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Has anyone had any adverse effects from the HFCM update for the early build '03 6.0's? My dealer tells me that the update eliminates the fuel heater. I have had virtually zero problems with gelling and/or frozen fuel lines and am concerned about eliminating the fuel heater. Upstate NY gets pretty cold this time of year. The WIF light keeps coming on, but absolutely no water in fuel when drained. Any ideas/info will be appreciated.
They don't even come from the factory with heaters on pick-ups any more. I think they stopped after 2005. They found that the heater was not necessary, and it was causing a reaction that would make the drain plug corrode and seize into the HFCM, and/or would cause the WIF sensor to corrode, giving false WIF warnings. I've done dozens upon dozens of them with no ill effects. Using an anti-gel will eliminate the need for a heater.
Last edited by CanadaGuy; Feb 6, 2007 at 07:18 AM.
Thanks for the info. The dealer also told me that they no longer use the heaters, but I would rather hear the info from the truck owners who are not biased. Thanks again for your tip. I will go ahead and get this thing changed out tomorrow. How often do you need to use the fuel conditioner to prevent gelling? Central NY State has winter blend diesel from about October to April (about 6 months), so should I still use the conditioner, and how often?
I use additive every other tank, or reduced concentration throughout the spring, summer and fall. Just for lubrication enhancement.
In the winter I use a full mix per tank and use the block heater when the temperatures are below freezing. I park the truck in doors when temps are below 20*F.
CanadaGuy:
Yes, the 04' has a fuel heater. Can you explain the HFCM update for those of us that don't know about it?
According to my local dealer, the old HFCM is removed and replaced with a unit that does not have a fuel heater. A new jumper harness is also installed so the WIF light is still functional. Basically, they are eliminating the fuel heaters. Everything else is supposed to be the same...Fuel filter, water in fuel sensor, etc.
There is no recall, only a service bulletin. If you have the WIF light coming on frequently and continually get no water when you drain the unit, it may need the update. Sometimes it will throw a WIF code, but not always.