Hello :-) and Diesel heater question

Hello everyone,

I just joined this forum here as I'm currently working on my very first camper van conversion based on an imported Vauxhall Movano LowLoader Luton. The lockdown at the moment doesn't really make things easier but I try to make the best out of it. I'll be posting more information as I'm making progress. Pretty much at the beginning right now.

My question: I've got a Chinese 5KW Hydronic heater that I'm planning to run through heat exchangers for air and instant water heating. In general, the thing works, I had it running outside the van already. The issue now is that I've never installed one before and I'm not sure how to connect it to the Diesel tank.

Looking at my tank I have these blue knobs around everywhere. Are these for me to tap into with that "needle" that came with the heater? I've seen others putting a T-adapter into the fuel line and tap that way. Again the heater works and was cheaper than the original Webasto and Eberspacher but instructions are crap. Can anyone advise me what's the best way of doing it on my van?

Once done the rest should be easier as it won't be connected to the engine heating and it'll be fed by my 24V leisure battery.



Thanks a lot!

thanks, you've got a point here but part of the reason why I'm going Diesel and not propane is the easier supply everwhere in the world. I don't think I can get heating oil everywhere. As for Diesel I'd like to stick with the tank I already have. Keep things simple

I am not a mechanic, but

if you are fitting it to your van diesel tank be very careful how you do that, diesel is injected at an incredible force. I am sure someone more knowledgeable will be able to guide you.

Thanks,
my heater did not come with a tank but with the pipe

This is the picture from the shop but it shows pretty well everything that came with it.

Two things I'd recommend from the photo.
1. Fit a heat shield between the exhaust and the tank.
2. I would cut off the exhaust pipe about 100m from the hanger towards the rear and fit an elbow and extension to bring it out to the side , you can use the cut off tail piece, to then aim it down and back.
You will have to fit another hanger close to the side to secure it.

No, I don’t think so. The stand pipe is shouldered and threaded and is designed to be fed from the top.
You could use a threaded nipple at the tank bottom but you’ll still need to drop the tank to access it from inside.
There is also a product used in aviation where you drill a hole, add a special bush and press in a barbed elbow ... but not available mainstream and a bit expensive.... your supplied standpipe will also be designed with the plastic fuel pipe diameter taken into account and will be the correct way to go.
I’d drop the tank and fit from top, last thing you want is a diesel leak to sort out or worse.... have to fit a replacement tank.

Be careful with the length of your Stan pipe, you don’t want to drain the tank dry you want the Stan pipe to stop at about a 1/4 of your diesel tank level