Wanted to install the block heater ext. cord that I picked up from the local Cummins shop. When looking at the area to work in I thought that it would probably be easier if I removed the air filter and tube to turbo so my sausage fingers would have more room. As I was due for an air filter change I bought a K&N FIPK, (don't beat me up to much I am a K&N fan) to replace factory air intake.

Well I started the job about 3:00 PM last Wednesday, outside, tempurature was about 25F. Installed cord first, used a little di-electric grease at the prongs on element and did not tighten nut more than a quarter turn after finger tight as rubber plug seemed to want to distort. I will keep an eye on that to see if it loosens. Used zip ties to secure cord along top of frame rail, then zip tied to radiator bracket so that the plug hangs well behind bumper but easy to get at through lower grill opening. Am going to make cap plug so that the prongs do not become corroded. Easy enough, now 4:00 PM, tempurature 22F. Fingers getting stiff.

The FIPK was next. Instructions from K&N were easy to follow. The most difficult part to do was to form heat shield edge seal to the heat shield as all was cold and stiff including me. The rest of the install went well as could be expected for the time of day and temp. Everthing fit well, no missing parts, a good looking install.
I have not used the block heater yet as truck has had no problems starting this year as lowest temp has only been about -14F and I need to get another extention cord to reach truck.

BUT, I have used the FIPK. The old seat of the pants meter has detected a definite increase in acceleration, fuel consumption has gone down, but that would have happened with any clean air filter. The turbo now sings to me even at idle.
All in all feel good about spending the cold afternoon doing this work!

 

-14F . I remember those days. I was stationed up at Drum not so long ago. I lived in Watertown and Sackets Harbor. I liked it. We would go to 'Cuse every weekend. As for plugging in, I plug her up quite often done here in NC. If it's going to be 45 or below the next morning I always plug up just so I get an easy start and quick warm up. Trust me, it really doesn't make a dent in the power bill. When I lived in NY I plugged it up from September to June (you know, there are only two seasons up there...winter and not. The not only lasting about 3 months ). I never saw any real difference. It safe/cheap insurance. As for the K&N, I don't have it on this one but my old '00 had it and is still running it long after I sold it and with over 100,000 with no issues. Just make sure you have a good seal around the filter and check it once in a while for dust/dirt in the intake tube and turbo fins. Enjoy the snow. Have some Dinosaur BBQ for me!