JD 2640 Block Heater

Rathpr · Dec 24, 2015

My block heater does not appear to be working. Had it plugged in for two hours and could not feel any heat when touched the engine block. I checked the resistance with multimeter and was close to 0 (0.2 ohms). Given this is supposed to be a 1,000 watt heater it looks like it is shot. before I spend $120 on a new one has anyone ever measured the resistance? It also has a 2-inch nut on the end. has anyone ever used a pipe wrench to remove one of these. I don't have any wrenches that would fit this. Thanks.

beenthere · Dec 24, 2015

If nothing else, I'd prolly use a pipe wrench.

This one on Amazon, part # RE227949 the one you are after?

Amazon.com : Frost Plug Heater For John Deere 1000 Watt 1-5/8" Re227949 : Tractors : Patio, Lawn & Garden

$138 on eBay.

Less on this site.
John Deere Coolant Heater RE227949

Tx Jim · Dec 25, 2015

Here's the heater from JD & it's cheaper than the one on Amazon. DZ102076 Coolant Heater - COOLANT HEATER, WITH CORD KIT 108.37 USD

Oldtink · Dec 25, 2015

I'm betting your heating element is just fine. It would be impossible to measure it's effective resistance with a DC ohm meter. The ohm meter will always read extremely low due to nichrome's positive temperature coefficient.
The only way I can think of doing that is the measure it's current and multiply that by the applied voltage to find wattage. It obviously isn't drawing any current so I'd be looking for an open connection between the element and the power source.
Just my 2 cents.

and Merry Christmas BTW.

Quebecguy · Dec 25, 2015

Hello Rathpr,
If you are measuring almost zero ohms resistance in your block heater then the fuse in your electrical supply should be blowing when you plug the heater in. Do you have power at the end of your extension cord?

Rathpr · Dec 25, 2015

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the less costly heater. Good point about the circuit breaker, if 0 resistance it should trip. I'll look into it more and report back. Everyone have a great Christmas

Quebecguy · Dec 25, 2015

Hello again Rathpr,
I just went up to the shed with my ohmmeter and measured the resistance of the block heater on my JD 5205. I found it to be twelve ohms which would give a current of about nine or ten amperes and a wattage of between one thousand and twelve hundred watts which I guess to be about right. I've no idea if a 2640 block heater would be the same.

Rathpr · Jan 18, 2016

Thanks for the replies. I just thought I would follow up on this for anybodies future reference. I ordered a new block heater ($92). I could not get the old one out. I tried PB Blaster, heating it and a large pipe wrench. I tried to use an impact wrench but it would not fit because of the down angle (only had 9-inches clearance). I ended up renting a torque converter but couldn't get the assembly to hold together because everything was almost inverted. I took the large ratchet that came with the converter (1/2-in and about 16 in long) with the 1 7/8 in socket I got from the rental place along with a 3 ft piece of pipe used as a breaker bar and with significant effort was able to get the old one out. It was pretty badly rusted. The new one showed a resistance of 15 ohms. Went in with no problem and is heating the block just fine. Easy start in the cold weather after about 2 hours on the block heater.