Chinese Diesel Heater DO'S & DONT'S | Full Install | E-04 Troubleshooting
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- This simple installation turned into a week-long project full of mistakes, error codes, problem solving, and eventually triumph!
I have been using my heater for about a month now and absolutely love it. There have been no issues and the plastic smell from the duct is 100% gone!
Support us on Patreon! / linneaandakela
Materials:
Chinese Diesel Heater - amzn.to/38WPOD8
Fireguard sealant - amzn.to/3sziRo1
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We are Linnea and Akela. In May, 2020 I purchased our 2016 Ram ProMaster, Togo, to become our full-time home. With this van build, I am using my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan BY THEMSELVES and ON A BUDGET, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire. And, to GET OUTSIDE!
SUBSCRIBE for van build details, wanderlust travel, and the truth about van life with a big german shepherd!
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela
The last few weeks have been a great break, but it feels amazing to be back on here. I missed you guys!
Thank you so much for the tips on my heater install! I will be making the changes needed in the next few weeks, like rearranging my muffler. All of the small adjustments and final touches to the van will be it's own video.... so keep an eye out. See you all in a week!
That air intake filter for the combustion air would also need relocating. Beside a tire it can suck water into combustion chamber. Also it is not so important to keep it so far away from exhaust, since that air is for combustion, it does not get inside of the van.
My favorite part of this video is she laughs at her mistakes. This girl is really growing as a builder/creator.
Good job, Linnea. You’re going to think “OMG! More criticism!” Here goes... all the research I’ve done in these, there WILL be unburned fuel make it into your exhaust pipe. Position the pipe and muffler so it doesn’t pool and if you look closely at the muffler, it has a pee hole in one side, that has to be downward to allow drainage. Carry on!!
This was fun to watch. Love her enthusiasm 😊👍👍
I think you did an excellent job. Just got my heater today 5/27/21. I'm a mechanic and I must say all those parts in the box got me a bit confused. The directions i got are complete gibberish. There is no way you could have planned your first install. A lot of people think these are just plug and play. No way. You did really good and you learn from mistakes. Great video. 👍
The not measuring exactly enough could have been me, 100%ly 😂
This is the first diesel heater video I've been able to watch in it's entirety and understand. 🙌 Also you have all of my respect for not having a meltdown after drilling the wrong holes. I would have had a stroke lol. ❤️
I literally just did the EXACT same thing with a giant hole saw bit when I was plumbing the van. Girl, I feel your struggle.
Thank you for your honest documentary. It's important to be slow, careful and meticulous, and to learn from ours and others' mistakes.
Of course, I appreciate this!
lol. All the holes gave me a great belly laugh :) I've SO been there. You're doing great!
I absolutely love your enthusiasm. Lol. Great video. 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you!!
I was hoping that you would install a Chinese heater. Now I can learn from you. Thank you!
You are one of the biggest helps on TH-cam for me girl.
I wanted to say a good job and pushing through until you finished it. It will help you down the road if there's ever a problem with it. Just to let you know, they all name brands are built in China and from the same companies. You were smart going with the cheaper one. I've had mine for three-season now and no problems.
Congratulations!!!! You are so ‘real’... mistakes and all, which makes your videos awesome!
Awesome video! Now I know how to prime the stupid thing!
Things I did differently…
1) I used 3” METAL heater pipe, just in case of fire!
2) I’m planning on a big deep cycle battery or eventually a lithium setup.
My fuel tank is in my back door and the line is attached to the top of the tank to minimize leakage and this makes filling it easier and cleaner.
4) I made a small plywood bracket to hang the pump from. I drilled two holes the size of the fuel line and the pump is hanging on the lines, I found this to be real quiet!
Great install, I learned a ton!
Bryan from Vancouver
Hey Bryan from Vancouver, How did putting the putting the fuel line on top of the tank work? Doesn't it need gravity to pump out every drop of the diesel? Or did you lead it down in like a straw? Thanks! The reason I ask is that I have a huge leak and I put the gaskets on both sides of the nipple and tightened it on as far as I know correctly.
Love you posted your mishaps Drilling so real ... Respect .
Measure twice cut once. For holes, measure 4x.
I love how you have no idea what you're doing, but you're still doing it, and making it work. Keep up the great work, you are inspirational. Have a good read of the comments section. There's a lot of great tips and safety advice there. Stay safe and happy travels.
Thank you for you last seconds of the video! Best part! I am building my van and I'm just really impressed by how yours look and for making all these videos and taking the time on this channel in parallel! I have a full time job in parallel and bought my van 5months ago.. The electricity is not even done...
