Ram_Kevin

So here I am, I don't do this to offen so please bear with me.
My question is, Is there an engine block heater mounted on
the 2003 Cummings HO block? I hear yes and no. New to diesel
motors I don't know what to look for. If there isn't any what
would be better - oil or water heaters.

Thank You
Ram Kevin


2003 Ram 3500 short bed
6 Speed
4-10 gears

Commatoze

The Cummins engine has a 750 watt heater in the block. It's located just under the oil filter. Follow the cord from the heater to the front of the engine to locate the 120 volt plug. If you do a search on "block heater", you'll find copious amounts of information on them.

Tom

Ram_Kevin

Thank You Tom:

I will look for it tonite when I get home from work.

Kevin

Dr. Evil

Kevin....the block heater is probably there but u may have to buy a block heater cord...

Commatoze

I think 03's still came with the cord.

rvnagain

My 03 came with the cord it is cable ties in front of the radiator on the upper left side, facing the front of the truck. The plug is covered with a plug cap so you wont see a plug end hanging out, look for the black cord and black cap. Happy hunting and I like the warm starts I'm sure it saves some engine wear and the truck will start easier. Old ford I had wouldn't start under 20 degrees unless plugged in cause I got tired of replacing the glow plugs. I have now fixed all the problems with the ford.......traded for a real truck!

Ram_Kevin

Thank You everyone for the help.
I found my heater and cord last nite.
Working with fourm saved me a ton of money
for I was going to order one.


Ram Kevin

Commatoze

Glad we could help. Now, save yourself some more money, and put that heater on a timer. Four hours is good down to -15F for me. Less for higher temps. Get one that's good for 10-15 amps.

Tom

Trusty Steed

I just got a Woverine Oil pan heater and installed it this afternoon. http://www.wolverine-engine-oil-heaters.com/

It is a real nice and informative company to deal with. Any new truck I get will have one installed. They make some great points that a block heater is nice for the driver, ie faster warm up, keeping the window defrosted, but does little to heat up oil. It makes sense that thermal shock from cold start up is the greatest point of wear on an engine. The pad is a piece of cake to put on, and gets extreamly warm. They say it will heat your oil to over 100 degrees, so starting in the worst of weather would be like a start up in the middle of the summer. The one I got is a 500 watt, and is good for 20 plus quarts of oil, and is more cost efficient then my block heater.

Just kind of excited by my new purchase I guess.

Jay