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Old 02-03-2019, 02:54 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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99' International 3800 Engine Block Heater

Hello,


I have the above model/yr bus. It has an engine block heater (I believe it is a freeze plug type), though the most I can authoritatively say about it at this point is that the receptacle on the exterior of the bus (picture attached) is a NEMA 6-15 (or could be a 6-30?), 240v 15 (30?) amp style. Being that I run 120v at my house, what is the impact if I just buy an adapter and plug it into my 120v main via a standard NEMA 5-15 outlet, or do I need some sort of transformer?


My understanding is that you shouldn't use block heaters unless the temp is below freezing outside. Mine started up right away at ~40F this AM without one, but if it is appropriate to use them at temperatures above freezing, I'd like to know.



Thanks!
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Old 02-06-2019, 08:36 PM   #2
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Any thoughts anyone? I still can't seem to find anything via google about how to get juice to the warmer and I need to move the bus and it's too cold to start otherwise right now.
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Old 02-06-2019, 09:16 PM   #3
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I can't imagine them getting hot enough to damage anything.
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Old 02-06-2019, 09:58 PM   #4
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Top prong is ground.
Get a meter and see if you have continuity on the two flatter prongs.


Or just swap that plug for a normal male 15 amp male end on cord behind that plug.


15 amps will get your heat if there is continuity.
I'm too old to remember Nema specs or configurations or care anymore.


01 marc where do you keep coming up with your suggestions? Shouldn't get too hot, really now? Is red hot not really hot to your touch?



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Old 02-06-2019, 10:06 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackJohn View Post
Top prong is ground.
Get a meter and see if you have continuity on the two flatter prongs.


Or just swap that plug for a normal male 15 amp male end on cord behind that plug.


15 amps will get your heat if there is continuity.
I'm too old to remember Nema specs or configurations or care anymore.


01 marc where do you keep coming up with your suggestions? Shouldn't get too hot, really now? Is red hot not really hot to your touch?


John
What is it heating besides the fluids that it could get so hot it causes damage? Explain to me with details so I am better educated.
Do they get red hot while they are surrounded by fluid, be it antifreeze or oil?
I've only read stories where some truckers plug their bus in every day of the year. And others who have used them in warm weather. I have yet to read about a negative issue with it.
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Old 02-06-2019, 10:21 PM   #6
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If you live in a house, you have 240 service in your breaker box, if you live in an apartment, you might not have 240. You do not want to hook 120 to it, it won't hurt anything but will not provide much heat out of the elements designed for 240
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Old 02-06-2019, 10:25 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kubla View Post
If you live in a house, you have 240 service in your breaker box, if you live in an apartment, you might not have 240. You do not want to hook 120 to it, it won't hurt anything but will not provide much heat out of the elements designed for 240

Might be enough to get him going though, seeing it's panic time.


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Old 02-06-2019, 10:28 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by o1marc View Post
What is it heating besides the fluids that it could get so hot it causes damage? Explain to me with details so I am better educated.
Do they get red hot while they are surrounded by fluid, be it antifreeze or oil?
I've only read stories where some truckers plug their bus in every day of the year. And others who have used them in warm weather. I have yet to read about a negative issue with it.



Well there you go. I can't teach anyone something that knows it all.


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Old 02-06-2019, 10:33 PM   #9
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Well there you go. I can't teach anyone something that knows it all.


John
How about you tell me where I'm wrong. One thing I hated about my father was he was always quick to chide when you were wrong, but never offered a solution or explain why it was wrong. Paper cups burn up in a red hot fire in seconds, fill that paper cup with water and it will boil all day long.
Please tell every one else why I'm wrong? Hit me with some technical data to back your theory. Does that thing get red hot in the fluid?
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Old 02-07-2019, 09:36 PM   #10
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Thanks for the help! Gonna dig in tomorrow and figure out a solution, add that to my list of replace fuel filters, finish removing and dispose of seats for the weekend agenda.


It's been pretty cold and I tried turning her over once to no avail.
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