The 5.9 Cummins engine, a powerhouse known for its reliability and durability, relies on grid heaters for cold-weather starting. A grid heater delete, as the name suggests, removes these heaters from the system. This modification is a popular topic among Cummins owners, sparking debate about its benefits and drawbacks. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of a 5.9 Cummins grid heater delete, examining the potential advantages, significant risks, and viable alternatives.
What are Grid Heaters and Why are they Important?
Before diving into the delete procedure, let's understand the function of grid heaters. These are electric heating elements embedded in the engine block's intake manifold. Their primary role is to preheat the intake air during cold starts, improving combustion efficiency and ease of starting in freezing temperatures. Without them, the engine may struggle to ignite, especially in sub-freezing conditions.
Should I Delete My Grid Heaters? The Pros and Cons
The decision to delete your grid heaters is a significant one with potential implications for your engine's performance and longevity.
Potential "Benefits" (Often Overstated):
- Slightly improved fuel economy: Removing the grid heaters eliminates the minimal energy draw from the battery during starting. This translates to a negligible improvement in fuel economy. However, this gain is often minimal and overshadowed by other factors.
- Reduced parasitic draw on the battery: This is the most commonly cited benefit. However, the electrical draw from the grid heaters is relatively small and usually only active for a short period during cold starts.
Significant Risks and Drawbacks:
- Difficult cold-weather starting: This is the most substantial risk. In cold climates (below 32°F or 0°C), starting your 5.9 Cummins without grid heaters can be extremely challenging, potentially leading to a completely failed start.
- Increased wear and tear on the starter: Repeated attempts at starting a cold engine can put excessive strain on the starter motor, leading to premature failure.
- Potential for engine damage: Hard starting can cause excessive wear on components within the engine itself.
- Voiding warranties: Modifying your engine in this way could potentially void any remaining factory warranties.
What Happens if I Delete My Grid Heaters?
Deleting the grid heaters essentially removes the pre-heating assistance for cold-weather starting. The engine will rely solely on its inherent ability to ignite the fuel-air mixture, which is significantly more challenging in cold temperatures. You might experience hard starting, extended cranking times, or complete failure to start depending on the ambient temperature.
Are There Alternatives to a Grid Heater Delete?
Instead of removing the grid heaters entirely, consider these alternatives:
- Replacing faulty grid heaters: If your grid heaters are malfunctioning, replacing them is a far better solution than deleting them. Replacing the faulty parts maintains the functionality of the system without compromising engine reliability.
- Addressing underlying starting issues: Hard starting could stem from other problems, such as a weak battery, faulty glow plug relay, or issues with the fuel system. Investigate these potential causes before considering a delete.
- Using a block heater: A block heater is a more effective solution for cold-weather starting. It plugs into an external power source to warm the engine coolant overnight, providing far more effective preheating than grid heaters alone. This ensures easier starts even in extreme cold.
Is a Grid Heater Delete Worth It?
For most 5.9 Cummins owners, a grid heater delete is not recommended. The marginal potential benefits are far outweighed by the significant risks associated with difficult cold starts and potential engine damage. Unless you live in a consistently warm climate and have thoroughly considered the implications, it's best to retain your grid heaters or explore the viable alternatives discussed above. Prioritize maintaining the reliability and longevity of your engine.