But thank you for your motivation
VERY IMPORTANT!! You need to have the Exhaust pipe and muffler blowing out the side of the van and not under your side window ! The problem of the exhaust being under the center of the Van is it well built up carbon dioxide. Being under the center of the van it will build-up and come into the van ! You MUST have carbon dioxide detector! PLEASE get the detector!
Best location, specially if you have diesel is toward the engine bay. It will keep the engine warm for morning startup. Also get a filter or wrap some screen on the air intake.
Yes!! CARBON MONOXIDE is a killer. Move your exhaust and get a detector. We want you to keep making videos.
I thought I saw a co detector in package Just at the 19:50 mark ?
@@paigem you are right, that is a carbon monoxide detector she had there
Linneya you are such a determined, positive, funny builder.. Your footage of the snow was lush.
I love all your work. Thank you. Keep warm and roll on summer. 🤗☀️🏖️
Thankyou so much for making this video! Very helpful!!
Super easy solution to quiet the fuel pump.
Cut a 2" wide strip of rubber about 8 inches long, (an old mud flap from a semi truck is perfect for this.) Drill a hole in each end of the strip, form a circle and insert bolt and mount in chosen location. Drill a hole through the strip opposite your mounting and bolt pump to the loop.
The loop of heavy rubber does an amazing job of silencing the pump. Worked for me. 🙂
You did an awesome job. I'm benching mine now and then I'll be installing...thanks again.
Another great video Linnea, 10 out of 10 for perseverance, you did a top job, take care and stay safe x
Love the video the journey is amazing
So funny that you posted this today. I just ordered mine today. So proud of you!
Thank you for showing us the struggles and the success. You are a wonderful vlogger!!!
Great video, I'm installing mine now here in the Midwest. About time, I had to send the first one back. It's been cold. I learned some things from you, I appreciate your video. Next time you have to drill big holes in your floor just start by running a screw down first then going under and measuring your clearances. I was a heating install tech on residential construction, I had to do that alot. I hope to run into you in a state park or something out there. I subscribed. I really like your show. God bless you.
Yeah that's what was wrong with my first heater I sent back. A electric connection was faulty
So kind of you to make this thorough video to help others. It's a good video too.
Thank you so much ♥️
Thank you for your video series. You make me believe in myself and with your help i have done a lot myself already ❤
Hi young lady, We are transforming our Mercedes sprinter van into our home and would just like to say' You 'are a very inspirational young lady and yes I have used your videos for how to do jobs in our van , what you are doing all for yourself and your fluffy white buddie is great hope that your travels will be safe and fun please keep up with the videos jon and Kirsten Cornwall England x
Hey Linnea,
Spotted something and hope you fixed it already but if didn’t here it is:
The muffler HAS TO BE the lowest point in your exhaust line. Saw that the exhaust pipe goes lower and then comes back up. That will cause problems as the vapour will pool there and turn into water then rust your system and will throw up some error codes.
Make sure the muffler is in upright position and lower than anything else in the line.
Apart of this amazing job. Well done girl!
Proud of you!
Greg
Thank you for validating that this was the hardest most annoying thing to install. I have to agree after all the other things I have built in my van. Solar is a piece of cake compared to this. Your video really put a lot more detail than I have seen in the other videos that seem to assume you know all those details. I've had a few meltdowns and at the moment I have diesel leak from the first fill up of the tank. so now my van smells like freaking diesel and I have no idea why it is leaking since I feel like I followed the instructions so carefully. I've watched a lot of TH-cam Videos and read a couple of blogs and watched videos on Amazon. Man this thing is such a bugger.
I love how much detail you explain. I think I'm buying a G30. Start with that and rebuild as I go.
Best video of installing one of these ive found. Thank you.
If I cant afford to have my future van built out then ima go by you for instructions and advice
Yay! Just bought one. So happy you made a video about it!
I have started building my own build the past month and glad I found this video as I was looking at the more expensive webasto heaters. Sucks to see you struggle with this project, but it was for sure helpful for me! Thanks
Hope its going good!
I have seen all of your videos of the build and your van is really starting to come together!
I just installed mine too. finding a good location for everything can be a challenge. One thing I've read was that the exhaust has a little condensation in it so the muffler should be the lowest point in the system so the water can drain and not rust the pipe, also the muffler has I little drain hole on the bottom so the muffler actually needs the be mounted horizontally. that's where I had problems trying to find a spot to do that. Great job on the build, cant wait to see videos of you on the road.
Great job. I could see the frustration on your face. But you persevered and were successful.
