The only real benefit that I can find is that by removing the grid heater, air flow is increased slightly thus giving you a 1-2 hp gain. The downside is, you got no grid heater when the weather gets cold! Although some of the delete plates seem pretty easy to swap out for the heater when the temperature drops. I know mines staying right where it is, I need it!

 

I personally don't see a 1-2hp gain worth the trouble I don't live in as cold of a climate as you(left the snow behind almost 15yrs ago and ain't looking back!!arty018 but I feel that even I still need the grid heaters. Maybe in a serious competition or something where every once of hp counted to give you an edge over your competitors or something.......But for me on the street just the few mods that I have can allow me to smoke (litterley!!) most vehicles beside me at the stop light!!!

 

Hey,

I think the biggest gain is on high horsepower trucks where every pony counts!!!

The other gain is in the summer/ warm time not having the grid heater hooked up makes it easier on the batteries/ relay from not cycling when not needed!!!:thumbsup:

Here is a picture of the grid heaters:

As you can see it is rather restrictive, but necessary if you live somewhere that is cold!!!

Later,
Winslow

 

I thought that it was important that they cycle even in the summer (cold start ups) :confused013: Doesn't it hurt something else? My old 6.9 Ford(international obviuosly) cracked the fuel bowls in the heads and the mechanic told me it is usally caused by starting it without allowing the glowplugs to completely warm up and cycle and I was under the impression that is why we have the grid heaters, to take the place of the old glow plug systems? Or maybe the glowplugs themselves is what actually cracked the fuel bowls?:confused013:

 

livin in NY i wouldnt take it out. but in the summer i do just turn the key. winter time......well thats a different story. at 0*F ya might wanna let the grid heaters do there thing:thumbsup:

idk maybe i just dont care bout that 1-2hp:confused013:

 

OK, just wondering. Still doesn't seem right to me because even on an August morning here in South Carolina when its pretty damned hot my wait to start light still comes on and stays on even if only for a second or two, which would lead me to believe that I still need to let the heater do its thing even if its only breifly. Not arguing and if you been starting your way and nothing negative has happened I guess I'm learning something:thumbsup:

 

Hey,

Yeah the relay will kick the grids on, then the IAT sensor (Intake Air Temp) will pick up the temp is fine and shut the grids off!!!!!:thumbsup:

It's a little different set-up than the "fake" diesels Ford uses!!!!!

A little info:

http://mopar.mopar1973man.com/tips/cummins/general/grid-heater/grid-heater.htm

Later,
Winslow

 

yea the wait to start light will come on in 100* summer day after ya towed 18,000lbs, but you and i both know that there is no reason for em to come on. so i just turn the key.

 

I believe that the IAT has to read 60F and above in order for the grid heaters not to activate. During the summer months I disconnect mine, saves alot of wear on the batteries and alternator! I'll leave them disconnected until the temps drop to right around freezing, starts fine without them until then.

 

Hey,

Well...

1966 Ford Mustang (289)

1964 Ford Truck (1/2) (302)

1968 Ford Truck- Currently building a warm 302!!!!

1972 Chevy Truck (1/2) (Damn strong runner!!!) (original 350)

1975 Chevy Truck (1/2) (rebuilt a couple of years ago 350)

1972 Triumph Bonnieville (650 cc)

2001 Dodge Ram 2500 (Cummins)

Non-running projects- 1965 Ford Falcon, 27 Model T roaster, 65 Ford truck

1966 (1200cc), 1971 (1641 cc), 1973( building hot 1776cc motor, but might get a 1914cc!!!) aircooled VW Beetles

Folks: 1988 Merc (302 still runs, but doesn't get drove much so it needs a few things 250,---+)

1994 Mazda Protege (345,---+ still has comp within 10 psi of new), 2003 Mazda Protege 5 (235,---+)

Yeah I have a little experience!! I've had trouble with all of them, and have worked on EVERY make/ model so I don't buy the one is better than the other!!!!!:thumbsup: If it is a machine then it WILL break no matter what letters are on the front!!!!!!:thumbsup:

BTW- These are all owned by me and the folks as we don't sell much!!!!!!!!! And there might be one or two I forgot!!!!:thumbsup:

Later,
Winslow

 

wow thats a few more than ive had!!

but my first truck was a 77 chevy stepside. it was a fun truck. next was a 90 chevy with 6.2L diesel and sm465 granny 4spd. then i got little red:thumbsup:

 

Hey,

Yeah we are known around here for all the cars!!!!

The '75 Chevy was my Greatgrandpa's before we got it!! Then it was my first truck, and I still drive it!!! It's worked, it's played, it's done it all!!!!!:thumbsup:

Later,
Winslow

 

very true, happens i understand that but chevy's just dont like me lol

 

Hey,

Sometimes it just comes from luck!!:S:

Everyone has there preference; that's what makes a horse race!!!!!!:thumbsup:

I wasn't trying to argue, just state some facts!!!!!!!

Later,
Winslow

 

Winslow owns a small car lot!!! Ever think about putting a VW TDI into one of those old 'wagens? It would be a lot of work but it would be awesome! :confused013:

 

Hey,

I'm trying to rival Jay Leno!!!!!!!:confused013:

No I haven't, but years back the Germans used a the flat 4 engine (same as these) and converted it to diesel!!!!

My moms next car is going to be a diesel, probably a Jetta or some thing similar in a SUV!!!!!!arty018: I might get a diesel BMW once I get out of school!!!!!!arty018::drool2:

Later,
Winslow