1994 Ford Ranger Engline Block Heater?

Tiny
GNTVNHFTN
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I realized for the first time in two years that my truck had an engine heater. (First time it was plugged in I smelled oil, which should be normal). During the cold weather -0*F, I plugged in my Ranger again, only to quickly unplug it because as soon as I plugged it in, somewhere by the heater lit up blue, threw sparks, buzzed loudly, and had a puff of smoke from the area (Looked like a welding arc). The truck still starts and runs, would there be any explaination for it. Shorted out, fried the heater, or ice on the connection? I am a little worried to try and plug it in again, possibly causing a fire. I was using and ext. Cord with the proper ratings. Thanks.
Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 AT 6:12 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Have you looked to see what it was that arced? Look in the area for any electrical that may have caused it. Where on the truck was this?
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Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 AT 7:50 AM
Tiny
GNTVNHFTN
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When it sparked/arced it was at night. I couldn't tell the exact spot right now. I'll crawl under and look farther to see if any thing is burnt or shorted. The original plug is on the passsenger side it leads to about the middle of the engine right about the engine block. Although the truck is a 1994, there is still a considerable amount of oil covering everything below. Do you think there is a chance that oil was the problem that shorted it out or since the truck is 12 years old, it is known to do that. (I have to add a quart of oil every month. Is that normal)?
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Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
GNTVNHFTN
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  • 4 POSTS
I followed the plug to the heater, along the plug I found exposed wires. The short came from an exposed wire touching the frame. There was ice buildup close to the wires, which I believe caused the arcs to jump. I noticed the radiator fan was cracked, the safety shield from the fan side was broken. Parts of the engine were zip-tied together. Oil and engine coolant were majorly leaking. My BRAKE, ABS, and CHECK ENGINE lights are constantly on. I spend so much time and money cleaning and buffing the truck body, I have never really looked at the engine bay close enough to see all that. I am driving a safety HAZARD. As of now, I am parking away from everything, and looking for a newer vehicle. Thanks
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Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Just glad you didnt wind up with a car-b-que
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Thursday, January 31st, 2008 AT 7:44 AM

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