Awesome video, thank you.
Great going!! that was a heroic install!!!
Helpful video. Thankyou.
Not many vids on E-04 error.
But it is connected to either problems with the fuel pump or fuel pump wiring faults.
A few tips to help you if you get this error.
Check fuel pump wiring and connections and change out fuel pump or try hitting existing pump to get piston moving again.
Girl you are fearless... love it.
Thanks for the video, I am installing one on my mobile shop now. :)
yea you got it done /it will be super great to have warm-hot heat in very cold cold cold conditions/you are smart girl/it is your sweet home/traveling woman/thanks much
Mount the exhaust pipe so it ends outside the side of the van. You can cut the pipe if it's too long. And it should also lean downwards to prevent water from flowing into the pipe.
I struggled with a similar heater in my Peugot Boxer (same as Promaster) and it's not very easy. My van is a diesel so I can take fuel from the van fuel tank.
Well done!!
I've basically binge watched whole series within two days. You are so positive, inspiring and funny woman. It feels so empowering to watch solo female doing all of that stuff on her own. Thank you for sharing this with us, I've learned a lot from you! All the best on your journey, hope to see some shots of your future travels! A lot of love for you and Akila.❣️
Wow, thank you so much!❤️
Not sure if you've changed your exhaust layout yet but: rotate the muffler so the 'weep' is pointed downard (there is a small stamped mark to indicate the bottom). Also, you want the exhaust tube to be level or slightly downward to the muffler. This prevents moisture from accumulutaing in the exhaust tube. Really nice job on the install and video.
Binged videos today, reached the end, now I feel a bit empty inside. 😅
I think it would be wise to have a rubber grommet for the fuel line and any wires to keep the wires and fuel line from fraying and causing a short or licking fuel. Also, taking any sharp edges off your holes with some sand paper and a coat of primer for rust. That all said, I admire your courage and your ability to laugh at yourself and or the situation! Best to you in life and love!!!
Been following your build, so interesting and wanting to build my own
This was a great video. I am happy that you posted some of the problems you were having so it is easier for when anyone needs to install a heater. When I install my heater I will reference your channel also.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
Well done. I put some heat wrap bandage around my exhaust and some 10mm cable conduit around my fuel line both under the van just because they are close under there and it was an added level of protection.
Dad see ew were ferlrl see
Congrats! Looked to be one of the more intimidating aspects of the conversion and you made it through ❤️❤️❤️
Yes! Thank you!
great video, you are doing so much good work helping other people from avoiding your mistakes. You are great!
Hello friend, first of love your videos. The one thing I wanted to mention is you may want to put in a rubber grommet where the fuel line goes under the van because of the sharp edges. Besides that it looks great. 👍🏠🚀
Lol u remind me of me, I'm currently building my van, close to finishing and just put the diesel heater in, installing in -3 snowing also. 🤣
I just discovered your channel a few days ago and have been binge watching your videos. Also, my Yoshi is your dogs twin! I usually call him pooh, pooh bear! 😷
Dogo's face when you were excited for warm air was priceless.
Nice work on this install!
I installed this in my tiny house before moving to Leadville, CO and it is working great! Scary to install - definitely agree with the "I think it might blow up" feeling - and the weird smells on the first few runs weirded me out, but it's kept the house warm even during nights it goes to -5 f and during days when it only gets to 10 f. Soooo satisfying when it works!
I also lifted mine up for the fuel line and ended up keeping it like that since there wasn't any metal bottom to reach (just floor-foam-plywood underneath the trailer). So I ended up wrapping the exhaust with this green heat insulation wrap thing. Still a little worried about exhaust seeping out from the clamped part but CO alarm has never gone off...
I just installed one ! It works great so far ..
I was going to install the fuel pump and filter inside as well but when I was filling the parts I realized that the tubing had to go down below and back up again and I didn’t want to have air bubbles forming after the pump cavitate‘s. So I mounted the pump just underneath the heater outside but it is a short run at the correct angle with no chance for air bubbles to form anywhere so it will feed gas efficiently even with the green tubing… I wrapped the pump and filter in cloth and plastic then taped it to weather proof ..
When you do your next build (and I’m sure you will) drill from underneath into the cab. Something I’ve also learned from others is make sure you run on high for awhile when you turn it on. Also, some units do not like eco diesel. Check the air intake at the unit to ensure it’s clear of dust and fluff etc. It’ll need to be cleaned out every few months. Cheers from Canader eh!
