The RAM Grid Heater Problem - RAM Grid Heater Failure

The Cummins engine powers several machines and vehicles. While the Cummins diesel engine is extremely reliable, every piece of mechanical equipment is subject to problems. One of the complications associated with this engine is Cummins intake air heater problems (Grid Heater). Let’s take a closer look at the Cummins Grid Heater problems and how the team at Gillett Diesel Service is implementing a new emissions compliant fix option for the 6.7 Cummins intake air heater failure. Using the Banks Monster RAM or the BD Diesel Killer Heater Grid Upgrade

Quick Overview of How a Diesel Engine Works

To understand what the Cummins grid heater does, you must understand how the diesel engine works. Unlike a gas engine that relies on a spark plug to ignite the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, the diesel engine is different. In diesel engines, combustion occurs when air is compressed at the right temperature and when diesel is injected into the combustion chamber that is part of the piston. The fuel air mixture in a diesel engine is ignited by a combination of pressure and temperature being present when the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. The compression ratio is high in a diesel engine as opposed to a gas engine and therefore creates higher pressure to help burn the diesel fuel. Temperature is generated inside of the engine while it is running and this helps along with the high pressure to ignite the diesel fuel and air mixture when the fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber by the fuel injector. The purpose of the intake air heater is to aid the ignition of the fuel when the engine is cold or has not been running. The intake air heater warms the air entering the engine to help with proper ignition and burning of the diesel fuel.

What Is a Cummins Grid Heater? What Does This Component Do? 

All Cummins diesel engines have an intake air heater grid directly on the intake manifold where air enters the engine. The intake air heater or IAH heats air as it is entering the engine. This heated air helps aid in the ignition of the diesel air-fuel mixture. Once the air is heated to the right temperature and is compressed by the piston moving through the compression stroke, it is then ignitable when diesel is injected into the combustion chamber. 

This heated air charge is instrumental in starting your Cummins diesel engine especially when cold. The sole purpose of the heater grid is similar to a glow plug  to warm the incoming air charge, especially during cold starts. The intake air heater is controlled by your vehicle’s computer and continues to cycle until your engine has achieved the ideal operating temperature.

The air intake heater used on Cummins diesel engines doesn’t come without occasional problems. While it may appear to play a minor or negligible role in the combustion process, particularly in warmer climates or warmer weather, the air intake grid heater can be a major source of headaches when problems arise. In some later models we have seen some failures of the intake air heater leading to a piece of the component falling apart and passing into the engine. If this happens a major engine failure can result.

Fortunately, the experts at Gillett Diesel Service are well experienced and specialize in Cummins engine repair including servicing your intake air heater.

At Gillett Diesel Service, we’ve found the best solution is to be proactive and replace the stock grid heater with a Bank Power Monster Ram Intake Grid Heater Upgrade or a BD Diesel Killer Grid Heater Upgrade to avoid this failure before catastrophic damage occurs.