Do you need an engine heater in NJ?
Can dealer install if factory built a truck w/o one?

 

I presume you mean a block heater. I have heard that some were missing the cord but the block heater was installed.

 

How do I check?

 

probably not and yes....sty

 

The cord should be on the left side of the intercooler as you are looking at the truck.

I got one on mine for a number of reasons. Yes the engine can start down to -10 F, but why make it do that? It will help battery life, and since I park outside I really like the engine to get warm as quickly as possible so that my rear does to!

Matt

 

In all actuallity as far as the engine starting, NO.
And yes, the dealer can install one. Requires the cooling system to be drained if not already in the block.

However, it is a whole lot better on the engine, batteries, and starter if you do have the block heater. I plug mine in between 20 and 30 degrees out. No heater cycling, easier to start, and a little heat out of the heater right away. Electricity cost, at least in this area, is negligable.

 

I see you have 3 diesels in your stable already, do you plug them in in during the NJ winter?

I think DC tried to save some money during the '04 production run and left the cord off the truck (except for Canadian units I believe). The engine comes with the heater, but you need to buy the cord. To save some cash, buy it from Cummins rather than the dealer.

I use mine when the temps are under 30. I've never noticed any hit on the elec bill, and like the almost immediate warmup.

 

I am in the process of relocating to Jersey, and have not spent a winter here yet. As far as plugging in my other diesels, I tend to do it when it's below 30. I know they will start, but believe that by plugging them in, I am saving on engine wear & tear. I guess that I just answered my own Question.

 

Heater is already there, just get the cord. You can also get the cold weather package from the DC parts Dept. It has the front winter cover and battery blanket heaters, runs about $100.

 

The cummins heat grid is one BIG advantage over ford/gm glow plug systems!
My fords seemed to always have a glow plug or two or goofy sensor-cycler control out of whack. 20 0r below I plugged them in. Cation, I left one set up to plow snow, plugged in for a week in february. Temp warmed up to rain instead of snow and the truck burned to a crisp, just parked, not running for 5 days!

With the dodge I don't even think of plugging in until I hear 10 and then I check my batteries and clean fuel filter! If it cranks and gets fuel, its runnin .
Won,t heat up til its going down the road at least 2-3 miles of travel.

Down in Jersey you don,t even have to run lighter winter oil because of temps.

11 diesel pickups on a pipeline crew used $667 electric in 30 days. Temps were 20-30 degrees and wattage use charged at $.14 per K.W. [high up here!]
Figures out a little over $2.00 per day.

FWIW the " GOOD HANDS" people at the insurance co. drop kicked my comp claim on the toasty ford!...
hope it dries up soon, need to get off of here and back to work! ...sty