Cat backhoe 416C block heater trips ac breaker a minute after plug in It is heater 161-8198 On right side of block Is this heater screwed in or compression fit? I do not see any screw in it How do I remove it to install new? (When I get it!)
It looks like it presses in just like a core plug, I don't see any of the usual locking methods. I'd pry it out with a small pry bar under those three tabs a little at a time on each one. Clean up any rust before putting in the new one. That is an unusual failure mode for a block heater. Have you tried it on a different breaker to see if the breaker got weak? Is it an arc fault or GFI breaker that's tripping? anything else on that breaker that goes off also?
It worked on the same breaker last winter. have tried 2 separate breakers / with the cord disconnected from the element the breaker does not trip ( eliminates the cord!) have not checked the element with ohm meter
Delmar We had tried 2 separate cords on 2 separate breakers After your suggestion we tried a third breaker This breaker is NOT GFI and the block heater is now working THANK YOU VERY MUCH ——EXPERIENCE MATTERS!
GFI's are extremely sensitive and are supposed to be. But, I have had to replace a couple of mine because they would trip just like yours did. You could try replacing one of those with a new one that has a 20 amp rating.