Rajan Wilcox
Chinese diesel heaters are a great way to keep your van warm, and they can be easily installed at home. They are compact, have minimal fuel consumption, and do not drain your vehicle's battery. The heaters come with a small diesel tank that can be stored in the van, or you can connect the heater directly to the fuel tank under the van. However, the fuel tanks that come with the heaters are often oddly shaped and may not fit well inside the van. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to install a Chinese diesel heater, including the installation of a larger fuel tank for added convenience.
Chinese Diesel Heater Fuel Tank Installation Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity | 10L (2.5 gallons) |
| Fuel consumption | 1 gallon per day (medium heat output) |
| Fuel tank placement | Under the hood, inside, or underneath with a metal cage |
| Installation time | 8-12 hours |
| Fuel supply | Hose connected to the fuel pump and fuel tank |
| Fuel pipe length | Maximum of 2 meters between fuel tank and fuel pump |
| Fuel filter | Cheap Chinese fuel filter may clog with sediment |
| Fuel line | Replace with thinner, more rigid piping |
| Fuel tank shape | Tall and flat, difficult to fit inside |
| Fuel tank connection | Connect fuel tube with a butterfly clip |
| Fuel pump | Connect electrical wire to the pump before feeding pipes through the floor |
| Fuel system | Connect nozzle or standpipe to the fuel tank, then run plastic fuel pipe from fuel filter to the tank |
| Fuel union | Drill a hole in the side of the tank and secure the fuel union with a wire |
| Fuel vent hose | Connect one end to the fuel fill port and the other to the top of the fuel tank |
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What You'll Learn
Parts and supplies needed for installation
The parts and supplies you will need to install a Chinese diesel heater fuel tank will depend on the type of heater you have purchased, the location of your van's fuel tank, and the location of your heater.
If your heater comes with a built-in fuel tank, you may choose to use this, or you can hook the heater up to your van's fuel tank. If you opt for the former, you will need to purchase a larger fuel tank if you don't want to be refuelling too often. The standard tank is 10L, and you can purchase a 20L tank to install under your van. You will also need a 1" square aluminium tube to hold the tank in place, with 1/4-20 Plus-Nuts to attach the tube to the van body and frame.
If you are hooking the heater up to your van's fuel tank, you will need to feed the fuel line to the pump and cut it to length, then connect it with jubilee clips. You will then need to connect the other end of the fuel filter to the fuel tank. The kit should come with metal housings and self-tapping screws to fix the exhaust pipe and air intake pipe to the underside of the van.
If you are using the supplied fuel tank, you will need to feed the fuel line back into the van. You may wish to elevate the heater to avoid having to feed the line in and out of the floor of the van. You will also need to drill a hole for the fuel tube to fit through and connect to the heater from the underside of the van.
Other supplies you may need include a stand pipe, rubber fuel hose, plastic fuel pipe, and cable ties.
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Selecting a fuel tank location
When selecting a fuel tank location for a Chinese diesel heater, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the available space inside and underneath the van will dictate the size and style of the heater you can choose. If you opt for a heater with a remote tank, you can place the heater in a smaller space and position the fuel tank in a more convenient location for refuelling. However, this type of setup may require more installation effort.
The fuel tank options that come with the heaters are often oddly shaped, tall, and flat, making them difficult to fit inside existing structures such as bench seats. These tanks can be screwed to surfaces to keep them in place, but ensure the tank's lid is not obstructed. Alternatively, you can choose from various aftermarket fuel tanks that are more space-efficient and can fit your desired location.
There are three main placement spots for the fuel tank, in order of popularity: under the hood (in the top right empty space near the hinge), inside, or underneath with a metal cage. If you choose to place the tank under the hood, be cautious of potential issues with diesel gelling, especially in cold environments.
When selecting a location, consider the distance between the fuel tank and the heater. The fuel pipe lengths should be kept as short as possible, with a maximum distance of 2 meters between the fuel tank and the fuel pump and a maximum of 5 meters between the pump and the heater. Additionally, ensure that the fuel tank is mounted at a height that allows easy refuelling and efficient fuel flow to the pump.
For my setup, I chose to mount the diesel tank in a shed adjacent to the heater, which is located on the external wall of my garage. This allowed me to keep the fuel tank and heater at roughly the same height, making it convenient to prime the system and maintain fuel flow.
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Connecting the fuel tube
When connecting the fuel tube, you will need to cut a small hole for the tube to fit through. This hole will be in the floor of the van, connecting the fuel tank to the heater. It is important to note that the fuel pipe lengths should be kept as short as possible, with a maximum of 2 metres between the fuel tank and the fuel pump, and a maximum of 5 metres between the pump and the heater.
