Ok, ford and chebys have glowplugs, how about the cummins, is there any parts that even need servicing for the cold start season?
Thanks,
Ryan

 

The Cummins doesn't NEED any help until the temps go below zero. It does have intake heaters that reduce white smoke and help with starting in subzreo weather. Problems with the system are rare since it is not exposed to combustion temps/pressures/gases.

 

thats what i was wondering, so there is no glow plugs or anything to wear out or replace? is the heating grid a "wear item" just wondering if i need to worry about cold weather starting or not, my current ford doesnt start worth a crap even now!
Ryan

 

There are no "glow plugs" in a Cummins engine.
The heater grid is as it sounds. Located in the intake manifold this grid operates on the same principle as that of a common hair dryer.
The grids heat up and the air passing over them also heats up.

These grids do wear out, but it is not common. If your truck is starting ok in cold weather with little white smoke, then your heater grid is doing its job.

You can also see the effect of the grids working as they cycle. The impact to the electrical system can be noticed in gauges and lights.

Rich

 

I've heard of relays in the system going bad, but never the grids themselves. Like I said, they are in a much less hostile environment than glow plugs.