Now that we are talking about it I want to check and see if my heater is even functioning. Any one know what the resistance would be for a properly functioning fuel heater?

 

Righty ho.
Heat radiates upwards, not downwards into the filter.
The heater plate is a placebo, a non issue.
Winter fuel means more.
All depends if you trust Cummins or Dodge more ;-)

 

The fuel is warmed as it flows through the heater into the filter. I am running straight #2 (that gels in the high American teens) in mine and haven't had a problem (-20* below feeding cows this morning).

They do a good job if they work.

 

That is correct.

The point of the fuel heater isn't to heat the fuel overall, but more to prevent wax crystals from plugging the filter and nothing more.



Some of you have experiences different from others. Some of you live in different parts of the country and therefore have different weather. Fuel, blended for the prevailing local weather works, and doesn't.
So be it.

Some of you are pushing your luck.

This is your final warning.

*If you don't know what I'm talking about, you've nothing to worry about.

 

According to the SM the resistance of the heater is 2.5-3 ohms. Should be pretty easy to test.

 

I was going to delete mine but Now I am moving to a colder state so it gets fixed.

 

So if I throw my amp clamp on it while it's running, how many amps should it be drawing?

 

Nyet.

I've seen two plugged filters with functional Dodge heaters. Propane heater & plumbing torch worked on those special 'rescue a thick headed friend' occasions.

The "pros" of the heater's miniscule effect are outweighed by the cons of potential leaks. I also got 1.5psi more with a fresh OEM heater plate removed after 6 months - it was still squeaky clean.

Quality high volume station seasonal fuel and/or anti gelling/CFPP additives are effective prevention.

 

That would vary depending on voltage.

Ohm's Law with voltage and resistance known = A=V/Ω

 

Took the fuel heater off my truck to change the gasket, just in case. Tested the heater and got a reading of 44 ohms. Tested a spare heater I have and it read .6 ohms. neither seem to be in the above stated range. Either I'm doing something wrong or neither one is functioning correct. An electrician I am not. For what it's worth there is 12 volts at the plug.

 

MDTs usually have a heated primary filter, so having one on the engine is redundant. Stationary engines are usually kept warm 24/7 by one means or another in a sheltered space... so its not like starting your dodge in a snow-drift when its -10°C out there plus windchill.

I bought the fastenal spring too. I plan to buy the 2ndgen pump when I'm ready.