I bought the cheapest diesel heater you could get on eBay.
Here is where I’m going to share the results of any tests I do.
Tests
Fuel consumption:
Max 250ml per hour
Min 100ml per hour
Power consumption:
At 12 volts there is a start-up current of 10 amps. This is to heat the glowplug and start the burn. After a few minutes, the glow plug goes out once a self-sustaining flame has started. Then power use goes down to 1 – 2 amps.
Noise:
Difficult to measure in the workshop, it being a big metal box. It’s certainly not silent, but you don’t have to shout over it. I think once properly located and installed it’ll quieten down a lot. Results skewed by having exhaust in test area.
Max = 70-80 dB
Min = 60-70 dB
Heat output:
Min or Max outlet temperature between 110 – 130 oC. Higher settings results in more flow at the same temperature.
Questions from comments
Will it run on Kerosene / Parrafin /Petrol / etc?
Kerosene – Yes
Parrafin – Yes
Petrol – Yes
Can it be run from a Li-Ion jump starter?
Yes. It’ll start up and run. The problem you will have is when the battery pack battery gets low and just shuts off. The heater will just stop dead and won’t run the fan for the cooling cycle. Damage to the unit may occur.
What happens when it runs out of fuel?
It stops and an error light is displayed on the controller. You have to remove the fuse and put it back in again to get it to work again.
Will it stop if the battery voltage falls?
No. I ran the voltage all the way down to 6 volts and it keeps running. Anything less than 6 volts and it stops dead. No cooldown, just off. Damage may occur.
How do I prime it?
Plug it in. Turn it up to max. Press and hold the OFF button for 5 seconds. The pump will start running.
Excellent review, thanks.
Could you run it on a car battery overnight without draining the battery?
You can but you shouldn’t. Unlike a leisure battery normal car batteries aren’t made for long slow drains.
Tnx for the clear review! I’ m Dutch and I understood it all, so great compliment too you! Gr. PL
Hello,
Do you know where I might get one of these fitted to my van?
I live in Castle Douglas, South West Scotland.
Thanks
Low Byres
No sorry.
Hi. Love the videos. Many of the diesel heaters do not have the thermostat. Any chance of a video about retro fitting or working out the wiring for one ? Keep up the great vids.
You can buy the LCD controller with temperature control. It just replaces the rotary controller.
Hi. Sorry to be a pain. Do you have a link to buy one. All the ones i find do not have a thermostat function, only timer and oil pulse control to adjust temperature, which is what mine has. Thanks again
Is it an LCD type controller you have?
Hi. Solved it. The lcd display was in pulse mode. You have to press setting button and up together to put it into temp control mode. That wasnt in my instructions. Cheers. Btw you did lead me to discover the good availability of spares for these heaters.
Do you have a copy of fault code errors on the rotary controller?
1 light – low supply voltage
2 lights – high supply voltage
3 lights – glow plug failure
4 lights – fuel pump fault
5 lights – overheating
6 lights – fan motor fault
7 lights – Break line fault (no idea)
8 lights – flame out
Will it run on gasoline / petrol? I see many of these units appear to be advertised to run on either fuel.
Yes. The first time I tried running on petrol it didn’t work. But I’ve been messing around and the heater actually ran on petrol. Seemed to run a bit louder on petrol though.
Hi dave ,
Is there an possibility that the unit is connected with an external on/of switch,
Because in low power setting It soots up the heater , I Rather connect it to an external thermostat . So that the heater only runs on ful power mode ,
Thanx in advance !
Excellent review buddy, very handy as looking to get a vw camper van, still not sure if van to convert or already done? Am in Glasgow so prob need to travel to get one so doing my home work any info u habe great. Cheers again buddy
Hi i need one for my small garage.its 27ft by 12 ft.whats do you think would work best,also can i get a plug in addapyor from the mains to work it,Thanks again
Hi Mate
Very good review, thanks.
Could the unit be run on its side so that the exhaust and intake are on the side ratner than under as you showed in the review video.
Thanks
Yes, you just need to keep the glowplug on the top.