big draw of power after start up

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I notice a big draw of power after start up, even at fast idle, my voltmeter drops well below 14 for several seconds and it comes back up. It cycles through this process for several minutes or more. There seems to be a correlation between how warm the engine is and the number of times it cycles and for how long. With the lights on or the defrost fan on high it is very noticeable. reving up to 2000 does even phase it (stays well below 14 volts)

Is this the manifold grid heater(my only guess)Is it NORMAL?? Do you all experience the same thing?

If it is the grid heater then it would seem logical that your truck is ready to drive(warmed up)once this draw of major power is complete.

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Y2K Dodge 2500HD Cummins 4x4 SLT
5 speed, SWB, Patriot Blue,
3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Urethane bedliner,ACCESS roll up cover, lots of stainless steel,
manual fast idle knob, LT265/75/16

 

[Archive]

yes, yes and yes

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'98 3500 SLT Sport 5-spd 4X4 Quad cab, TST#?, 16cm, BD brake,BD clutch
Bilsteins,Firestone Ride-Rites, 4. 10s, lsd, Tow pkg, Reese gooseneck,
Rhino liner, Mag-Hytec diff
byrdseye@taosnet.com
http://members. xoom.com/byrdseye/

 

[Archive]

It's normal - they all do that!! I never thought I'd say those words, I sound just like a dealer! Seriously, that is normal it's just the manifold heater. It will cycle for up to 3 minutes or 20 miles per hour I believe.

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-Steve St. Laurent
'98 Quad Cab Long Bed (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, Prime-loc remote fuel filter,
boost & pyro gauges, TST Powermax, Permatech spray in liner, Grizzly stainless nerf bars,
front Draw-Tite receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's
http://my. voyager.net/stevest

 

[Archive]

normal... . I remember a TDR article talking about this, seems like the time the intake heater cycles is related to outside temp. i. e. < 40 degrees 15 seconds < 20 degrees 30 seconds. < 0 degrees 60 seconds. or somewhere in that vicinity

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98 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior Monroe Gas Magnums Armor Tuff spray in bed liner Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16

 

[Archive]

Yeap, I have experienced the same thing. The first time I really noticed it, was when I was out hunting. After leaving the rig for 4-5 hours, starting, and driving around at low speeds, I noticed the headlights dimming at 20-30 second intervals. I assumed it was the heater as well. From my experience it also seems to be speed dependant because I hadn't noticed it before. When I'm not out in the brush, I usually moving along at a good clip.

 

[Archive]

After ordering my truck back in April 1996 and taking delivery less than five weeks later, suprised the *#!% out of me, I noticed the same thing when winter came. I thought something was wrong, but before calling the dealer finally decided to read the owner's manual. They explain the operation of the manifold heaters when you get below 58 degrees. I was so eager to enjoy my truck it took something odd to have me read the "instructions" thoroughly. Sounds like you did the same.

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david b kriebel, 1996 Ext. Cab 4x4, 2500, SLT, Cummins, Garnet red, Loaded, now I am not.

1970 Hemi Cuda
1970 440+6 GTX
1967 440 GTX
1966 Hemi Satellite
And no spare time!!!