Katerina Swanson
Diesel heaters are a popular choice for campervans, boats, and trucks due to their high heat capacity and low fuel consumption. They can be safely installed by vehicle owners themselves with careful planning and technical skills. This process involves selecting an appropriate installation location, ensuring proper ventilation, and connecting the heater to the vehicle's fuel tank or a separate auxiliary fuel tank. The installation process requires attention to detail, especially when dealing with the routing of fuel lines and the positioning of the heater's air outlet or water pipes. The heater's mounting plate should be secured, and the fuel inlet should be positioned upwards to prevent fuel leakage. With the right precautions and considerations, a diesel fuel heater can be a convenient and efficient choice for various vehicles.
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What You'll Learn
- Installation location: Choose a dry, safe spot with a flat surface, away from flammable materials
- Fuel tank: Use a separate tank or connect to the vehicle's tank. Ensure it's not exposed to sunlight
- Fuel inlet: Face the inlet upwards to prevent diesel from flowing out and creating a fire hazard
- Mounting: Use a mounting plate, brackets, or screws to secure the heater. Ensure adequate ventilation
- Fuel pipes: Connect the fuel supply pipe to the heater. Avoid pinching the vent hose
Installation location: Choose a dry, safe spot with a flat surface, away from flammable materials
When choosing the installation location for your diesel heater, it is important to prioritise safety and stability. Here are some key considerations for selecting the ideal spot:
Choose a Dry, Safe Spot
Select a dry location that is away from any sources of moisture to prevent corrosion or damage to the heater. Ensure the chosen spot is safe and free from potential hazards. Avoid placing the heater near flammable materials, fuel lines, or other heat sources. This is crucial to minimise fire risks and ensure safe operation.
Opt for a Flat Surface
Look for a flat surface to mount the heater. This helps maintain the stability of the heater and ensures its efficient operation. A flat surface also makes it easier to secure the heater firmly in place.
Additional Installation Tips
When installing a diesel heater, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and comply with local legal requirements. Before drilling holes or mounting the heater, carefully plan the installation, considering factors such as ventilation and maintenance access, and the positioning of the air outlet and exhaust pipe. Ensure the exhaust pipe is directed downwards to prevent hazards, and maintain a distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) between the heater air inlet and the nearest wall.
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Fuel tank: Use a separate tank or connect to the vehicle's tank. Ensure it's not exposed to sunlight
When it comes to the fuel tank for your DIY diesel heater, you have two options: using a separate tank or connecting to the vehicle's fuel tank.
If you opt for a separate tank, you can purchase a larger one than the one that comes with the heater. For example, the heater kit might include a 10L plastic fuel tank, but you can buy a 20L tank to avoid having to refuel as often. You can install the larger tank under your vehicle, in a cavity on the underside of the van, or in a shed next to the heater. If you're installing the tank in a shed, you'll need to protect the fuel supply pipe by threading it through some hose pipe to get it out of the shed and into the heater box.
When choosing the location for your tank, ensure it's not exposed to sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV rays will lead to fuel deterioration, which can clog the heater's fuel delivery system, filter, and pump. To avoid this, install your tank in a location that isn't exposed to direct sunlight, and consider adding a cover to further protect it from UV damage. If you can, choose a black plastic or stainless steel tank as these materials offer better protection against UV rays.
If you prefer to connect to your vehicle's fuel tank, you can do so by dropping the diesel tank down on jacks to access the lid and install the fuel line. The method for installing the fuel line will vary depending on the vehicle model. For example, the Ford Transit has an auxiliary fuel port pre-drilled, while other models may require you to drill your own port.
Regardless of which option you choose, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting the heater and installing the fuel lines. Ensure that the fuel lines are not near the engine or other heat sources, and always comply with local legal requirements for installation.
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Fuel inlet: Face the inlet upwards to prevent diesel from flowing out and creating a fire hazard
When installing a diesel fuel heater, it is crucial to pay attention to the fuel inlet's orientation. The fuel inlet must always face upwards to prevent diesel from flowing out and creating a dangerous fire hazard. This is especially important for installations on boats, where the heater must be mounted upright, but with the fuel inlet facing upwards.
The correct installation method ensures that diesel fuel does not leak out of the heater onto the floor. This is a critical safety measure, as spilled diesel fuel can pose a fire risk. By having the fuel inlet face upwards, gravity helps keep the fuel securely inside the heater, reducing the chances of accidental spills or leaks.
