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Re: Diesel Heaters [message #368606 is a reply to message #368392]

Sat, 29 January 2022 18:33

RF_Burns

Messages: 2276
Registered: June 2008
Location: S. Ontario, Canada

Karma: 3

Senior Member

FYI, our experience with the heater in our coach.

The propane heater in our '77 x PB is a Suburban 30K BTU model. It would run forever with little heat coming out the vents. I checked the duct work and it was all clear but not a lot of air comes out the ports on the heater. I could also hear the burner cycling ON/OFF likely due to the hi-temp cut-out on the heat exchanger.

One cool rainy day while camping in Algonquin in the Fall, I opened the cabinet and removed the front cover. When I restarted the furnace, the amount of hot air blowing out was overwhelming! The coach was toasty warm in minutes! So since then the furnace cover is left off. We just leave the furnace compartment door ajar and when the furnace comes ON, it blows the door open... works slick!

The only thing I can think of as to why not much air comes out the ports must be due to internal air turbulence causing back pressure. There are four 3" ports and one small port going to the bath. I've removed the now unused ducting under the front sofa because it took up a lot of room.

I've considered having a metal duct to the vents made up with a plenum coming from the front of the furnace. Its on the some-day list.

Just my experience.

Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that

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Re: Diesel Heaters [message #368714 is a reply to message #368392]

Fri, 11 February 2022 10:37

kidjedi

Messages: 1
Registered: May 2021

Karma: 0

Junior Member

I have recently installed three of the $150 Chinese diesel heaters in a couple of Airstreams (one Airstream got two, because one is allocated to below deck tanks and behind the cabinet areas). The 5kw heater can definitely bring the entire 25' trailer up to temp and maintain comfortable heat in sub zero temps, but they are well-insulated (frame off resto) Airstreams.

I am currently trying to gather info. on gasoline (vs. diesel) heaters for the GMC because I'd like to plumb off the main tank instead of having an additional diesel tank to keep filled.

Lots of people say the Chinese diesel heaters will run on gasoline, but every real world example I've seen has proven sketchy at best.

Webasto is a name I trust and I keep reading that they can run on diesel OR gasoline, but I can't find an explanation of HOW. I don't want to run a gasoline unit that is trying to fire off a diesel glow plug ignitor (like the Chinese ones do), but I can't find information that confirms Webasto having an ignitor that will effectively work for either fuel source.

I am willing to pay 10x as much ($1500 vs. $150) for the heater as long as I know that it will be worth it.

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Re: Diesel Heaters [message #368719 is a reply to message #368714]

Fri, 11 February 2022 17:18

dsmithy

Messages: 210
Registered: July 2012
Location: Lincoln Nebraska

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Kid,
You need to talk to the Webasto people directly. When their data sheet so clearly says gasoline is an acceptable fuel it shouldn't be an issue whether or not it works. I expect there are differences to accommodate the volatility issues. But I think a call to their customer support line would answer your questions.

Douglas & Virginia Smith, dsmithy18 at gmail, Lincoln Nebraska, ’73 “Sequoia” since ‘95: "Wanabizo"; Quadrabag/6 wheel disks/3:70 final/Paterson QuadraJet/Thorley’s/Alloy wheels/Sundry other

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Re: Diesel Heaters [message #368756 is a reply to message #368392]

Mon, 14 February 2022 12:43

Karolis D.

Messages: 1
Registered: January 2022

Karma: 0

Junior Member

I recently installed a chinese diesel heater in out '75 Palm Beach. I have the write up with pictures in the other forum:
https://www.gmcmotorhome.org/threads/diesel-heater-installation.1482/

To answer the question above about Webasto heaters, they have different lines for Diesel and Gas heaters. The ones for diesel have a letter "D" (Diesel) in the model number, the ones for gas - letter "B" (benzin) in the model number. Most of the internals are the same for gas and diesel heaters with the biggest difference being the burner assembly.

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