Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 98.5 Fuel Filter Housing

[Nate]

I'm working on my truck right now, relocating the lift pump down on the frame rail.



Anyhow, I never really paid much attention before, but on the top of the fuel filter housing, there are 2 wire running into the top, 1 red and 1 black. The wires go down to a large plug and into the wiring harness.



It's not the WIF sensor, that's on the bottom of the canister, this is actually on the top... part that is attached to the engine.



Just curious what it's for?

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

It's a heater.

 

[Nate]

Is that just a 98. 5 thing?

 

[Ncostello]

No. A heating element in a fuel filter canister is a very common thing. I wouldn't hesitate to say every Dodge Cummins had one from the factory... from 1989 to current. And practically every other truck diesel engine out there has one.

 

[Nate]

Interesting to know. For some reason I thought only the 12 valves had a fuel heater. I take it that the heater comes on at a certain temp to help the fuel from gelling in the filter housing?