Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fuel heater-where to buy????????

[MAllen1]

I have a small (but getting bigger by the phone call) problem. I noticed on my 99 that my fuel heater is starting to leak around the gromet where it seals the heater to the top of the fuel filter housing. The problem started when I called Cummins South for the part and the man in the parts department seemed to not be able to find it in the computer, even after giving the engine #. Then I called the local Dodge dealer parts department, and upon giving the vin and sending a picture out of a factory service manual, the man on the phone proceded to the fuel water separator. When I explained that I didn't need that part, that I needed a fuel heater, he went into trying to tell me about two options---1) replace the factory fuel delivery system (I still run a factory lift pump) with the new in tank system that is $500+ or 2) replacing the housing ( I was asumming he was talking about the fuel housing) so I could get the fuel heater for somewhere around $1000. This is maddening! Can anyone help? I have a 99 2500 with a stock fuel system. The fuel heater fits on top of the housing.

 

[MBanning]

I had the same problem with my 99, and know others have as well. You can remove the entire filter housing and open it up. On the inside, in the top there are three small torx head screws that hold the heating element. The plug on the wires can be taken apart so the wires can be pulled thru the hole in the top of the filter housing as the heating element is removed. There is an O ring that you can replace on the round plastic piece that pokes thru the top of the filter housing. If the fuel is leaking around the wires and not the outside edge of the plastic piece a 1/2" pipe tap fits this hole without needing to drill it out first. Tap slow, straight, and square with some cutting oil and fill the hole with a 1/2" brass pipe plug. The plastic plug you removed from the wires can be filled with silicone and pushed back in to its place in the wiring harness and I think there is a seperate fuel heater relay that could be removed. A $2 plug and a $12 tap(if you don't have one) will stop the leak and you can buy alot of fuel additive to prevent gelling, if it's cold enough to need it, for $1000

Good luck MBanning

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[MAllen1]

Thanks for the advice. I will do this on my next day off. I will not miss the fuel heater that much, it doesn't get that cold here around the Atlanta area.

 

[MAllen1]

I know it may be an odd question (sort of), but, does anyone know how to get in touch with TDR writer Andy Redmond? He wrote something in issue 69 about leaking fuel heaters. He mentioned something about coming out with a replacement for the 99s.

 

[Bill Stockard]

PM sent to you



Bill