1HD-FT factory fuel heater

[Eurasiaoverland]

Purely out of interest, I wonder if people could share any experience with the factory fuel heater fitted to the 1HD-FT in some markets.

I have a factory fuel heater in my Euro-spec Hilux. It is in the filter head and consists of a separate vacuum switch (to detect when increased fuel viscosity decreases the pressure on the filter head) and an internal heater element.

On the 1HD-FT, I see a single heater unit. Am I right to assume that this integrates both a switch and a heater element?

Are these things long lasting, or do they burn out over time? Has anyone tested theirs and found it to be defective?

Interested in hearing experiences with them. Not so much the usual 'you don't need it, I started my engine at -100 with a 3V deaf aid battery and it was fine' etc

Thanks

 

[Douglas S]

My 1HD-T has one and I live somewhere that gets quite cold (colder than -35C on occasion). I have tested mine and it works, though I did have to replace the o-rings at some point as it was the source of an air leak.

As to whether or not it's effective, that's difficult to say. My fuel did gel once and the heater wasn't enough to keep the engine running. Can't say if it hasn't saved me in the past - there's no indicator to let me know when it's engaged.

 

[wpwilder]

yeah, i don't know how to delete this non reply. i just had a rookie question.

 

[wpwilder]

excuse my ignorance but can i go without one? discontinued online so im looking for an alternative. is there an alternative part # for the 1HZ?