Cummins is a leading distributor and manufacturer of world-class diesel engines. This best-in-class manufacturer has been pushing boundaries and defying the odds since 1919. Today, there are over 30 different light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty engines manufactured by Cummins for everything from school buses to the infamous Ram trucks. In any case, 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. Let’s take a closer look at the Cummins intake air heater problems and how the team at Branch Automotive is implementing a new emissions compliant fix option for the 6.7 Cummins intake air heater failure. Some customers have seen the optional screw in style intake air heater that can be used in place of the original style IAH. Feel free to give Branch Automotive a call at 303-771-2224 and ask to speak to a representative about this option.
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.
Cummins Intake Heater Problems Require Cummins Diesel Repair in Littleton CO and Highlands Ranch CO
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 Branch Automotive in Highlands Ranch, CO are well experienced and specialize in Cummins engine repair including servicing your intake air heater.
Contact Branch Automotive for Cummins Diesel Repair in Littleton CO & Highlands Ranch CO
At Branch Automotive, we are the leading diesel repair center for the Highlands Ranch CO and Littleton CO area. We specialize in all Cummins diesel repairs, including Cummins intake heater problems. The 6.7 Cummins found in the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks may experience intake air heater failure. It can cause part of the intake air heater to fall into the engine and cause catastrophic engine damage.
At Branch Automotive, we’ve found the best solution is to be proactive and check the condition of your IAH regularly to avoid this failure before catastrophic damage occurs. To solve the intake air heater problem, we are offering a CARB certified upgrade option to a different intake manifold and air horn that eliminates the integrated intake air heater. We replace the intake air heater grid with a screw-in intake air heater element that is less likely to cause this failure. Our proven and innovative solution is emissions-compliant in all 50 states and performs well in the coldest of weather.
Contact Branch Automotive today by calling (303)771-2224, stopping by to see us at 6030 E County Line Road in Littleton CO, or completing our online contact form.
