m1008 fuel filter base heater?

[cagosti]

what does the heating element do in the filter base? how is it tested,its electrical so it should fail in a cucv but I never here mention of it .
Charles
Portage Mi

 

[CCATLETT1984]

iirc, it is supposed to heat the fuel up to a certain temp, until the engine warms up and the returned fuel to the tank keeps the rest of the fuel up to operating temp.