With the onset of cold weather, the issue of heating the cabin and engine becomes critically important for owners of diesel vehicles and special equipment. Staff systems often fail to cope with extreme temperatures or consume too much fuel at idle speeds, leading to increased engine wear. It is in these situations that help comes. diesel-poweredIt is capable of maintaining a comfortable temperature regardless of the operation of the main engine.
The installation process of this equipment requires careful preparation, an understanding of electrical circuits and compliance with fire safety regulations. Incorrect installation can lead not only to the breakdown of expensive equipment, but also to cause fire or poisoning with carbon monoxide. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of work in detail, from the selection of the place to the final setting, so that you can complete the task efficiently and safely.
It is important to note that modern models such as Planar, Webasto orthogen Webasto ChinaThey have a similar principle of operation, but may differ in the nuances of connection. It is critically important to observe the length of the exhaust pipe specified in the instructions for a particular model, since a change in exhaust resistance can disable the burner. Before starting work, make sure you have basic skills with power tools and multimeters.
Selection of installation location and preparation of tools
The first and one of the most important stages is to determine the optimal location for the heater, fuel tank and remote control. Usually, the heater body is mounted under the bottom of the car, in the niche of the spare wheel or in the luggage compartment, if space allows. It is important to ensure free access for maintenance and space for the installation of fence and air supply pipes.
When choosing a location, the direction of exhaust gases must be taken into account. The exhaust pipe should be directed downwards or in the opposite direction to the movement, so that the wind does not blow out the flame and does not create reverse thrust. Also avoid places where hot parts may come into contact with flammable materials such as plastic skin or wiring.
To carry out the work, you will need a standard set of tools and consumables. Do not save on the quality of components, as the reliability of the entire system in the winter depends on this.
- 🛠️ Drill and drill metal for fastening brackets and cutting holes.
- 🔧 A set of wrenches and screwdrivers for mounting fasteners.
- 🔌 Corrugation, clamps and heat-resistant gaskets for insulation of pipe passage points.
- 📏 Roulette and marker for accurate marking of drilling places.
Before drilling holes in the body, be sure to treat the edges with an anti-corrosion composition. This will prevent the appearance of rust in places of violation of the factory coating, which is especially important for the bottom of the car exposed to reagents.
Installation of fuel system and tank
The fuel system is the heart of an autonomous heater, and errors in its assembly are unacceptable. The diesel tank is usually installed in the trunk or under the bottom next to the main tank. The main requirement is reliable fixation, which excludes displacement during movement and vibration.
The fuel line is laid from the tank to the pump-dispenser, and then to the heater itself. It is important to observe the direction of the fuel movement, which is often indicated by the arrows on the pump body. To connect to the main tank, you can use a special indented connection or a separate intake, if an autonomous tank is installed.
Particular attention should be paid to the tightness of the compounds. Use only high-quality fuel hoses that are resistant to diesel and low temperatures. Conventional tubes can crack in the cold, which will lead to leakage and a fire hazard situation.
☑️ Fuel system inspection
After the system is assembled, a test run is required to remove air from the fuel line. This process can take several minutes, during which the pump will characteristically ding, pumping the diesel fuel to the combustion chamber.
Organization of the exhaust and air intake system
The exhaust gas system requires strict adherence to installation technology. The exhaust pipe should have a slope down from the heater so that the condensate does not accumulate inside and does not fall back into the combustion chamber. To protect the body from high temperatures, be sure to use thermal insulation screens or casings.
Air intake for combustion should be carried out outside the vehicle. The air intake hole should be placed in a place protected from direct contact with water, snow and road mud. Often, special noise mufflers are used for this purpose, which also extinguish sparks and prevent back cotton.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to bring the exhaust pipe into the cabin of the car or under the bottom in the immediate vicinity of open windows. Carbon monoxide has no smell and color, but is deadly to humans.
When laying the exhaust pipe, avoid sharp curves and knees at 90 degrees, as this creates excess pressure in the system. The optimal solution is a smooth bending or use of ready-made corrugated areas, coming in the kit.
Nuances of exhaust system installation
The length of the exhaust pipe is strictly regulated by the manufacturer. Shortening of the pipe reduces resistance and can lead to overheating and breakage of the supercharger, and elongation - to the accumulation of scorching and unstable combustion. If you want to change the length, use only the original extension kits.
Electrical connection and wiring scheme
The electrical part of the installation requires a connection to the on-board network of the car. The main power is supplied through the fuse directly from the battery, since the initiation current of the pump and the incandescent candle can be quite high. The use of standard wiring of the cigarette lighter or low-current chains is unacceptable.
