moved from ancient Marlin to Marlin 1.1.8, now hotend does not heat up (no replies)

I have made this switch from ancient Marlin versions to 1.1.8 on several printers with no problems, but this one isn't working.
I have a custom Kossel that uses the RAMPS 1.4 board. It is a hot end and fan only, bed. I used a RAMPS EFF (extruder, fan, fan) setting from the boards.h, there isn't a EF only option for RAMP 1.4 or 1.3.
I used the RAMPS 1.3 board def '35' in both the old Marlin and new Marlin. I also tried the '45' board for the RAMPS 1.4, same thing happens.

Everything works but the hot end. I am scratching my head.
I set the extruder count to 1
I set the correct thermistor (that is working fine)
The display says it is trying to do the hot end, but, nada.

When I turn on the hot end from Pronterface, no heat.

The hardware is fine. If I revert to the old code, all works as usual.

Is there some nuance that I am missing? This is the first time that I have attempted this move to a system that does not have a heated bed. Is the "EFF" choice bunging up the system?

Thanks,
DLC