Compact Trailer Deisel Cab Heaters...Anyone have any experience with these units?

[Genius]

Any issues with initial priming the system? I'm thinking of pulling a vacuum to see fuel at the filter? Or, don't overthink it?

 

[Aboard_Adventurer]

Initial prime usually takes 3 or 4 "on" power-up cycles. The pump starts clicking and draws fuel, but it times out a few times before it actually senses a flame and allows the heater to fully initiate.

 

[Old Mud]

You are priming it right Dave ? Hit the settings button 5 times quickly then you should hear the fuel pump working . * this button. It should run for 60 seconds and the heater should start. AA is right, it sometimes on initial start can take longer. You have to be patient with it nothing happens instantly with it.

 

[Genius]

ok, I won't use the vacuum pump to prime. Maybe today, just have to do some small electrical connections and finish the fuel line run. Going with the main fuel tanks not the day tank. I've been working nights the last few days and it has been busy. Finding time to work on this has been hard.

 

[Old Mud]

Take it slow next few days should be warmer weather.

 

[kcassells]

First start usually times out then kicks in on the second prime/run operation. Just let it run itself to the second run. Very typical.

 

[Genius]

Got it running. I need some more wire to complete the install. Also changing my mind on where to put the display. Backlight is really bad. Insulation and finish still needed. Overall pretty impressed with the unit. I primed to the fuel pump suction, then it started on the second run command. Shutdown takes a while, didn't know what to expect and the display doesn't really indicate what is going on.

 

[Old Mud]

Looks good. mine shuts down in a few seconds but the fan will recycle 2 or 3 times to cool down the unit. That usually takes a couple of minutes or a little longer.

 

[WoundUpMarine]

Yup, mine took the second cycle to fire off. I like it but the display is definitely out there, dim and who knows what it's showing. Overall it's great though, power adapter is great as well.

 

[Genius]

Ok, it's all in and tested. Running fine and will close up the space once the fridge arrives and is fitted. I bought the wrap insulation. Of course...read the instructions after installing it. Supposed to soak in water to help with the wrap, but it seemed to go well without it. It definitely smoked and stunk the few first times running the unit with the insulation on it. Got a fancy grill to protect the hot parts from any small things in the storage space. The cold air intake works it's way forward through the bench seat going through a storage area, chain locker then to the lower bunk cabin. This will also help for ventilating the fridge heat.

 

[Tunatown]

Nice install

 

[kcassells]

Nice job you ole fart!

 

[WoundUpMarine]

Looks great. How well does that wrap insulation keep the temps down on the exhaust? Something cool enough to not burn you if you touch it I'd imagine.

 

[Genius]

Looks great. How well does that wrap insulation keep the temps down on the exhaust? Something cool enough to not burn you if you touch it I'd imagine.

not as good as you would think. I still measured some high temps. But, like you say...brushing up against it would prevent a burn. I can't think of any other way to really bring it down. Some of the more thermal products out there didn't have upper temp limits that were possible. I think my original idea of using rock wool would be have been hard because of so many curves. But, I think the distance is fine, and it should be good.

 

[Old Mud]

Looks good Dave.

 

[winterking]

Got it running. I need some more wire to complete the install. Also changing my mind on where to put the display. Backlight is really bad. Insulation and finish still needed. Overall pretty impressed with the unit. I primed to the fuel pump suction, then it started on the second run command. Shutdown takes a while, didn't know what to expect and the display doesn't really indicate what is going on.

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So Dave the heater fuel is coming from your return line? I likes that!

 

[Genius]

So Dave the heater fuel is coming from your return line? I likes that!

No. the fuel supply is splits after the Racor. One branch to the heater, the other to the engine. I put some isolation valves in there also. I originally considered check valves also, but the ones I got from McMaster were spring check and I thought they might cause some issues with flow rates. So, I left them out.

 

[Old Mud]

OOOOKKKKKK then, Is mine the first one to crap out ?? Flame out, Backfire and stop.

 

[Genius]

That sucks Mud, how many hours you think? Are you going to mess with or put it in the bin?

 

[Old Mud]

About 8 hours total, I sent them a message so we'll se what happens.