22 Diesel Heater Installation Notes

In previous years only a few professional technicians and service stores installed and serviced diesel heaters. But, as the popularity of diesel heaters kept rising, many new diesel heater manufacturers emerged on the market. Now, even smaller stores and diesel heaters users can install and service them.

Many small motorhome manufacturers or wholesalers of the camper van, truck, and boat parts are also interested in selling diesel heaters, as they are perfect for such vehicles. But, because these companies are new in the diesel heaters market, they usually lack the technicians with the right knowledge who fully understand how diesel heaters work.

Those companies are faced with various potential problems that can occur after the diesel heater is installed incorrectly. As a result, customers start complaining.

But, installing a diesel heater properly is not that complicated. Even a regular auto mechanic with decent experience can do it right, and the diesel heater work well. That’s why we created this article – it will give you a detailed understanding of diesel heaters and will make the installation process a breeze.

After surveying most of the best diesel heater on the market, the engineers at Warmda LLC and I have created this list of 22 heater installation tips. Those are certainly going to help you to solve common issues customers face during the installation. Let’s get started!

1. Choosing The Mounting Location For The Diesel Heater Host

Typically, forced air heater is mounted in fixed positions on camper van and trucks, motor homes. You just need to have the diesel heaters mounted upright, and it will work well. And it is also low fuel consumption.

However, if you are selling boat parts or have a boat repair company, you will need to install a forced air heater for your customers, but rotated 90 degrees. If that is the case, you need to pay special attention to the fact that the fuel inlet should be facing upwards when the forced air heater is rotated. That will allow the fuel to burn in the combustion chamber completely.

You need to make sure that the forced air heater oil inlet isn’t facing down. There is a danger that the diesel fuel will flow out of the diesel heater onto the floor, creating a fire hazard.

Another option is to use an L-shaped stainless steel mounting plate, which will allow you to mount the forced air heater upright, even when installing it on a boat.

2. Things To Keep In Mind When Fixing The Diesel Heater Host

The diesel air heater is made of a plastic or aluminum housing and a heater core, and after installing it, you will need to turn the diesel air heater impeller.

However, you might find that the impeller is sticking. If that is the case, you have allowed the diesel air heater housing to dislodge while securing the diesel air heater, which caused the housing to catch on the motor impeller.

But, that’s a quick fix, and all you need to do is loosen the four screws on the bottom of the diesel air heater. Then, adjust the position of the housing and tighten the screws – problem solved.

3. Parking Heater Cable Installation Notes

At first glance, the cable seems to be one of the most insignificant parts of the diesel air heater. You might think that all you need to do for it to work properly is to connect it. But, that is a major misconception.

If you don’t pay close attention when installing the cable and wires, the parking heater may interfere with other electromagnetic waves produced by other electrical equipment working nearby, causing malfunctions. The parking heater might also leak electromagnetic radiation, which can cause other equipment in its proximity to have issues.

Pay Attention To These Details

First, make sure that the parking heater power cord is correctly connected to the battery’s positive and negative terminals.

Also, the diesel heater’s power cord needs to have an appropriate length. Some Chinese diesel heater manufacturers try to reduce diesel air heater costs and send very short zero wire for the power cord, resulting in you not being able to connect the zero wire to the battery.

The problem is that you can’t use a different wire to extend the zero wire for it to reach the power supply, as a direct connection of the two wires may cause interference with the diesel air heaters.

The only solution is to replace the entire wire. Never try to separate zero or the fire wire of the heater. If you do, the air heater will show various errors caused by electromagnetic interference, and you won’t be able to use it properly.

 4. Heater Cable Too Long

Contrary to the point from above, some air heaters manufacturers will provide very long cords. However, that can prove to be problematic too, as sometimes the distance between the heater and the control panel/batter is short.

So, after you finish installing the air heaters, you may realize how the power cord leftover is too long and that you need to coil it up and secure it in place. This is the only right thing you should do if the cable is too long – anything else might result in electromagnetic wave interference.

5. Air Heater Power Cord Connection Notes

On most heaters (and other devices in general), the positive wire in the power cord is colored red, while the negative wire is colored black.

Naturally, you need to connect the red cable to the battery’s positive terminal and the black one to the negative terminal.

This is obvious, but if you don’t do it this way, not only that the heater won’t work properly, but it can be severely damaged, and a short circuit can even burin the main control panel. Therefore,

Pay attention!

6. Where To Mount The Control Panel

Diesel heaters on the market usually have two types of control panels, one with a temperature sensor and one without it. The design with the sensor makes it easier to detect the temperature inside the compartment. The other heater type has a temperature controller located at the heater’s cooling fan’s air intake, not inside the control panel.

When installing a control panel with a built-in temperature sensor, you need to pay attention to the control panel’s location and height. We recommend you to make sure that the heater’s air outlet is not directly facing the control panel. If you install the control panel in front of the air outlet, it is likely to trigger the temperature sensor, and the heater will stop working before the air inside the cabin is at the desired temperature.

