[Vwdiesel] block heater test?

[Will Taygan]

Okay, I'm trying to figure out if I have a blown element and/or a bad
cord on the 1.6TD 94 Frankenjetta. 

It appears to be a zerostart/vw freeze-plug block heater.  The end of
the cord is orange and rectangular with the part that fits into the
heater shaped like a V, with 3 holes in it.  

I tried testing continuity from the plug into the holes, but either
they're all bad, or I couldn't get a good connection.  (There is some
corrosion) They all tested as open.

I wiggled the plug and stuck it back it, tried testing again, still
open, then voila!  tested at 35 ohms.

Previously I didn't heart any sizzle, and the back of the block was cool
when I touched it, no noticeable heat on the radiator hose.

So, I've got it plugged in, we'll see how warm it is in the morning
(after I prime the injection pump :) ).

Does 35 ohms sound about right for the element?  I'm assuming it's a
standard 400(?) watt heater.

** Where do ya'll notice heat on a plugged in 1.6?  Is the back of the
block around the heater warmed?  or just the radiator hose?

On my 81 I've got a zerostart lower raditor hose heater on the hose to
the block, it might not do much for the crankshaft, but the head and
prechambers get toasty warm and cold starts are no problem!  I've been
nervous to tinker with the block, but a hose heater is easy!


Thanks,

Will Taygan
81 1.6NA vw pickup
94 1.6TD vw frankenjetta