Heater grid bolt failure

[larryq]

Hello @ all!

I bought the BD kit that addresses the heater grid bolt failure.
I didn’t quite like what I saw and will be putting up on eBay soon.

I had also ordered the Banks monster intake but didn’t look at the instructions first.

I think this kit is beyond me.
Messing with the common rail fuel system puts me off.

I tried to cancel the order but banks said it was already in shipping.

is the failure of that bolt a red herring, a non issue, or scare tactic to make people buy either of these 2 “solutions”

depending on what other members say, I’m either going to keep the banks and bring it to a local shop for install, or send it back to banks.

I still have 5 years on my extended warranty.
If the bolt failed and got into #6 cylinder, I would think the warranty would have to be honored..

so, fellow diesel fans, what do you say??

it’s a big decision as the kit alone was a grand!!

then a mechanics 6 estimated hours to install.

thanks again!
Larry

 

[Diesel85]

I would leave it alone under warranty. Especially with 5 years of warranty.

After it's up, you can do whatever you think is right.

 

[Turbo Terry]

I think the push and wiggle test is the way to go for me. At 74 as I get older and drive it less it won’t be a issue for me fingers crossed

 

[Tuesdak]

I bought the BD kit that addresses the heater grid bolt failure.

so, fellow diesel fans, what do you say??

The grid heater bolt may be rare, but, it's common enough for a company to make a kit to improve it. Warranty is a PIA while you are without your truck and maybe in some random rental IF anything is available. Even under the extended MOPAR Warranty I am putting this kit in because "if it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all!".

A shop to do the work isn't a bad plan.

The Banks Monster Intake I wouldn't put on under warranty.

 

[Diesel85]

I was thinking based off @Tuesdak's post, if you plan on keeping the truck after the warranty, keep the intake and put it on after the warranty expires if that's your fancy.

 

[Topzide]

@larryq, With a set of line wrenches and crows foot line wrenches in metric, pretty easy job to do. Did mine a few weeks ago and good I did for peace of mind! Not worth it to have that thing fail and trash engine, even if under warranty! Your truck, your call. I felt it wasn't worth the quarter flip and crossed fingers! Winters can be cold and grid heater could get stuck on and trash that connection resulting in being stuck somewhere you might not have been planning on. I vote for the kit install.

 

[AH64ID]

If it were really an issue there would have been a design change and/or a recall.

The Geno’s wiggle test should be plenty

 

[larryq]

Thanks for all the advice.

still not sure what direction to go, but I called my local Christian Brothers and they asked that I bring the kit and the truck to them to see if the tech Forman would want to take it on.

wish I had a reputable diesel shop to take it to.

we shall see what they think.

L

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I like the Black Market Performance intake horn, which uses a DIH4 heater. No need to disturb the intake cover or injector lines. So long as the bus bar is still tight, it will do all you need.

 

[sag2]

Don't count on it being covered under warranty. There is a Warranty Bulletin that advises the dealer to check for cause of failure. If the relay stuck on and caused it, no warranty beyond 3/36 basic. If they can't confirm it was the relay it would be covered under powertrain.
I installed the Banks kit and although it is a quality kit, I don't like the fact the #1 injector line is special and can only be purchased from Banks. I have a cap off tool under the back seat now just in case.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

To add to sag2 advice, the cap-off part is for emergency use, not long term. The injectors are electrically operated and could fail if they don't continue getting the fuel that lubricates and cools the nozzle assembly. Also, as both of us have done, it is a good idea to install an indicator light so you know when the grid heater is on (the instrument panel indicator isn't good enough). You want to know if it comes on when it shouldn't or stays on too long.

 

[John Jensen]

To add to sag2 advice, the cap-off part is for emergency use, not long term. The injectors are electrically operated and could fail if they don't continue getting the fuel that lubricates and cools the nozzle assembly. Also, as both of us have done, it is a good idea to install an indicator light so you know when the grid heater is on (the instrument panel indicator isn't good enough). You want to know if it comes on when it shouldn't or stays on too long.

That indicator light sounds like a great idea. Do you have a wiring diagram or something to facilitate the install?

 

[sag2]

Just run a small wire (like very small 22ga) from the output side of the grid heater relay to a small LED and then to ground. I mounted mine in the cowl panel so I can see it through the windshield, Joe mounted his inside the cab.

Search Amazon for these.
6pcs 6mm 1/4" LED Metal Signal Indicator Light 12v Waterproof Signal Lamp with 200mm Wire for Car Trucks Boats (Red)

See issue 115, page 96 for the location in the cowl where I mounted mine. Your 2020 should be similar, just make sure you can see it from the drivers seat and it is not obstructed by the wiper when parked.

 

[John Jensen]

Just run a small wire (like very small 22ga) from the output side of the grid heater relay to a small LED and then to ground. I mounted mine in the cowl panel so I can see it through the windshield, Joe mounted his inside the cab.

Search Amazon for these.
6pcs 6mm 1/4" LED Metal Signal Indicator Light 12v Waterproof Signal Lamp with 200mm Wire for Car Trucks Boats (Red)

See issue 115, page 96 for the location in the cowl where I mounted mine. Your 2020 should be similar, just make sure you can see it from the drivers seat and it is not obstructed by the wiper when parked.

Perfecto! Thank you. Easy peasy

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I ran my wire from the stud on the grid heater since it is a shorter run to the clutch hole in the firewall, same result electrically. I mounted the light in an aftermarket gauge pod on the dash.

 

[larryq]

Really?
All this effort to make sure the relay doesn’t stay closed?

I can tell exactly when the heater is engaged by the simple sound of the engine and the voltmeter.

never would have considered a light for that.

does the edge EZ show that info?

would rather install that because of all the additional info it provides.

very interesting where this thread went!

thanks @all!!
L

 

[Ozymandias]

Really?
All this effort to make sure the relay doesn’t stay closed?

I can tell exactly when the heater is engaged by the simple sound of the engine and the voltmeter.

never would have considered a light for that.

does the edge EZ show that info?

would rather install that because of all the additional info it provides.

very interesting where this thread went!

thanks @all!!
L

Especially because we already have a recall where they change that suspicion relay for a better one.

 

[larryq]

Would my 2020 HO 6.7 be involved with that recall?

I usually get paperwork for any recalls!

since the banks is going in, I will also have an EGR cleaning done, but I found a better high flow aftermarket EGR coming.

 

[larryq]

Really nice stuff!!


https://bulletproofdiesel.com/?syclid=b54dbc4e-975b-4095-9dbb-ffbfd0607202

 

[larryq]

I got the banks kit tonight, and had to take a look!

superior quality!

and adding the bulletproof components should be real enhancement.

thanks to everyone that replied!