Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel Heater

[I Buck]

1995 Truck;

16 year old truck, wanted to replace the fuel heater, and change out the screen. Dropped the bowel on the bottom of the assembly, was suprised to see how clean it was! Next, pull down the heater, can't get it to drop. It wiggles, but won't come free. Can't see what is holding it on. How do you get the heater off?

Tx, Buck.

 

[surfbeetle]

Contact Joe G, (if I remember correctly) he is a member here and maintains an fuel system write-up on the 12 valves. He is also a fan of flat removing the fuel heater.

 

[BigPapa]

There is a "bolt" in the center of it that will need to be removed to get it out. It takes an allen wrench. I can't remember the size but it's pretty large, 8-10mm I think. If you want to leave the heater out, just leave the heater and the bolt out and screw the bowl and screen back on.



Scott

 

[GAmes]

Just toss the fuel heater. It is not needed, even when the weather gets cold. I've started mine in -20F with no trouble.

 

[ata]

The fuel heater really has nothing to do with starting the motor in cold weather. The fuel heater is there to warm the fuel before the fuel filter so fuel that is starting to gel (wax-up) doesn't plug the fuel filter.

 

[AH64ID]

In theory if your fuel is properly treated then you shouldn't need a fuel heater... that being said I run 2 fuel heaters on my truck!

They are not a bad idea if you go anywhere cold. Not only do they keep fuel from gelling but they warm it up which makes it flow better.

 

[DWeaver]

The fuel heater has an 8mm allen bolt in the center. The threads are the same as the threads on the bowl. I agree with the others chuck that leaking thing, and make diagnosing hard start problems that much easier.

 

[I Buck]

Thanks... ... ... ... . Now how could I have missed that! Old age I gess... ... ... .

For got to mention, when I pushed the button many times on the pump next to the heater, I got a few drops of fuel leaking out from under the rubber cover. Normal, or is a o-ring in need of replacing. No leak noticed after driving though.

Long time ago, driving across Iowa, winter time, in a Peterbilt, fuel gelled and stoped me cold. Took new fuel filters, a few cans of heet, and a big tow truck to get going again. Strange thing, the refer unit, with fuel lines running from the tank under the trailer up to the unit on front of trailer never quit running!

 

[MLee]

I also found that a 5/16 allen with a 3/8 socket fits just great. And that baby is tight.