Did you put a grommet around the fuel line when you passed it through the floor ?... wouldnt want the metal to rub a hole in the line
Yes, absolutely! As it is, the fuel line will chafe, leak, then fail. It's just a matter of how long it will take. Dirt washboard roads will exacerbate it. Over all, fantastic job, Linnea.
Cut a vacuums or hose in half and put it anywhere hose or electrical comes contact with metal. Also bit of silicone won’t hurt.
I got on here to say the same thing! Great job Linnea, just cushion your fuel line so it doesn’t rub and leak!
Great job! One thing I didn’t see a grommet around the fuel line coming into the van. The metal touching the fuel line will eventually wear a hole in it. Great job working through the troubles and making it work!!
Thank you! It was a big pain in my butt. haha
The fuel line doesn't have a grommet but it is protected by fireseal (rubbery and firm) and I made sure it isn't touching the metal at all. But thank you for double checking, I appreciate it a lot!
I am so proud of and impressed with you! I stumbled upon you on TikTok and was so intrigued I followed you on TH-cam... I have been a sub from almost the first video. I have watched your videos since you researched and bought your van and researched and did your own electric (wow) and now to install your own heating (again wow) .. and all of the videos in between ... I am so impressed by and proud of you!! Your van is beautiful and I have very eagerly awaited each and every one of your videos. You are an amazing, strong, independent woman setting an example.. thank you!! I look forward to following your travels now that the build is just about done!!
John McK 47 is the guru of the Diesel heater.
Sure hope you pot a grommet around the fuel line passing through the metal. Vibration will cut the line a little bit at a time. Also very proud of you. Keep trying. It’s worth it!
Thank you for making this video!! I've gone 8 winters without heat and was recently gifted one of these heaters and am just embarking on this install adventure
I highly highly superly duperly recommend the acoustic 60mm ducting from Propex. Vancafe carries it out of Colorado.
Great Job!! Way to persevere!
Hard to believe it will be done in week and half. Hope you will bring us along for the ride. Glad to see it all working out. Godspeed
Another very useful vid. Thanks. 👊🍻
this made me SO happy for you... great job ❤️
Well done you good job
I am also doing the same thing its extremely frustrating me you have helped me so much thanks for your video
One thing I noticed is the exhaust really needs to leave the side of the wagon x
Feels like I’ve been waiting forever for a new video.
Thank you for another amazing video Linnea! You really do amaze me when you tackle these projects and I learn so much from your videos!
Thank you for a great share and video! Love your Jedi helper :) All the best and Cheers! :)
Great video. Most people would have quit halfway through. 1 tip, move that air intake away from the tire.
put it in a protected area up near the body of the van.
Great Job.
Thanks you!!
Hey Linnea & Akela!!! As usual, trial and error rears its head but you're an expert at overcoming challenges. You're teaching a LOT of folks some valuable lessons along the way. You did an excellent job working through the bugs! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. 😎
Great build well done! Just one thing - your exhaust needs to point out of the vehicle so the fumes don't build up under your van, also the muffler needs to be mounted vertically as there is a drainage hole on the bottom for water building up (the way you mounted it it will start rusting) hope this helps!!
Good advise, I have made a screenshot. Safe information 🌝
Thanks for putting this info out there for other people in the van life community to learn from your mistakes and successes! Sorry this was so frustrating!
I must say on a scale of 10 I give you 10 for cuteness and a 15 for determination. Happy trails 😎
Diesel heaters very popular for trucking companies for overnight parking.
Very good install. I learned a lot. Do you think you should protect that fuel line better has it goes through your floor? Vibration can be a real problem.
Next time you make a bench or seat, lower the height at the back 1/2" or an inch. It will make it much more comfortable to have it rising up to your knees when you sit (think Adirondack chair). For even more comfort, check out some furniture build videos on TH-cam, and buy the inexpensive webbing that they put under the cushions and cut out the opening where you'll sit, and staple the webbing in a crosshatch pattern. Same as a couch at home, you'll appreciate the bit of "give" it adds.
When planning to drill through the floor, use the metal pattern in the floor (pattern of raised "strips" and other areas they raise the metal floor for strength) to confirm the location is OK, such as "4 inches from the end of the 3rd raised strip"....
You should be able to box around that pump, and insulate it inside to cut down the noise of the clicking. You also should have a grommet in that hole for the fuel line, so that vibration doesn't chance cutting through that tubing from the metal edge inside the hole but some silicone should be fine now. Home Depot has a pack of assorted size rubber grommets as I used them to protect my solar power cables coming in through the roof of the van. And I would figure out what the tubing size is and consider a better quality if others have replaced it, as a leak back there would be a fire hazard.
