I was adjusting the idle on my 1997 Dodge Ram CTD today. I noticed something bolted to the drivers side rear of the engine block with 2 wires coming out of the top of it. If you look at the fuel filter, then look straight down, this is the piece I am talking about. It is a little rounded ball bolted to the lower rear side of the engine. It has these 2 burnt wires, and a threaded fuel? line or 2 on it.

What is this? Why are the wires burnt? What do they do? and where can I get a replacement?

I will try and attatch the one picture I was able to snap of it, but it is very hard to get to and dark in there. -Tim

 

[img=http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.1d04687c1e.jpg]


you cant really see much as it is blocked, but its the piece which you can see the threaded fitting in the highlighted part of this picture.

 

Tim,

I cannot really see it. What are you looking at? You have a PM.

 

Fuel heater most likely. Sounds like it shorted out. Cummins sells parts individually for the assembly.

 

Yup, sounds like the preheater thermostat and harness. Forest City Diesel set me up with one cheaper than what the Cummins site wanted. (He is the sponsor of the TOM awards and a good guy) His ad is often on the banner at the top of the page.

 

From Cummins, cable harness p/n 3843722-S

 

$58 for a small wiring harness is crazy!

Where can one buy the just the plug end that goes to the fuel heater element ??

 

Just bought it---you have to buy the harness with the sending unit attached, there is no plug on it where it attaches to the temp. sending unit. It only plugs onto the fuel heater and the wiring harness on the truck.

 

Someone mentioned that these harnesses burnt out from diesel fuel dripping on them when the fuel filter is changed. I've no idea if it's true or not but it might be a good idea to keep in mind when changing filters.

 

What did you pay for it and where did you buy it ??

BTW, here's another pic of what we are discussing in this thread.....

 

Somewhat off topic but related, does everbody have both relays up by the dash.

 

No, the double relay ended in '97.

 

That is interesting, my 98 has two sockets, one is empty.

 

That's because the other relay, which was for the fuel heater, is now in the power distribution center.

 

Thank you!!