Archived smoke from electrics by fuel pre-filter

[Crowhurst]

I am stuck with flat batteries, and this seems to be caused by a short at the wiring goiing into the fuel pre-filter low down on the left hand side of the block. When the ignition key is turned to the second click, dense smoke pours out where these two wires go into the top of the pre-filter. I presume these are the wires for the fuel pre-heater behind the pre-filter. Has anyone had this problem, and what is the fix? Fortunately this happened at home this morning, but I am stuck. Help, please, you guys. Nick.

 

[Crowhurst]

Further to my above request for help, I am rapidly realizing the limitations of the Chiltern manual. Is the pre-heater circuit controlled by a relay, and if so, where is it? My son was involved in a severe side-swipe accident in this vehicle, and I'm wondering whether the impact could have shattered the relay or heater element, or whether this is just coincidence, and the pre-heat system has simply failed through age (90k miles). The short seems to drain the batteries even when the ignition is switched off. Thanks. Nick.

 

[illflem]

Quite a few folks have reported burnt wires to the fuel heater. All the parts for it are available separately from Cummins though it may try the parts guy's patience finding the numbers. Dodge will say you have to buy the whole thing. There is no relay, the heater is controlled by an internal thermostat and is only on when the engine is running, you need to look elsewhere for your power drain. If you live in the southern half of the country you can probably just disconnect the heater and never know it.

 

[Crowhurst]

Thank you, Bill, you are a gentleman, (and a scholar!). Now I'll order the proper workshop manual. Nick.

 

[CPFF]

Fuel Heater

If the parts guy looks under "Fleetguard" numbers he should be able to find them.



CPFF

 

[Extreme1]

Fuel heater part number. I wish this was in print when I neede the element. I even called Cummins!