The 5.9 Cummins engine, a powerhouse known for its reliability and durability, relies on grid heaters for cold-weather starting. Deleting these heaters is a common modification, but it's crucial to understand the implications before proceeding. This comprehensive guide explores the reasons behind grid heater deletes, the potential risks, the benefits (if any), and viable alternatives.
Why Delete the Grid Heaters?
The primary motivation behind a 5.9 Cummins grid heater delete is often centered around simplicity and perceived reliability. Some owners believe removing the grid heaters eliminates a potential point of failure, simplifying the engine bay and reducing the chance of electrical issues. This belief is partially true, but the full picture requires a nuanced examination.
What are the Risks of Deleting the Grid Heaters?
This is where the "simplicity" argument falters. Removing the grid heaters significantly increases the difficulty of starting your 5.9 Cummins in cold weather. This is especially true in temperatures below freezing. The risks include:
- Hard Starting or No Start: The most significant risk is the inability to start the engine, particularly in cold climates. This can strand you, leaving you to rely on expensive towing or roadside assistance.
- Increased Engine Wear: Repeated cranking to overcome cold-weather starting difficulties can place significant strain on the starter motor, battery, and other engine components, leading to premature wear and tear. This can negate any perceived reliability gains.
- Damage to Engine Components: The stress of hard starting can potentially damage internal engine components.
What are the Benefits of a Grid Heater Delete? (Are There Any?)
The supposed benefits are largely outweighed by the risks. While removing a potential point of failure is tempting, the resulting hard starting and increased wear and tear significantly outweigh any minimal benefit. There’s no performance gain, and fuel economy is unlikely to be affected significantly. In short, the benefits are negligible.
What are the Alternatives to Deleting the Grid Heaters?
Instead of removing the grid heaters, consider these alternatives:
- Proper Maintenance: Ensuring your grid heaters are functioning correctly, along with maintaining a fully charged battery and strong charging system, is the best way to ensure reliable cold-weather starts. Regular inspections and replacements as needed are far safer and more practical.
- Block Heater: A block heater is a far more effective solution for cold-weather starting. It plugs into an external power source and warms the engine coolant, making cold starts much easier. This is a superior alternative to a grid heater delete.
- Improved Battery: A high-quality, high-capacity battery will provide the necessary cranking amps to compensate for cold temperatures, greatly reducing the strain on the starting system.
How Does the Grid Heater System Work?
The grid heaters are embedded within the engine block and preheat the combustion chambers before starting. This aids in combustion, significantly improving cold-weather starting performance. Deleting them removes this critical pre-heating function.
Is it Illegal to Delete the Grid Heaters?
The legality of deleting grid heaters depends on your location and emissions regulations. In some areas, modifying emissions-related systems may be illegal and result in fines. Check your local regulations before making any modifications.
Will Deleting the Grid Heaters Void My Warranty?
Modifying your engine can almost certainly void your warranty, especially if it leads to engine damage. Contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealer to understand the implications of any modifications before making changes.
This guide highlights the serious drawbacks of deleting the grid heaters on your 5.9 Cummins. While the appeal of simplification might seem attractive, the potential for significant engine damage and unreliability makes it a risky proposition. Consider the alternatives outlined above for safe and reliable cold-weather starting. Remember, preventative maintenance and the use of a block heater will provide a far better outcome in the long run.
