I just picked one up from Grainger
# 6C017
Ill try it tonight to see if it works.
Shout take minor fab to make it work.
Looks just like the one i pulled out.

 

My '97 has a twin ram manifold and only one working grid heater. Still starts like a champ here in the chicago suburbs, just only on the front three cylinders. Takes about 5-7 seconds to pick up the other 3 cylinders and quit smoking altogether. And thats with regular old Rotella 15w-40.

Even my tired old 6.2 never had trouble starting below 0°F, and my 6.5TD started almost as well as my 12valve, it would fire faster but smoke longer.

 

past week it's been -23 celsius or colder here, i don't plug in my 98 12v and rarely even wait for the "wait to start" light, just lay my foot on the throttle, and she starts right away....stutters for a few secs, but smooths out and idles really low till it warms up

 

Speaking of cold oil you can get small silicone heating pads that you stick onto your engine oil pan or even tranny oil pan. Works great to take the chill out of the oil. You can also get magnetic ones that can be installed only when need. These make a huge difference for diesels on cold days.

 

I'm having a hard time "seeing" what your talking about. Is there some way I could get some pics of the 2 grid heaters and their power lugs.
I'm just trying to make sure I get the right things checked.

Thanks guys.

 

If you are asking where the grids are at, they are in the air horn.
If you look at the front of the engine where the air horn is, you will see 2 BIG wires. That is the grid heater lugs.