What Types of Cummins diesel engine heaters are there?

There are two primary types of heaters used to warm the engines coolant fluid:

• Emersion Type - which is inserted into a threaded receptacle in the engine block.
• Freeze Plug Type - this heater kit is installed through the removal of one of the engine freeze plugs.

If you are having trouble starting your truck in cold weather, then the installation of a new or replacement heater kit will make this experience much easier.
If you dread trying to start your engine on cold mornings, diesel engine block heaters will definitely help. Just connect the block heater cord to your 120-volt outlet, and you can keep your engine coolant at a manageable temperature. The use of a Cummins Engine Heater 

Cold temperatures place extraordinary demands on engine lubrication, electrical, and fuel systems. Using a Cummins Engine Heating Element Kit overnight or before startup can provide quicker starts and protect your engine from damage that can occur during cold weather starts. When air temperatures are less than 20°F, starting a cold engine can produce 50 to 100 times more greenhouse gas emissions in the first minute than starting a pre-warmed engine. Pre-heated Cummins engines also deliver better fuel economy and improved engine lubrication during start-up, reducing wear and increasing your diesel engine's lifespan.

Cummins Block Heater Installation

Block heaters are normally a straightforward installation process that is not difficult. The installation degree of difficulty can increase due to restricted working conditions and the exact location of the heater element location. Most engine heaters take one to two hours.

NOTE:  When installing a block heater in your diesel engine:

• Do not power up the heater element before filling the engine coolant and test running the engine. The heater element will rapidly overheat and burn out when it is not immersed in coolant before powering up.
• The heater contains an element that warms when supplied with 110-volt power. We recommend running the engine and bleeding air from the engine coolant system prior to connecting the power to ensure that the block heater element is surrounded by coolant.

NOTE:  When installing a heater element in your diesel engine, we recommend you take the following steps prior to installation.

• Verify you have the correct part for your Cummins diesel engine prior to starting the installation process
• Verify you have the correct installation location on your Cummins diesel engine prior to starting the installation process

What does an Engine Block Heater Kit contain?

• Block Heater Cord for the supply of power to the heating element. The block heater cord contains a special connector on the engine end which attaches to the heater element. 
• Heater Element that is submersed into the engine coolant fluid.
• A heater Element Gasket is used to seal the heater element to the engine block.

What are the benefits obtained by installing a Cummins engine block heater?

• Keeps engine warm in cold temperatures.
• Eliminates cold start engine damage.
• Straightforward installation
• Simple to install.
• It provides a reliable and efficient way to pre-heat your engine.
• A significantly warmer coolant temperature aids in cold weather starts.
• Reduces the strain placed on your battery output amperage.
• Extends the life of batteries.
• Saves on fuel consumption.
• It provides a shorter time until you have adequate cabin heat.
• Reduces the time required to get the engine to proper operating temperature.

What Are The Most Common Mistakes Associated With An Engine Heater?

• Do not install an engine heater with the use of a 100% antifreeze engine coolant ratio! The use of a 50/50 mixture is recommended for long-term engine heater reliability. Using a mixture that is richer than 65% will cause the element to fail prematurely.
• Do not run your engine while the engine heater is plugged in. This will create an air bubble around the element which will then cause the element to burn out prematurely. The engine heater element must be surrounded by engine coolant to ensure proper operation.
• Never plug in your engine heater prior to installing it to check the functionality of the heater element! The Heater Element must be submerged in coolant. The heat generated has nowhere to go and could result in serious burns.
• How to safely test a heater element? Connect a multi-meter to the heater pins. A reading between 5 ohms and 100 ohms indicates that the heater is working correctly.
• Never use petroleum-based lubricants on the O-ring. A petroleum-based lubricant will significantly reduce the lifespan of the O-ring. Use antifreeze instead. Do not overtighten the heater element mounting hardware. The O-ring will form an adequate seal when the heater is torqued to the specifications in the instructions.  Over-tightening will strip the screw threads and reduce the quality of the seal.
• After heater use, disconnect the extension cord from the heater cord by firmly grasping each plug and pulling it in opposite directions. Only grasp the plugs.  Do not grasp, pull, yank, or snap the cables to disconnect power.  The damage will result in the power cord connections, which could result in permanent malfunction and even an electrical short.

If you do not see the CumminsDiesel Engine Heater you need, please contact us and provide your ESN - Engine Serial Number for help. KLM Performance will gladly help your find the Engine heater kit you need, so please feel free to reach out with the Contact Us link above.