Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Removing grid heater?

[9 Lives]

What is the best way to get rid of the grid heater? It looks like its all one solid piece ? I have seen in pictures ones without?

 

[pete97]

I don't know but why do you want to get rid of the grid heater? Mine would have a tough time starting if I didn't have it. It is +3F here in Pittsburgh Pa!!!!!

 

[CRohwedder]

take the intake plate off the block, and the grid is held in there with some bolts, remove them and the grids will come out, i took my off and it dosnt have that hard of a time starting. plus you get more air flow. any more questions just ask.

 

[9 Lives]

Im looking for more air flow also. Truck only runs in warmer weather... does have a block heater still

 

[pete97]

Well that makes sense. It gets cold here so I need mine.

 

[FordCummins]

How much air flow is there to be gained by removing the grids? I mean, is there a measurable about of EGT reduction to be seen by removing them?

 

[CogginsP]

I couldn't tell you numbers but I am told significant air flow is gained by taking the grid heater off. The reason most people don't do it obviously is because of the cold weather issue.

 

[FordCummins]

Yea, its understandable why you would want to keep them. I was just curious as to what kind of gains could be seen. After doing my Cummins conversion, I never hooked the grids up, and the truck will start down to 8 or 9 degrees (coldest ive ever tried to start it being unplugged) without much fuss. Another second or two of cranking, and a few seconds of shaking and rattling and she's hittin on all 6. Maybe someone else will add their 2 cents about the issue.

 

[bgilbert]

On one of my engines, I removed the grid heater element from the grid heater/spacer. It's held in with 4 studs/bolts. Each hole is already the right hole size to run a 1/8npt tap in. Tap each one, plug them with pipe plugs. Then you got ports to use for ... you name it.