I installed a diesel heater in my cabin. My thoughts and tips for you

Summary

The video explains a practical and affordable method for heating a cabin using a diesel heater. The speaker shares tips and lessons learned from over a year of using the system, highlighting key aspects like mounting the unit under the cabin to avoid carbon monoxide risks and the importance of correct orientation. The diesel heater is powered by a solar panel, consumes minimal power, and offers a quiet, smokeless heating solution. The speaker also discusses setup details, including fuel lines, power consumption, and the fixed throttle system without temperature control.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The speaker uses a diesel heater to heat their cabin, purchased for $170 on Amazon.
• 💨 The heater functions by drawing air from one side, heating it, and expelling hot air from the other side.
• ⚠️ To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, the heater is installed underneath the cabin, outside the living space.
• 🔧 The unit should be mounted with the exhaust and intake facing downwards to avoid damage.
• 🔋 The diesel heater is powered by a 12V system and connected to a solar panel, ideal for off-grid locations.
• 💡 The power consumption is low after the first five minutes, dropping below 1 amp, making it more efficient than propane alternatives.
• 🛠️ The heater doesn't have a thermostat, so it operates at a fixed throttle, which means the temperature isn't automatically adjusted.
• 📏 The speaker modified the mounting hardware for stability, using a 1/8 inch plate instead of the flimsy one provided.
• 🔄 The diesel engine's initial startup is noisy, but it quiets down once the heating process begins.
• ❗ The speaker advises against modifying the default settings of the heater's fan-to-throttle ratio, as it could cause operational issues.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about heating a cabin using a diesel heater, specifically discussing the installation, tips, and tricks to avoid common mistakes.

Where did the speaker purchase the diesel heater?

The speaker purchased the diesel heater from Amazon.

How much did the diesel heater cost?

The diesel heater cost the speaker 170 dollars.

Why did the speaker choose to mount the heater outside the cabin?

The speaker mounted the heater outside the cabin to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is the importance of mounting the diesel heater with the exhaust and intake facing downwards?

Mounting the diesel heater with the exhaust and intake facing downwards is crucial for proper functioning and to prevent damage to the unit.

What type of power system does the speaker use in the cabin?

The speaker uses a 12-volt system, powered by a solar panel, as the cabin does not have city electricity.

Why did the speaker choose a diesel heater over other types of heaters?

The speaker chose a diesel heater for its smokeless, smellless, and odorless operation, which is suitable for hunting trips, and for its low power consumption once the initial startup is completed.

What is the power consumption of the diesel heater after the initial startup?

After the initial five minutes of startup, the power consumption of the diesel heater drops dramatically to under one amp.

How does the speaker manage the fuel line to prevent leaks?

The speaker uses bolt nuts attached to a pipe that hangs slightly above the bottom of the fuel tank to manage the fuel line and prevent leaks.

What is the speaker's advice regarding the advanced settings of the diesel heater?

The speaker advises against changing the advanced settings of the diesel heater, as it can lead to instability in the burning process and error codes.

How does the speaker ensure the intake air is not obstructed?

The speaker elevates the intake as much as possible and uses a register box to ensure the air goes in without obstruction.