This Heater Can Save Lives During Power Outages!

Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at the disassembly, troubleshooting, and performance analysis of various diesel heaters. It covers the process of diagnosing fuel and ignition issues, the role of key components like the fuel pump, combustion chamber, and fan, and the challenges of running these heaters on alternative fuels such as motor oil. The video also compares different brands and highlights the pros and cons of each, offering recommendations based on price, features, and performance for users considering a diesel heater for winter or small building heating needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The heater struggled to ignite the motor oil, showing a high parts per million reading (close to 1,000), indicating a fuel-related issue.
• 🔥 Adding diesel to the tank helped resolve the issue, and the heater restarted without visible smoke from the exhaust.
• 🛠️ The script provides a detailed breakdown of how to disassemble a diesel heater, including removing components like the top cover, fuel tank, exhaust elbow, and fan.
• 🔧 The fuel pump transfers fuel into a metal fuel line, which then feeds the combustion chamber near the glow plug, and air intake moves air into the chamber.
• 💡 The heater's electric fan pulls air into the assembly, and the magnetic field created by the fan's magnets is detected by a hall sensor on the motherboard.
• ⚙️ The motor inside the fan pulls air into the combustion chamber, where it is ignited, and the glow plug helps in this ignition process.
• 🔥 The combustion chamber heats up the aluminum housing or heat exchanger, which is designed to maintain the proper temperature.
• 📊 The heater assembly's temperature sensor helps the control board maintain the correct operating temperature.
• 💨 The script discusses the pros and cons of vertical-oriented heaters, including the tip-over hazard and the issue with fuel pickup not being under the tank.
• ⚖️ Running a diesel heater on vegetable oil or motor oil may cause carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, affecting the heater's performance.
• 💸 The script compares different heater models, recommending brands like Civil, Viav, and H Calorie based on price and performance, and suggests avoiding overpriced options like LF Bros.

Q & A

What are the main differences between the Civille and Viver diesel heaters?

The Civille and Viver heaters are very similar in performance, with both providing 8,000 KW (27,000 BTUs) of heat. However, the Civille is lighter, slightly less efficient in burn, and generates more smoke during startup. The Viver, while similar, has a cleaner burn and includes Bluetooth app control in addition to the remote control.

Which diesel heater is the quietest, and why is this important?

The H Calorie diesel heater is the quietest, operating at 69.4 dB on high heat. A quieter heater is important for users who need to maintain a peaceful environment, such as in small living spaces or when using the heater overnight in cabins or tents.

What power options do the heaters support, and how does this affect their flexibility?

The Civille, Viver, and H Calorie heaters all support 12V DC, while the H Calorie also includes an AC-DC power converter, which allows it to be used with both 110V outlets and battery banks. The LF Bros model is more versatile, offering 12V, 24V, and 110V options, making it ideal for a range of applications, including larger spaces.

How does using alternative fuels like vegetable oil impact the performance of these heaters?

The Civille and Viver heaters can run on vegetable oil, with the Civille performing slightly better. However, using motor oil or straight vegetable oil can cause carbon buildup, especially in the combustion chamber, which affects performance and requires regular maintenance. The heaters ran on vegetable oil for around 35 minutes, but running on pure motor oil led to visible smoke and less efficient operation.

What is the main concern when using a vertical heater design like those in the tested models?

The vertical orientation of some of the tested heaters, like the Civille, Viver, and H Calorie, can lead to a higher risk of tipping over, especially in unstable environments. Additionally, the fuel pickup is located on the side rather than the bottom, which may result in incomplete fuel usage, leaving fuel in the tank.

How do the fuel tank designs impact the heaters' performance?

The design of the fuel tank plays a role in how efficiently the heater picks up and uses fuel. Heaters with side-mounted fuel pickups, like the Civille and Viver, may not be able to use all the fuel in the tank, particularly when the fuel level is low. This can affect the heater's runtime and efficiency.

What are the advantages of using a diesel heater for heating small spaces or during winter storms?

Diesel heaters like the ones tested provide a portable, affordable, and reliable source of heat in small spaces or during emergencies like winter storms. They are fuel-efficient and can be used with alternative fuels, making them ideal for off-grid heating solutions. They also provide a cost-effective alternative to electric heaters or traditional heating systems.

Why is the H Calorie considered the best option for those seeking quieter and more reliable heating?

The H Calorie stands out for its quiet operation, delivering 69.4 dB at high heat compared to the 74 dB of the Civille, Viver, and LF Bros models. It also has a more efficient combustion process, producing less smoke and cleaner heat. With its additional AC-DC power converter, it provides more flexibility for different power sources, making it a great choice for those looking for reliability and a quieter experience.

What factors make the LF Bros heater more expensive than the others, and is it worth the cost?

The LF Bros heater is more expensive because it offers higher heating capacity (5 KW) and additional features such as longer runtime and higher efficiency. It also supports multiple power configurations (12V, 24V, and 110V), making it suitable for larger areas and different environments. While it may be worth the cost for users who need a more powerful heater for larger spaces, it may not be necessary for smaller, more contained areas.

What are the potential maintenance challenges when using these diesel heaters with used motor oil?

Using used motor oil in diesel heaters can lead to significant carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, requiring frequent maintenance to ensure the heater operates efficiently. The Civille model, for example, struggled when burning pure motor oil, leading to poor combustion and excessive smoke. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to avoid damaging the heater or reducing its lifespan.