fuel filter housing heater question

[llong66]

In reading through various posts I have learned that the stock fuel filter housing on my M1008 has a heating element in it, I am just wondering...it seems like if its cold enough to need a heater for the filter housing that the fuel in the line from the tank to the filter would gel, what really is the use if a heater in the filter base?

 

[corelokt]

Warmer fuel starts easier.

 

[Matt65]

The filter media is much more restrictive than the cross section of the fuel line. Example: a filter is a collection of say 10 micron holes, far smaller than inside diameter of the fuel line. Any increase in viscosity as a result of colder temperatures should become a problem at the filter first. But your right, the heat transfer away from the fuel line due to its length and total ambient surface area would probably exceed that of the filter base itself.

 

[llong66]

Thanks for the replies, Matt65 that makes perfect sense!