To control the heater, a remote control is used, which is displayed in the cabin. The location of the remote is chosen so that the driver can easily read the readings and adjust the temperature without being distracted from the road. The wiring should be laid in corrugated and reliably fixed, excluding rubbing on the body.
Below is a table of typical connections for a standard 12-volt heater:
| Contact | Appointment | Color of wire (example) | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plus, the food. | Basic nutrition | Red. | Through the safety lock to the battery |
| Minus nutrition | Massa | Black. | Body or minus ACB |
| Tachometer | Engine signal | Grey | To the coil or generator |
| remote | Communication with the controller | Blue/White | In the salon to the control panel. |
All wire connections must be made by soldering or using high-quality crimping terminals, after which they are carefully isolated by shrinkage. The twists in an automobile electrician, especially under the hood or underside, quickly oxidize and result in loss of contact.
Use copper tips and squeeze them with special mites, not passages. Poor contact in the power circuit will cause heating and melting of the insulation.
Installation of air blower and pipes in the cabin
A supercharger (dryer) and a pipe system are used to distribute warm air throughout the cabin. In simple schemes, warm air is supplied directly from the heater body, but for uniform heating it is better to use an additional switchboard.
The pipes should be securely secured by clamps, since when heated, the plastic expands and can jump off the connections. It is recommended to use aluminum tape for additional sealing of joints and reduce heat loss.
If the heater is installed under the bottom, it is necessary to ensure thermal insulation of pipes passing through the floor of the body, so as not to melt the cabin mats or lining. In the places of passage of pipes through metal partitions, be sure to install rubber bushes.
- 🌬️ Distribute airflows so as to avoid direct hot stream on plastic elements of the interior.
- 🔊 Use soundproofing boxes for the supercharger, as the sound of the turbine running can be heard in the cabin.
- ❄️ Consider the possibility of quickly turning off the heat supply in the summer if the structure does not have a flap.
The effectiveness of heating depends on the correctness of the organization of air circulation. Stagnant zones will warm up for a long time, so it is important to direct flows to the main areas where people are located.
First start-up and testing of the system
The first launch is an exciting moment that will show the correctness of the work performed. Before turning on, check all electrical connections, tightening of the clamps and no fuel odor at the joints. Turn on the heater and carefully monitor the process of ignition.
In the first seconds, the device will consume a lot of energy to heat the candle, then the pump will start working, supplying fuel. If you hear the sound of burning and from the exhaust pipe is barely noticeable smoke - the process is normal. After a few minutes, the flames stabilize and hot air will begin to flow in.
During the testing process, check the operation of the control panel, switching power modes. Make sure that when switched off, the heater performs a purge and cooling cycle before stopping. This is a standard procedure that protects the device from overheating.
⚠️ Warning: If the device emits an error or smokes black smoke on the first run, stop working immediately. Black smoke indicates incomplete combustion of fuel, which can be caused by an incorrect exhaust length or a malfunction of the pump.
The successful first launch is characterized by a smooth humming of flames, the absence of body vibrations and stable operation at all power modes without issuing errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much fuel does an autonomous heater consume?
The consumption depends on the mode of operation and power of the device. On average, low-power heaters (2 kW) consume about 0.2-0.3 liters of diesel per hour at maximum. At minimum power consumption can be reduced to 0.1 liters per hour, which allows you to work all night on one tank.
Can I use a heater to heat the engine?
There are two-circuit systems that heat both the cabin and antifreeze. Conventional air heaters (air heaters) only warm the air. For heating the engine, liquid preheaters are used, the principle of installation of which is characterized by the presence of a tie into the cooling system.
Why does the heater turn off after a few minutes?
This is most often due to overheating of the body or an error of flame. Check if the air intake is clogged, whether the exhaust is free and whether the supercharger is working. Also, the reason may be in a discharged battery, the voltage on which falls when the pump is running.
Do I need to take out the heater for the summer?
Demounting the device is not necessary, but it is recommended to carry out preventive maintenance. In summer, you can remove the fuel tank and drain the remaining fuel if you plan a long parking lot to avoid the formation of paraffin jams or condensation.
Is it safe to leave a working heater overnight?
Modern models are equipped with safety and flame control systems, which makes them safe for long-term operation. However, it is necessary to make sure that the exhaust system is serviceable and that there are no exhaust gas leaks into the cabin or under the car body.