Does a Cummins Have Glow Plugs?

Ah, the Cummins engine—a beast of burden for trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. You’ve probably heard the chatter around the bar, mechanics boasting about their rides. But here’s the kicker: does a Cummins have glow plugs?

The Heart of a Diesel Engine

Glow plugs are a familiar name in the diesel world. These little heat wands warm up the cylinders to make sure that the diesel ignites smoothly, especially in cold weather. I’ve had my fair share of fights with cold mornings and stubborn engines.

The Cummins Mystery

Here’s the thing: Cummins engines, particularly the ones found in Dodge Ram trucks, don’t use glow plugs. They rely on something a bit more hardcore—intake grid heaters. These heaters preheat the air entering the engine, giving it the warmth needed to fire up without the help of glow plugs.

Personal Encounters with Cummins

Let me tell you a story. One winter, I was out in the middle of nowhere, Nevada. My buddy Joe had a Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins engine. We were hauling a load of firewood, and it was cold enough to freeze your spit mid-air. Joe’s truck started up without a hitch, thanks to those trusty intake grid heaters. No glow plugs, no drama.

Understanding the Difference

The grid heater is like a reliable old friend—always there when you need it. Glow plugs are fine, but in my experience, they’re like a temperamental artist. Cummins chose grid heaters for a reason: reliability. Glow plug have their place, but not under the Cummins hood.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question, does a Cummins have glow plugs? No, it doesn’t. Instead, it relies on intake grid heaters to get the job done. Next time someone brags about their engine, you can drop this little nugget of knowledge and watch their eyes widen in surprise.