Fuel Manager Heater FYI

[dangerousdave]

I had just recieved my FFM o-rings in the mail from Leroy (Burning oil / PMDcable.com), and the next day (before I had a chance to replace them) it started to leak!

While I had the FFM off, I thought I'd test the heater; NO continuity, open circuit; I thought it was toast!

I took the cover off the heater and found it has a thermal switch in series with the heating element, making it self regulating.

I looked at it carefully, tested it, and it's an open switch at normal temperatures.

I stuck it in the freezer for a few minutes, then tested it; switch closed; it works!

I monitored it as I warmed it up with my hand to room temp, and saw it open the circuit.

I stuck it back in the freezer to to close the switch again, so I could test the heating element.

I connected it to my battery charger for a 12V source;

That little heater gets real hot quick!
Then the switch opens up; all is well here in Baja.

Sorry I don't have any temperature readings for this unscientific test.

Now that I "fixed" it, I can't rush my wife into getting the FTB!

 

[konstan]

Heh you really need that fuel heater in Baja

 

[dangerousdave]

We visit cold places like Nova Scotia, New York, Maine, Nebraska... you get the picture. Usually in the winter!
We're planning a trip up the coast in late November; family in Oregon and Washington, then maybe cut accross to Idaho; more family.

 

[racedaymechanic]

Heh you really need that fuel heater in Baja

Thats what I was thinking, I don't have a heater on mine, If you have good Glowplugs and Batteries/ Cables you can crank up in 0 degree weather and runs just fine

 

[jmiller]

If it runs in cold enough weather for very long, odds are it will wax up. Enough wax build up and it will starve for fuel and die.

No fuel heater / real cold weather / carry a spare filter. Beats being stranded.

 

[qmark]

but your spare filter will wax up in a few minutes.

 

[bison]

I got 8 diff diesel tractors,none has a fuel heater, one has a fuel cooler in front of the rad(4-53 detroit)
All of them run in the winter(it gets here to minus 40 easy),none had/has a problem ever with fuel gelling up and starting(plugged in ofcourse) and running all day.
Mebbe we got better fuel up here?

 

[dangerousdave]

Do you keep them all plugged in when it's real cold?

 

[bison]

Nope Dave,just the one or two i need and happen to sit outside.

Altough it might appear that way(shop building),I ain't exactly Rockefeller you know:hihi: