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Killer heater grid bolt

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I searched a bit, perhaps with the wrong terminology, and didn’t find anything on this site. I often check the TSB reviews but could have missed something. Google results are easy to come by with “killer heater grid bolt” but the information available isn’t great.
For those that aren’t familiar there’s a bolt and a nut that are part of the 6.7 heater grid assembly and apparently the bolt has been known to break, or I’ve also heard it described that the nut will back off. Once free that broken bolt/nut is free to travel into the combustion chamber and wreak havoc. It seems thats it’s often around 100k miles and/or out of warranty. Some have reported a code associated with the grid heater as the bolt loosened, but not everyone was that lucky.
Is there a window of years that we’re affected by this? Is the solution to just replace with higher grade fastener? I’m not looking for an expensive aftermarket solution, as I already have 1 money pit Cummins with all the fun must have “upgrades” but would like to keep my daily bone stock and reliable for as long as possible.
 
Do you have an issue with the grid heater?

I have an early 6.7L Cummins in ny 2008 truck with 136K on the OD,with no issues. I know of other users on this site who have earlier trucks than mine who have never reported an issue for the grid heater with more miles.

I believe this is the same carryover design as the 5.9L Cummins Engine has. There may have been some failures, but I believe that this diesign is far more reliable than the glow plugs designs of Ford and GMC use on their engines.

Just my opinion!
 
There is no correlation on age or what causes it, could happen at any time with an EGR engine. I am sure that grid heater usage and driving style will contribute. Generally what happens is it burns the bolt off as it is a ground path problem from the EGR gasses and heat. When you pull a 6.7 grid heater and look at it and the intake it is easy to see what a mess the EGR makes.

I want to say the replacement has been updated but not sure as FCA is a bit stodgy about changes. Would not hurt the JB Weld aorund the but to stop any corrosion issues but not sure that will completely solve the issue. Make sure the connection is tight and clean so the nut doesn't back off, a distortion nut would work well, and try to seal the connection area is about all that can be done.

Completely different than the 5.9 grid heaters and really a poor design for longevity.
 
When my 2013 starts during summer months, the Grid Heater does not activate, as near as I can tell. It runs a little rough, like its rich. In the colder weather, when the heater is activating, the truck is smooth upon startup. I know this is a little off topic, but was wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Jim.
 
When my 2013 starts during summer months, the Grid Heater does not activate, as near as I can tell. It runs a little rough, like its rich. In the colder weather, when the heater is activating, the truck is smooth upon startup. I know this is a little off topic, but was wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Jim.
i remember reading somewhere here the grid heat comes on below 65? in any case, summertime for me i just get in and turn the key. no wait to start. mine runs as you describe for a few seconds, then is fine. cheers! :)
 
I wired an LED into the heater circuit because I got a CEL and code one time for the heater. I can watch the heater cycle and make sure it shuts off in cool weather.
 
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