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Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 12:52 am
by WestyK
Hi All
Not the normal question but would be interested to hear others experience.
I am in the process of fitting a Diesel heater under the passenger seat as most seem to, I will be routing the hot air into the rear door step area and probably taking the cool air feed from the passenger footwell area. All pretty standard.
Question is to anyone that's done it this way. Has it increased engine noise into the cab when driving effectively as it effectively has 2 60mm holes open to the engine bay with only some thin ducting between?
I am trying to reduce noise where I can not make it worse. If it does any ideas how to reduce the impact.
Thanks
Ian
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 11:00 am
by mikeonb4c
Interesting question and not one i've heard raised before (though noise in operation gets discussed). Maybe you could design removable blanking covers?
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 12:21 pm
by rita
As a matter of interest have you got your insurer’s approval , if so what if any was the increase in policy.
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 1:29 pm
by WestyK
Good point on insurance.
I haven't actually checked. Will keep you posted.
Mikeonb4c
yes that may be an option. wouldn't ever use it while driving
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 3:39 pm
by WestyK
Just checked with my insurance.
No issues at all and no change to premium.

Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 4:14 pm
by mikeonb4c
WestyK wrote: Mon Mar 09, 2020 1:29 pm
Good point on insurance.
I haven't actually checked. Will keep you posted.
Mikeonb4c
yes that may be an option. wouldn't ever use it while driving
You might even flog a few if you crack the design (assuming there is a problem that needs cracking mind you!)

Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 7:55 pm
by Northern Bongolow
No increase in noise from the engine noted, we ran one for 5 years on ours.
Best thing you will ever buy, we fit ours like you which heated the awning too when you fit a swivel eyeball vent.
Toasty.
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2020 8:44 pm
by cwilliams255
Whilst it’s only a short ducting run I would probably add a small amount of insulation. Mine ran to center console back so was a little bit longer But. did marginally improve noise both in operation (didn’t really notice whole driving). My ducting run needed some heat shielding on top of the insulation, first time round the insulation melted as it was touching the exhaust manifold to exhaust connection!
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2020 12:32 am
by WestyK
Thanks guys
Probably am over thinking it. But fitting some insulation around the ducting sounds like a good idea.
Looking forward to getting it going, hopping it will mean I use the van a lot more.
One more question. Did you both T into the van fuel supply without any issue I was planning on going into the fuel return. Have read mixed views on this as well.
Thanks
Ian
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2020 3:12 am
by rita
WestyK wrote: Tue Mar 10, 2020 12:32 am
Thanks guys
Probably am over thinking it. But fitting some insulation around the ducting sounds like a good idea.
Looking forward to getting it going, hopping it will mean I use the van a lot more.
One more question. Did you both T into the van fuel supply without any issue I was planning on going into the fuel return. Have read mixed views on this as well.
Thanks
Ian
Interesting point,do you actually think the fuel return will be live without the engine running ?
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2020 8:58 am
by cwilliams255
From what I remember I used supply rather than return roughly under drivers seat, it just needs to be before fuel pump, mine is a 97 bongo just for reference. I don’t think there is any problem doing this and I’ve run engine and heater without issue. This is all from memory though I could go check tonight if it helps and take a few pics
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2020 9:49 am
by WestyK
I thought the same about the return to be honest but other have done it no issues and my thought were if it works its less likely to pull fuel out of the engine pump.
I am going to test without cutting any of the existing pipes so it can go back if it doesn't
If it doesn't I'll go in to the supply.
Don't go to a lot of trouble but of you can send some pic that would be great.
Thanks
Ian
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2020 1:13 pm
by rita
WestyK wrote: Tue Mar 10, 2020 9:49 am
I thought the same about the return to be honest but other have done it no issues and my thought were if it works its less likely to pull fuel out of the engine pump.
I am going to test without cutting any of the existing pipes so it can go back if it doesn't
If it doesn't I'll go in to the supply.
Don't go to a lot of trouble but of you can send some pic that would be great.
Thanks
Ian
The fuel system has only one internal suction pipe,the return pipe does not have the ability to draw fuel from the tank,you could fit an internal suction on the sender unit.
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2020 8:26 pm
by WestyK
Thanks Rita
This was my thought too.
unfortunately fitting an extra tank take off is quite difficult.
Will keep you all posted
Ian
Re: Diesel Heater Fitting Question
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2020 8:35 pm
by Bongolia
If you are going to take off from the tank I went through the sender unit plate.you can remove from the van and do it on the bench. Dont forget to set the pipe to leave some fuel in the tank.
I may have a pic somewhere.