One common mistake to avoid is installing the oil pump inlet facing downwards. This incorrect orientation will not only affect the even distribution of fuel but also increases the risk of fuel leakage. Therefore, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the fuel inlet is always facing upwards during installation.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the distance between the heater air inlet and the wall should be at least 20 cm (8 inches) to allow for proper ventilation and circulation of heated air. This spacing also helps prevent the heater from overheating and ensures efficient operation.
To further enhance safety, consider using an L-shaped stainless steel mounting plate. This accessory allows for the upright installation of the forced air heater, even in spaces with limited clearance, such as on a boat. By using this mounting plate, you can achieve the correct orientation of the fuel inlet while also securely fastening the heater in place. Remember to leave adequate clearance around the heater for maintenance and ventilation.
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Mounting: Use a mounting plate, brackets, or screws to secure the heater. Ensure adequate ventilation
When it comes to mounting your diesel heater, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can use a mounting plate, which will need to be bolted to the floor or attached using brackets or screws to the interior of your vehicle. If you're installing the heater in a boat, an L-shaped stainless steel mounting plate will allow you to mount the heater upright. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific heater model.
When using a mounting plate, you'll need to cut the floor material using the plate as a template. Remove the floor material and the mounting plate, then install a sealing gasket on the heater. Secure the mounting plate and apply a foam seal strip before attaching the exhaust pipe. Finally, secure the heater and mounting plate to your chosen installation location using mounting bolts and locking nuts. If the installation surface is thin, you may need additional support to provide stability for the heater.
Another important consideration is the positioning of your heater. Ensure that the heater is mounted upright and secured firmly in place. Choose a flat surface to maintain stability and efficiency. Pay attention to the length and position of the exhaust pipe, ensuring it's directed downwards to avoid any hazards. Keep the exhaust pipe away from flammable materials and fuel lines, as it can become very hot during operation.
In addition to mounting and positioning, ventilation is crucial. Allow for proper ventilation by leaving enough space around the heater. Keep the heater at least 20 cm (8 inches) away from walls or other surfaces. Also, consider the direction of airflow. The cooling air intake system should draw air from the inside and blow it outwards, not the other way around.
Lastly, when choosing a fuel tank, you can opt for a separate tank or connect directly to your vehicle's fuel tank. If you choose a separate tank, consider the size and placement to ensure convenience and safety. You can mount the tank inside or outside your vehicle, depending on your preference and available space. Just remember to protect the fuel supply pipe and ensure it's securely connected to the heater.
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Fuel pipes: Connect the fuel supply pipe to the heater. Avoid pinching the vent hose
When installing a diesel fuel heater, it is important to carefully plan the fuel line installation. The fuel supply pipe provides fuel to the heater and must be connected securely. One end of the fuel supply pipe is attached to the intake (suction) side of the fuel pump, while the other end is connected to the bottom of the fuel tank.
To avoid pinching the vent hose, it is crucial to ensure that the hose is not restricted or compressed in any way. The vent hose allows air to escape from the fuel tank during the filling process. If the vent hose is pinched, air bubbles will come up through the fuel fill hose, causing diesel to spill and resulting in a longer filling time.
When working with the fuel supply pipe and vent hose, it is important to consider the positioning of the heater and fuel tank. The heater should be installed in a dry and safe location, avoiding any areas where moisture or potential damage may occur. It is recommended to opt for a flat surface to mount the heater, maintaining its stability and efficiency. Additionally, ensure that the exhaust outlet points downwards to prevent any hazards.
The fuel tank should be placed in a position that is easily accessible and convenient for refuelling. It is also important to consider the material of the fuel tank to prevent fuel deterioration. Clear white oil tanks, for example, should be installed in areas where sunlight cannot reach them directly, as UV rays can cause the fuel to deteriorate, clogging the heater's fuel delivery system. Black plastic fuel tanks or stainless steel tanks are recommended to protect the fuel inside the tank.
Overall, careful consideration of the fuel pipes, vent hose, and fuel tank positioning is essential to ensure the safe and efficient installation of a diesel fuel heater.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel heaters provide continuous hot air without needing to start the engine, saving fuel and reducing energy consumption. They are also safer than other heating devices, as they are designed to minimise potential risks during operation.
It is important to pay attention to the location of the vehicle's fuel tank and battery. The heater's air outlet or the routing of water pipes should also be considered. Special attention must be given to the routing of fuel lines; ensure that the fuel lines are not near the engine or other heat sources.
One common mistake is to set up the cooling air intake system so that it draws air from the outside and blows it into the compartment's interior. The air should blow from the inside to the outside. Another mistake is to install the oil pump inlet facing down, which will cause the diesel fuel to flow out and create a fire hazard.
