Cheap Chinese Diesel Heater Tips - Camper Van Heating Installation

Summary

In this DIY video, the host shares essential tips for installing Chinese diesel heaters in vans, which have gained a cult following for their affordability. Key advice includes using a hard nylon fuel line instead of the included soft one, upgrading jubilee clips for better security, ensuring proper braided hose installation to avoid air bubbles, and angling the fuel pump for optimal performance. The video also discusses the importance of a reliable power source and the potential challenges of integrating the heater with a van's fuel system, offering practical solutions for a successful installation.

Takeaways

• 💡 Chinese diesel heaters are popular and affordable, but quality can vary.
• 🔍 Be cautious with cheaper kits that may come with subpar fuel lines.
• 🛠️ It's recommended to upgrade to a smaller, hard nylon fuel line for better performance.
• 🔩 Jubilee clips included may not be durable; consider purchasing higher quality ones.
• 💼 Ensure the braided hose and fuel line are properly seated to avoid air bubbles.
• 🚫 Avoid using kits with fuel tanks that have a filling cap on top; corner-mounted ones are better.
• 🚀 Some vans allow easy access to the fuel sender point, making it simpler to connect the heater.
• 🛑 Always ensure the air inlet and exhaust pipes are clear and not obstructed.
• 📢 The air inlet pipe is fragile and can easily deform; consider a more robust alternative.
• ⚙️ Mount the filter and pump at a 45-degree angle to prevent air bubbles and ensure proper lubrication.
• 🔌 Hardwire the heater directly to the battery and avoid running it through a switch to prevent damage.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is providing tips for installing and using Chinese diesel heaters in vans, particularly for DIY enthusiasts.

Why are these diesel heaters popular among DIY nomads?

These diesel heaters are popular because they are affordable, with some kits available for under 100 pounds, and they offer a practical solution for heating vans.

What are the potential issues with the cheaper diesel heater kits mentioned in the script?

The cheaper kits may come with a low-quality, squishy and flexible fuel line that is not recommended for use, and they might not include all the necessary parts to switch to a better fuel line.

What type of fuel line is recommended for use with these diesel heaters?

A hard nylon fuel line is recommended as it is more durable and performs better than the flexible green tube that comes with some kits.

Why should the jubilee clips included in the kit be replaced?

The jubilee clips included in the kit may not hold up well, often breaking or not allowing for sufficient tightening, so it is advised to purchase better quality ones.

How should the hard nylon tubing be installed with respect to the braided hose?

The hard nylon tubing should be inserted into the braided hose without any gap, ensuring that each end of the tubing touches the end of the braided hose to prevent air bubbles from forming.

What is the recommended orientation for mounting the diesel filter and pump?

The diesel filter and pump should be mounted at an angle, preferably 45 degrees, and not flat, to avoid air bubbles and ensure proper lubrication of the pump.

Why is it important to hardwire the diesel heater directly to the battery?

Hardwiring the diesel heater directly to the battery ensures a reliable power source and prevents damage that could occur if the power is cut off mid-operation, which could lead to overheating and potential damage to the heater's internal components.

What is the concern with the air inlet pipe provided with the diesel heater?

The air inlet pipe is made of a material that can easily be deformed or damaged, which could impair the heater's performance or even cause it to shut off due to an error code.

What is the purpose of pre-priming the fuel line and filter with diesel?

Pre-priming the fuel line and filter with diesel helps to reduce friction and wear on the pump by ensuring that it is not clicking dry, thus extending the lifetime of the pump.

What is the significance of the run-down process in the diesel heater's operation?

The run-down process is crucial as it allows the heater to cool down the heatsink by running the fan over it after combustion stops, preventing the residual heat from melting the internal PCB board.