grid heater life

[jaynes]

Yeah,



So I've been over in the ford-diesel forums just poking around and reading about all the problems the PSDs have when it comes to starting. Most often, it is GPR and GP problems that affect how well a stroker starts. GLow plugs do go bad, but I've never heard of a grid heater going bad. Do our grid heaters have a certain life span? Like, will they get to a point where they will no longer glow anymore? Cause I know they can't get gelled up or burnt out in the cylinders. Just curious, cause, hehe, even in -20 degree weather, I only have to cycle the thing once and it fires up on the first turn of the engine. Yeah, so, do these things have a life span? Thanks guys.



jaynes

 

[EOliver]

The only part of the grid intake heating system that I have heard going bad are the relays and the IAT sensor. Mine still works perfectly, and I have not doen any work to it yet. Other than that, I am sure they have a "life span". (everything does) I just don't know how long they will last... ???



Good question!

 

[Lil' Dog]

The old 89 I had was the original IAT and heater. No problems and always fired up, even at -35. The winter season goes about 5 months where I notice the heaters being used, either at start up or after startup. . That truck had about 8100 hours and 380,000 Km (237,500 mi).



J-eh

 

[jaynes]

Cool, but...

Good to know the heaters are immortal (maybe?) but how do I know if the IAT sensor is going bad. . . I don't even know what that is! Haha, but I've already replaced the sensor that sticks into the intake manifold. That cost me little over $60. Dunno, I guess that is a good question. I just know mine doesn't operate like the others. Like, I don't see my "WAIT. . . " light all the time like on the '94s and up. Even after its hot, it still comes on for a second or two. Mine won't do that. Is the IAT sensor the sensor I was tlaking about that sticks into the intake?



jaynes

 

[EOliver]

Yes the IAT sensor is in the intake manifold nearest the firewall. IAT stands for Intake Air Temperature, just in case you were wondering... The IAT is what triggers the intake heaters to come on.