Fuel filter heater element

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Jan 20, 2007 | 11:36 AM

Groundpounder0331

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Fuel filter heater element

Another boring question... One of the three metal contacts holding the heating element to the metal plate of the heater has come loose. Can I tac this contact back in place with JB weld or other binding agent? If not I'll buy a new one. Ford wants $65.00 for a new one, and NAPA wants $87.00. I'm was suprised NAPA is more expensive.

Jan 20, 2007 | 04:11 PM

Cuda_jim

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From: MICHIGAN

You can remove it from the housing and solder it. Not sure if JB weld will work submersed in fuel and hold up to the heat. Or just unplug the connector from the side of the housing and forget about it. You might want to do this b4 you blow a fuse out on the road and get stranded. The fuse (#22) also power the PCM (If I remember correctly)

Jan 20, 2007 | 07:57 PM

79F150EFI

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From: Columbus, Indiana

I am curious to know if unplugging the heater will cause the filter to plug prematurely with paraffin in cold temperatures, especially on a cold start-up.

Jan 20, 2007 | 07:59 PM

rusty9cab

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From: Auburn

Can you just unplug the connector inside the fuel filter canister or do you need to unplug the outside connector too?

Jan 20, 2007 | 10:09 PM

timberjack

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From: Thunder Bay, Canada

I just disconnected mine, and removed it totally.

At first i tried to get a new one when the 95's broke loose, the parts counter fellow at International said don't bother. None of the trucks, or buses they sold through the dealership were ever spec'ed with the fuel heater. Usually, we see temps down to -40 degrees at lest for a few days during the winter.

If you don't use a fuel additive such as stanadyne, or powerservice, and you live where they sell #1 and #2 diesel year round, the heater might be good to have, in case you buy summer fuel before a cold spell hits.

Here, where i live, northern Ontario, we are not given a choice. The fuel companies start blending in a percentage of winter fuel after labor day, until by November, we are totally on winter fuel, then they start going the other way in April. I haven't had any trouble in the last 2 winters with gelled fuel, but i also use stanadyne too.

I disconnected the fuel heaters inside the canister, and left the outside harness hooked up, same thing no troubles in over 2 years now.

Ken

Jan 21, 2007 | 12:43 AM

Gobstopper909

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From: Quinton NJ

yeah, when i blew a hole in my fuel bowl, I opted to leave the heater out. just screwed the heater diode into the side of the bowl, and taped the wires back into the harness. remember if you take the plate out, its left handed threads, hope this helps

Jan 21, 2007 | 11:22 AM

Groundpounder0331

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I'm glad I didn't purchase a new one. I reinstalled it for now as it still works OK. If I need too I can disconnect later and watch for any blown fuses. Thanks for the imput.