Next time, use aluminum tape, such as used on ductwork (Harbor Freight or Home Depot) and you'll avoid that tape melting on you. It's great for a vapor barrier.
With a small power system, you could wire the heater to have a switch that powers it from the vehicle battery, and that way go through startup for it on vehicle battery with the engine idling, then flip the switch to RV power system and shut off the vehicle if your batteries are ever too borderline to handle the startup cycle.
Also, as smart as you are about things, do some investigating of TH-cam videos on just buying 4 individual "Lifepo4 cells" to build your own Lithium battery for about 1/3 the price of an off the shelf one like a Battleborn... All you need is 4 cells and a "BMS" which simply attaches to each cell (to do balanced charging and top each 3.2v cell off fully despite how much charging is needed individually), and then has the charge power, and output power from the battery. The BMS gives you the appropriate protections such as overcharge, undercharge and cold weather prevention of charging since lithium hate very cold temps and you have to have them warm to charge them. You likely already know that a 75ah lead acid battery can only give you about 15a or so of useable power before damaging it from too low a discharge, whereas a 100ah lithium battery can deliver 80-90% of those amps, so WAY better than any lead acid and these days with lithium cells falling in price so strongly, it's the way to go. Sometimes Ebay has the cells at good prices, but a reputable seller on Alibaba can also be a source... start with TH-cam DIY videos on building a battery from cells.
Well done tho!
You can do ANYTHING!! Awesome info as always! I took the easy route with Webasto professional install. Great dry heat!
Love it a 13:20. I’m sorry but I love the puppy. So white and clean. Beautiful 🤩
Great video. I'm about to install one of these in my boat and I'm really anxious - particularly about the heat of the exhaust going through the hull and any potential co2 leaks. I've installed a co2 sensor in the cabin for some insurance. Anyway, just waiting for a couple of upgraded parts to arrive before I put it in. Fingers crossed! Regards from Australia where we don't have to worry about snow our solar panels........
Aw well done, bet it was worth all the stress & pain to get you & Akela nice & snug. I thought this might have been your last post, but im glad you will be back with another up date. I look forward to your videos & will be happy for you when the van is complete....but also sad 😥. Hope to continue seeing lots of you & the gorgeous Akela. Take care & good luck with the finish xx
Very nice install! I wish I was half as handy with wood. One tip/issue I ran into: The "air filter" is barely just a screen and having it next to your wheel like that will have in breathing in bad things quickly. I found a "real" filter for mine, its like a closed black box that you plug the hose into. But there are a few other solutions that sort of worked for me: 1. I built a shield for it from an aluminum can, opened a slot in the top and used metal zip ties to secure it. I later modified it by taking some cheese cloth with oil on it and wrapped it around the "filter" just a few layers. 2. I briefly ran it with the air intake inside the vehicle. However, this was a bit loud. 3. Take the existing intake filter/hose and shove it into your frame rails or other part of your underbody that stays cleanest. Also thanks for being so legit and real! This has been a fun learning adventure for me and it clearly is for you too!
How long does the tank of diesel last? Glad you got it working, your getting pretty good at all this DIY stuff.
O yeah these baby work good . you will be saying you need a diesel heater like me .well its my 1st one too and have not the time to installer, but i alway knew it was going to work and i am gonna buy about 5 more. got a lot of places i need to keep warm
Great video. If you don't already, you should quickly get a carbon monoxide detector or two for your van, especially for when that heater is running. Fire extinguisher that is rated for diesel too.
Pro-tip for putting the fuel line on the fittings: instead of using a hair drier, heat about a cup of water in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until it's not-quite boiling. Stick the end of the tube in the hot water for 10-30 seconds, then shove it onto your fitting. It should slide right on. If it's still stubborn, set it back in the hot water another 10-30 seconds and try again.
Your install was fun to watch and gave me ideas for where I'll put mine (I have the same size van as you). But the only thing that concerns me is you have the muffler directly under the van. It should reach the outside - either front or sides. Otherwise you're trapping exhaust fumes directly under your living space, which can be dangerous (please have a CO detector)
If you didn't do so where that fuel line is coming through your floor you need to make the hole a little bit bigger and put a grommet around the fuel line
Silicone gooped in there works fine
You should drill a larger hole for your fuel line. Buy a Gromit with the center hole the same size as your fuel line. The outside diameter of the Gromit should match the hole in the floor. Notice you will have a lip that will be on each side of the metal. Hope this makes sense to you, This will protect your fuel line.
Hello! Love watching your journey! Have you had any problems with the clicking sound from the fuel pump?