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Old 02-09-2011, 03:50 PM   #1
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Diesel Heater??

I'm going to install a diesel heater myself. I would love some feedback on which one you all think is best and why.

1. Where to buy it?

2. Should I use a separate tank (gravity feed)or should I tap into my van tank and add pump? Why?

3. Should I use something else.

4 . Problems????

I know this has been talked about on other threads so thanks for answering my questions.

Thanks
Ron

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Old 02-09-2011, 07:06 PM   #2
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Re: Diesel Heater??

If you're installing an Espar, you better use their pumps. Espars are very sensitive to pressure and flow. Besides, having an extra tank would be a pain in the, ah.... fuel door.
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Old 02-09-2011, 11:28 PM   #3
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Re: Diesel Heater??

I have the Espar D2 Diesel Heater in my van pulling fuel through the extra tap on the Transferflow tank. In some cases the stock Ford fuel tank can also have an extra tap if ordered that way from the factory. Supposedly it is an option I was told The D2 I bought actually came as a unit mounted in an aluminum box with a 9200 BTU AC unit used by Truckers. I believe the "real" Sportsmobiles come with the larger Espar D4 if you opt for it in the build.

Why I decided to go with the D2:
1.) The D4 was way out of my budget. I picked up the AC/Espar combo unit for less than you can buy a D2 for new in most cases, although there are deals to be had out there. Granted mine does NOT have the built-in altitude adjustment electronics like the new models do but I had Lubrication Specialists make one of the older high-alt pump kits for me.
2.) After researching on the Espar threads here in the forum it was recommended to run the D4 on high as much as possible to keep it clean from carbon buildup. Many owners seemed to have issues with them when not using them often enough or running them too low. I was hoping that the D2 would be about right running on med to high to keep the carbon buildup down. I have only used mine in the driveway once a month to keep it going and so far it works great. I puts out great heat and my van is well insulated so I don't anticipate any issues. Plan to be using this weekend when I camp out somewhere.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Eric
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Old 02-10-2011, 07:23 AM   #4
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Re: Diesel Heater??

The diesel heater comes with it's own pump and line, use them from the tank or spliced into the fuel line. As it uses little fuel, the line has a small diameter, do not repalce by a larger one as you will not be able to bleed the line and get diesel to the unit.
If you run diesel for the engine you do not need to mess with a separate tank.

Which unit, it is depending on you needs and desire, personally I prefer webasto... if you go that way, I know a place to buy them.

Have fun choosing.
Andrew
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Old 02-10-2011, 09:07 AM   #5
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Re: Diesel Heater??

Quote:
Originally Posted by AndrewST
The diesel heater comes with it's own pump and line, use them from the tank or spliced into the fuel line. As it uses little fuel, the line has a small diameter, do not repalce by a larger one as you will not be able to bleed the line and get diesel to the unit.
If you run diesel for the engine you do not need to mess with a separate tank.

Which unit, it is depending on you needs and desire, personally I prefer webasto... if you go that way, I know a place to buy them.

Have fun choosing.
Andrew
Thanks Guys for your input I was looking at the Webasto. Andrew where I would love the name and number of the place you know of to buy them.

Ron
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Old 02-10-2011, 01:10 PM   #6
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Re: Diesel Heater??

I have an Espar diesel heater in my SMB and have used it a couple of times during the day and evening and seems to work great. Haven't spent the night in it yet though. But being a new owner, should I leave a window cracked during the night while running the heater or is there anything to worry about?

Mike
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Old 02-10-2011, 01:16 PM   #7
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Re: Diesel Heater??

Quote:
Originally Posted by MKRyan
I have an Espar diesel heater in my SMB and have used it a couple of times during the day and evening and seems to work great. Haven't spent the night in it yet though. But being a new owner, should I leave a window cracked during the night while running the heater or is there anything to worry about?

Mike
If SMB installed the heater, the heater is inspected by a pro for periodic maintenance as required by the manufacturer (go online to find the manual), and you have a working CO detector you should be just fine without cracking the window.
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Old 02-10-2011, 01:46 PM   #8
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Re: Diesel Heater??

Thanks for the info. SMB did install the heater. The van only has 18,000 miles on it so I'm assuming it hasn't been inspected in the past. I do know it's well exhausted. I'll make sure I have it inspected per the manual.

Thanks,

Mike
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Old 02-10-2011, 02:28 PM   #9
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Re: Diesel Heater??

Hey Mike hope to see you this summer up here in Jackson Hole.
Congrats on the new ride.

Ron
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