV world I always used a heavy duty short pig tail on the ends of my expensive extension cords...
those are easy and cheap to replace !!!

MotionMan · 01-17-2006, 03:35 PM

Do you have a link to this plug? I use a short heavy gauge ext cord also, that was fine, the plug on the truck is what went south. I am always careful not to bend it much or let it hang, I always hang it so the weight is not on the plug end. I would like to know more on the Marinco deal, I do use this a lot in the winter. Thanks.

thefermanator · 01-17-2006, 04:36 PM

Something like this should work well for the block heater.

marinco plug

Bruce1954 · 01-17-2006, 07:30 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Something like this should work well for the block heater.

marinco plug

[/ QUOTE ]

I have thought about using something similar but from the industrial side of things, did not know what to do with the back side since it is always in a box or enclosure of some kind. I see what you have above has an inner boot in addition to the outside cover. Perfect!

Thanks
Bruce

rock_doctor · 01-17-2006, 07:50 PM

If you do a search, you will find you are the third or fourth person who has had this happen. One actually lost their house... What happens is the salt from the road starts to corrode the copper plug and then wicks its way up the wire. Then eventually it shorts and catches fire. I keep a coating of dielectric grease on mine, make sure to tuck it way back into the bumper and check it everything I plug it in... You should be able to get a replacement block heater cord from international or ford directly. It should be cheaper then $68 though.... I am glad you caught it when you did; the luck was with you... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

mark

MotionMan · 01-17-2006, 08:27 PM

I have always used the dielectric greese also, I think the constant movement and salt that may even wick down the wire from the other end. Sometimes I forget and let it hang out, not any more. I see some without covers on then out in the open with no greese, they will pay for this too. I always thought the cjeap tape and plastic wire loom was weak, it looked too weak and it was...and is. I will check this marinco deal also, thanks.

mmsafd · 01-18-2006, 12:49 AM

Those Marinco recepticles are available at Academy down here. Just FYI.

MotionMan · 01-18-2006, 05:49 PM

I picked up the cord today, I guess it is worth $68, it is very elaborate with lots of plug in "holders" and nice conduate. It is much more than a plug thats for sure. The garage is warming and it should go easy, just follow the old one. Just for grins I asked hou much for the stealer to instal it and they said $200. I have a ton more time than money so even if it took me a day it would be worth it but I see maybe 1/2 hour here.