If you think the BD Diesel Killer Grid Heater Fix Kit is cheap insurance against destroying your 6.7L Cummins, you might want to watch this video before spending your money.
Brad at Protech Diesel in Kamloops, British Columbia, recently discovered a disturbing failure while working on a 2019 RAM 3500. The truck came in for a leaking fuel line, but the mechanics found something arguably more concerning: a failing BD Diesel Killer Grid Heater Fix Kit.
The kit was supposed to prevent the notorious Cummins grid heater bolt failure that has destroyed countless engines. Instead, this one had developed problems of its own.
Loose Connections, Melted Plastic, and Another Potential Failure Point
During the inspection, Brad discovered that the BD kit’s electrical terminal was loose. Both the nut and stud spun freely. After removing the assembly, the damage became obvious.
The connection had overheated, melting the surrounding plastic insulation. Oil was also leaking through the assembly.
Brad explained that this particular external fastener couldn’t fall into the engine because of the housing design. However, a loose electrical connection can create resistance, generate excessive heat, and potentially cause a short.
And here’s the bigger problem: BD’s kit still retains an internal bolt that could loosen and fall into the engine.
That’s the very disaster the kit is supposed to prevent.
This Isn’t the First BD Kit Failure
We’ve documented another BD Diesel Killer Grid Heater Fix Kit failure involving deteriorating hardware and heat damage.
We’ve also explained why BD’s design doesn’t eliminate all the original grid heater failure risks.
Now, an independent diesel repair shop has captured another failure on video.
Brad’s conclusion couldn’t be clearer:
“For these reasons, we don’t recommend this BD fix as a fix for your grid heater failure. Go with a Monster Ram. By far the best on the market. We sell them every day and install them. We don’t have any problems.”
Cheap Insurance? Think Again.
The BD Diesel kit may cost considerably less than a Banks Monster-Ram, but what exactly are you saving if the repair itself develops failures?
The Banks Monster-Ram removes the factory grid heater assembly and its problematic internal fasteners entirely, eliminating those particular failure points while retaining intake-air heating capability.
The bottom line: A preventative repair should eliminate the problem, not leave you wondering which bolt or electrical connection might fail next.
When a failed component can destroy an engine worth tens of thousands of dollars, buying the cheapest fix isn’t necessarily saving money.
Sometimes, cheap becomes very expensive.