Is it worth $600 for a fuel heater replacement and $800 for fuel heater and lift pump? That's the estimate i got.

Or should i try to be a first timer and do it myself? How long would that take? any step by step instructions out there?

also where would i go to buy a fuel heater? maybe i should just bypass the fuel heater like some people recommend, it rarely get's below freezing in seattle.

Those are just what's on my mind regarding this situation, any advice out there?

oh yeah, they're saying a Fass pump may be better, anyone done that yet? was it tough? are they better? can weekend mechanic install one?

my head hurts.

 

That my friend is a total screw job. A new heater at Cummins NW is about 45 bucks and you can change it in about 30 minutes. Just have about 10 paper towels under the bowl when you unscrew it to catch the fuel; it uses a 17mm socket. Then use a 7/16 allen wrench to unscrew the bolt which holds the fuel heater. The new style doesn't get burned and leak like the old one. I live in Oly and don't really need the fuel heat but once in a while we head up to Whistler to ski and you will need it up there. A new pump is a little over $100 and when you take it off you get the fuel pre-filter/heater module with it. A little more of a PIA though and it's much easier with the starter off which is a good time to rebuild the contacts in the solenoid. And while you have that off you might as well rebuild the...................

cd

 

ok, called Cummins NW, they say i need the motor serial number before they even can find the part. I'm fairly certain that these parts are standard for my year.

 

I just looked at Geno's Garage and they have the heaters for $35. The heater is the same for all the 94-98 12V engines. When you have it apart you should get the pre-filter kit as well ($7) because there is a good chance the square cut o-ring will be shot. Leaks in this area are of the suction type and make the engine hard to start. Ask me how I know

sd

 

You may be getting he price for a complete heater. Last I heard the complete heater was no longer available. Perhaps that's why Cummins couldn't come up with a number.
The Geno's prices are for the parts to rebuild one or you can get all the parts from Cummins.
heater element upper quad ring 3834185-S
heater strainer kit 3845400-S
heater element 3907766-S
cable harness 3843722-S