Mon Dec 02, 2013 10:54 pm by nikkinutshop
I read an interesting, online article about the in-block heaters (aka freeze plug style) The article was by NAVISTAR and in it they suggested that there is some block deterioration from the electromagnetic field that surrounds the heater coil. I got the impression that the article was focused on those persons who feel that it is necessary to have the engine heater activated 24/7/365.
Not that it matters, but my favorite system in the one that goes into the heater hoses that go to the cab interior. The article suggested that it was their opinion that this was a better system with less possibility of block deterioration around the heater coil.
I always started the 6.9 Diesel with a small shot of ether over the 20 years that it was our daily driver. The amount of ether that was needed was less than a droplet into the flex hose before the air-cleaner canister. That pig of an engine needed a shot of ether for the first start of the day, even on the warmest summer. The 6.9 hammered in protest until it got some heat into the coolant and as it neared 185F it got to be fairly quiet. I suspect that some damage could be done by over-charging a cold start with ether. Ether should not be used with any charge air heater system or glow-plugs. Ether ignites at 160C or 320F and helps to promote flame propagation with the Diesel fuel. Sometimes Diesel fuel will not have enough heat to ignite because of the parasitic heat loss to the cold cylinder walls.
There are some interesting and informative You Tube videos on Diesel injection systems. If a person is tempted to buy a vehicle with a HEUI system, it might be good advice to check out what it will cost to repair this now obsolete system, if it fails. It may be difficult to know absolutely what or if the PO did with the maintenance and oil-changes. Poor maintenance on a HEUI system will guarantee failure. I have seen a repair estimate for one of these engines top $7500, just for the injection system. The owner called the auto wrecker, sold the pick-up and bought a new Ram Diesel.
My neighbour is one of those guys who thinks that warm-up time should not last any longer than it takes for his hand to leave the start switch and grab a handful of shifter. He gets his truck in gear and pounds the throttle.
There is a good sized aftermarket industry built on replacing the Powerstroke with Cummins. There are easier to install kits for those who cannot think outside of the engine compartment. One of the kits that I am familiar with has the bits and pieces that one might need to move the Ford heater. If a person is afraid of the isb electronics and runs screaming and crying for their Mommy or hides under the bed, there are some simple instructions that will allow the isb 1999.5 - 2002 isb to run in a transplant situation. The conversion is almost as easy as the pre 1999.5 B series 12 valve engines.
No, I will not give out the information for free. If amyone needs it, I will post the link and they can pay for it like I did. anything less would be unfair to the small business. HINT: they are in eastern Washington.
I would be willing to bet that Ralph Goff is having some cold weather. It goes with that territory.
I would rather have tools I do not need than to need tools I do not have
Artificial intelligence is no match for real stupidity....
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