Before feeding the fuel tube through the floor, an electrical wire needs to be connected directly to the pump. If the pump is fitted externally, you will need to feed the wire through a hole outside of the van. There isn't a dedicated hole for this, so you can feed it through next to the air intake pipe, ensuring the hole is big enough for both.
Now, the fuel tube can be fed through the hole and out of the bottom of the van. The fuel tube is then attached to the bulkier end of the filter and secured with the provided clip. The fuel tube should be cut to a reasonable length.
The next step is to connect the fuel supply to the heater. One end of the hose is attached to the intake (suction) side of the fuel pump, and the other end is attached to the bottom of the fuel tank. This hose will need to be adapted from the 3mm hard nylon tube that attaches to the fuel pump to the 10AN fitting on the bottom of the fuel tank. This can be done in several steps: 10AN to 6AN, 6AN to 3/8” hose, 3/8” hose to 1/4” hose, and finally 1/4” hose to 3mm hard nylon tube.
Finally, the nozzle or standpipe can be attached to the fuel tank and bolted on. The final piece of rubber fuel tubing can then be connected and clipped into place.
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Drilling holes for the fuel tube
Before drilling any holes, carefully plan the location of the fuel tube and the heater. The fuel tube will need to be connected to the heater from the underside of the van. Consider the available space and any potential obstructions under the van, such as structural beams, fuel tanks, or water tanks. Keep in mind that the exhaust pipe will dictate the location of the heater.
Once you have determined the optimal location for the heater and fuel tube, you can begin drilling the holes. Start by drilling a small pilot hole for the fuel tube to fit through. This hole should be drilled from the underside of the van, ensuring it is large enough for the fuel tube to pass through comfortably. Sand down any rough edges of the hole to create a smooth finish.
If you have sheet vinyl flooring, it is important to cut out the section that will be under the metal plate of the diesel heater. This precaution is necessary because the heater can generate significant heat, and you don't want your flooring to melt. Apply a coating of fireproof sealant around the inside of the hole for added safety. While this step is not mandatory, it provides extra peace of mind. Allow the sealant to dry overnight before proceeding.
Now, it's time to drill the holes for the electrical wire and other pipes. The electrical wire that connects directly to the pump needs to be fed through a hole outside the van. There may not be a dedicated hole for this wire in the base plate, so you can feed it through next to the air intake pipe. Ensure the hole is big enough to accommodate both the wire and the air intake pipe.
Finally, with all the holes drilled, you can attach the fuel tube and secure it with the provided butterfly clip. Feed the fuel tube and all other pipes and tubes through the floor of the van. Once everything is in place, tightly secure the heater to the floor by drilling screws through the designated points on the metal plate.
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Attaching the fuel tube
First, ensure you have the correct fuel tube. The fuel line that comes with the heater may be too wide and flexible, which can cause issues with air bubbles and pressure. It is recommended to replace it with thinner, more rigid piping.
Next, cut a small hole in the floor of the van for the fuel tube to fit through. Sand down any rough edges, and apply a coating of fireproof sealant around the hole. This will protect the van's interior from the heat of the heater.
Now, attach the fuel tube to the fuel tank. Secure it with the provided fixings, such as a butterfly clip or jubilee clip. Cut the tube to the appropriate length, and connect it to the fuel filter. Typically, the smaller end of the filter attaches to the tube.
After the fuel filter is in place, connect the electrical wire to the pump if you haven't already. Feed the wire through the hole next to the air intake pipe, ensuring the hole is large enough for both the wire and the tube.
Finally, feed all the pipes and tubes through the floor of the van. Secure them tightly to the body of the van to prevent damage and rattling. Once everything is in place, you can bolt on the nozzle or standpipe and connect the final piece of rubber fuel. Now your fuel system is ready!
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel tank can be installed in several places, including under the hood, inside, or underneath the van with a metal cage. Some people have also installed the tank in a shed adjacent to the heater.
Some heaters come with a built-in fuel tank, while others have a remote tank. The heater kit typically comes with a 10L plastic fuel tank, but you can also install a larger 20L tank under the van if you don't want to refuel as often.
First, cut a small hole for the fuel tank pipe to fit through and sand down the rough edges. Apply a coating of fireproof sealant around the hole and let it dry overnight. Then, drill a hole in the side of the tank, near the bottom, and install a fuel union. Connect the fuel tube to the tank and secure it with the provided butterfly clip. Finally, feed the tube through the floor of the van and secure the heater to the floor with screws.
Make sure the fuel tank lid is accessible for screwing on and off. If your kit includes a nozzle, avoid installing it too low, as this may cause sediment to clog your pump. Instead, consider upgrading to a stand pipe. Replace the included fuel line with thinner, more rigid piping to prevent air bubbles and maintain air pressure.
Chinese diesel heaters are reasonably priced and can pump out a lot of heat with minimal fuel consumption and low battery power. They can be left on for extended periods without needing to be turned off, making them ideal for vans.
