Grid Heater

[Batmbmw]

If I do a Grid heater delete to avoid the possibility of the bolt catastrophe can I use the block heater as an alternative option if needed ? Newbie here just trying to learn the Diesel game , Be kind lol , Any help would be appreciated, Thanks 2015 Ram 3500

 

[18CrewDually]

Short answer, yes in moderate climates. If you do a wiggle test of the connector wire and it is tight it should be fine but if your paranoid you can just pull the trigger wire off of the grid heater relay located under/beside the air filter box and then the grid heater bolt will not be energized.

 

[Batmbmw]

Thank you yes, I did just check the bolt on the grid heater and it was tight as can be these threads on this bolt failure just has me paranoid lol

 

[Fast69Mopar]

Thank you yes, I did just check the bolt on the grid heater and it was tight as can be these threads on this bolt failure just has me paranoid lol

For my customers who are paranoid about a grid heater fastener going through the engine and they want to keep the grid heater I use my TIG and I weld the stud and the nut in place. This keeps the wire terminal from getting loose and heating up the stud and causing the failure. Not everyone will agree with this tactic but its what I do for people who ask and who also dont want to upgrade the grid heater.

 

[nlambert182]

The grid heater and block heater are two separate things. One heats the intake air and the other heats the block and in turn, the fluids. You can use both, either, or neither. Won't affect much of anything unless you intend to stay in extremely cold climates for long periods of time.

I wouldn't let the few bolt threads floating around concern you. Grid heater bolt failure is VERY few and VERY far between.

 

[Batmbmw]

For my customers who are paranoid about a grid heater fastener going through the engine and they want to keep the grid heater I use my TIG and I weld the stud and the nut in place. This keeps the wire terminal from getting loose and heating up the stud and causing the failure. Not everyone will agree with this tactic but its what I do for people who ask and who also dont want to upgrade the grid heater.

Thanks for the tip I just might do that , if I unhook it at the solenoid and plug in the block heater on cold mornings is that the same concept ?

 

[Fast69Mopar]

Thanks for the tip I just might do that , if I unhook it at the solenoid and plug in the block heater on cold mornings is that the same concept ?

No, not really. The block heater is installed into the block as it heats the coolant. The intake grid heater on top of the engine heats the air going in to the motor. Plugging in the block heater will help but it does not do the same thing.

 

[Batmbmw]

The grid heater and block heater are two separate things. One heats the intake air and the other heats the block and in turn, the fluids. You can use both, either, or neither. Won't affect much of anything unless you intend to stay in extremely cold climates for long periods of time.

I wouldn't let the few bolt threads floating around concern you. Grid heater bolt failure is VERY few and VERY far between.

Right on thank you for that info !

 

[poopsleeve]

you should do it, even if it's for the worry of the bolt. This is my intake at 168k and if needed, I'll take a pic of the clogged heating element itself.
Terrible.
This unit uses a much simpler heating element. It's on the other side of the elbow.
Good luck
This is not a hard job , depending if you just stare alternator screens all day or do all your own service.

 

[06 Dodge]

On the older trucks I get wanting to change grid heaters out but I would not waste my time or money with an over priced Banks unit, also its heater is subpar in cold temps and its also over priced

 

[poopsleeve]

My truck breathes better. MPG is up. Transmission shifts are noticeable smoother , throttle response is dramatically better.
Spend your money where you want , that's what I do.
Couldn't be happier with this purchase.

 

[nlambert182]

If the truck isn't deleted and tuned, that air intake horn isn't going to do much other than give you a seat of the pants feel. The computer keeps everything else where it's supposed to be.

All that said... getting rid of it isn't a bad idea. What most are pointing out is that Banks is extremely overpriced. There are other options out there that accomplish the same thing just as well for a fraction of the price. But... if you like it, I'm all for you spending your money where you see fit.