Any Diesel Heater Recommendations

the insomniac

the insomniac

New Member
Last night temperatures got to -35°C and this morning when I went out to start the Delica it wouldn't start. Seeing as we are only just in the first half of Winter I'm thinking I definitely need a solution to this. It's been close a few times but this is the first time it's actually failed to start on me. Does anybody have any recommendations about where to find a heater? I think a coolant heater is probably the best option but they seem to be really hard for me to find. I'm hesitant to go with an electric heater in case I'm out somewhere I can't get electricity.
 
This link has some info (and there are some other threads here that also describe some solutions if you dig):

Diesel heater!

I am on the search for a diesel heater! Any recommendations on brands/models? Where is the best place to mount it?
delicaforum.com delicaforum.com

The cheapest solution to starting in cold weather, assuming you have access to electricity/extension cord is a block heater that plugs into your coolant system and an oil pan heater pad that sticks on the the bottom of your oil pan to keep the oil from gelling.

The diesel hydronic systems are awesome, but can be expensive and complex to install. Espar and Eberspacher are two well know names. There are also Chinese versions that are far cheaper, but possibly more finicky, though I hear there is good community support and knowledge base for them on Face book (Chinese Diesel Heater Support Group.)
 
Adding a personal thought here, I have a hydronic heater and work at Park City, UT. I can usually carpool but on the days I drive, this heater is really what makes it possible. It takes about 15-20 minutes before my coolant is at operating temp in -6C or below temps. Starts first turn. That being said, -35C is a big difference but still faster than a block heater.
 
Thanks for the insight. I think I finally found a Espar heater. They seem to be sold out in all the places I've been looking or they need to be special ordered. Them and the Webasto heaters.
 
Quick update question. How did you tie the heater into the coolant circulation? I am finding it quite difficult to find a tee fitting of the right size to tie into the radiator hoses.
 
the insomniac said:
Quick update question. How did you tie the heater into the coolant circulation? I am finding it quite difficult to find a tee fitting of the right size to tie into the radiator hoses.
Click to expand...
I believe the interior diameter of the radiator hoses are 37mm on the L300. Searching for '37mm radiator t fitting' brings up some hits, but IDK what size fitting the hydronic heater hose requires.
 
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