It is also a good idea not to mount the heater’s control panel too high. As you know, hot air is lighter than cold air, and if you install the control panel too high, near the roof/ceiling, the air around it will be the first to heat up, and the sensor inside the control panel will turn on the heater prematurely.

But, for the same reason, the control panel should not be placed too low either. Doing that will cause the cold, heavier air to collect around the sensor, which will cause it to run too long. That will not only raise the temperature inside the cabin too much but will also consume more fuel.

The ideal location for the control panel is halfway up the height of the cabin. If you install it at this height, the heater will operate perfectly. And the fuel efficiency is the highest.

7. Tips When Using The Diesel Heater For The First Time

After you finish the air heaters installation, let the oil pump work before turning the heater on.

If you start the heater directly, there may be air present in the fuel delivery system. This might cause the heater to start improperly, and it will display an error code.

To prevent this, once you finish installing the heater, unplug the fuel line from the diesel heater inlet, and start the heater in “auto pump mode.”

That will allow the fuel pump to start working and remove the excess air inside.

Once you see the fuel coming out of the fuel line you unplugged, connect it back to the heater inlet. After that, you can start the diesel heater, and it will work normally

8. Tips For Choosing Adqequate Diesel Heater Cooling Air Inlet Location

One common mistake when installing the tube of the diesel heater’s cooling air intake systems is that people set it up so that it draws the air from the outside and blows it into the compartment’s interior.

The air should actually blow from the inside to the outside, not the other way around.

The diesel heater is warming the air inside the compartment and allows it to circulate. But, because the heater is blowing the air out, make sure it is at least 20 cm / 8 inches away from a wall.

9. Diesel Heater Fuel Pump Inlet Installation Tips

When it comes to oil pump inlet installation, a common mistake is turning it the wrong way. If the oil pump with the oil inlet is facing down, it will not work evenly, as it’s supposed to.

When turned downwards, the fuel pump won’t discharge the oil at an even frequency, which will create noise. Also, turning the inlet the wrong way will cause the heater combustion chamber to accumulate carbon.

Furthermore, if the pump outlet is facing down, fuel will flow out naturally if the check valve fails, even if the pump is stopped, which is a hazard.

Therefore, mount the pump so that the discharge port is facing slightly upwards, or put it in an upright position. That way, the fuel coming out of the pump will have sufficient pressure, allowing it to atomize efficiently.

But, if you don’t have enough room for the fuel pump to be mounted tilted, mounting it horizontally can work too.

Warmda LLC also has a silent fuel pump option. It is installed in exactly the same way as a regular oil pump.

10. Proper Distance Between The Fuel Pump And The Main Engine

We recommend that the distance between the fuel pump and the central unit should be 60-100 cm (1.87 ft – 3.28 ft).

If the distance is too short, the fuel’s pressure coming out of the pump will be too high, resulting in an uneven combustion sound. Also, there may be too much fuel coming out of the fuel pump for it to be fully burned, resulting in carbon buildup. Furthermore, the excess fuel which wasn’t entirely burned may flow out of the diesel heaters through the exhaust port.

However, problems will occur if the fuel pump is too far away from the main heater too. If the distance is more than 1 meter (3.28 feet(, the fuel pressure will be insufficient. This will again result in uneven combustion, and the heating output will not be as desired.

11. Fuel Filter Installation Considerations

A fuel filter’s primary function is to prevent contaminants in the diesel fuel from clogging the oil pump and causing the diesel heater not to work correctly.

The problem is that some vehicle maintenance companies are not familiar with diesel heaters. They have employees that don’t know how to fit the fuel filter properly, which causes issues.

The fuel filter needs to be installed at the fuel pump’s inlet, as it is the only position that will let it effectively filter the fuel and prevent contaminants from clogging the pump. When installing the diesel filter, pay attention to the direction of fuel flow, as the filter outlet should be connected to the inlet of the fuel pump.

12. Choosing The Diesel Heaters Exhaust Pipe

When choosing the diesel heaters exhaust pipe, you should take one criteria in special consideration – noise. For the best sound deadening, you should use a flexible spiral exhaust pipe.

When the diesel heater work, diesel fuel is combusted in the combustion chamber by mixing diesel vapor and air, ignited by the electric plug. The combustion air enters the combustion chamber in the form of spiral airflow, allowing the chamber’s diesel vapor to mix well with the combustion air. But, when the spiral airflow enters the combustion chamber at high speeds, there will be a lot of noise. That’s the main reason why some diesel heaters are noisy.

As the diesel vapor burns inside the chamber, the noise will also follow it and exit through the combustion exhaust with the fumes, and discharged from the combustion chamber through the combustion exhaust vent.

But, if the heater has a spiral exhaust pipe, once sound waves encounter the spiral structure, the pipe will cancel most of the sound wave transmission, considerably reducing the noise output. That is the main reason why you should consider picking a spiral exhaust pipe.

 13. Exhaust Port Selection Tips

To secure the exhaust pipe to the diesel heaters exhaust port securely, you need to have a spiral exhaust pipe connection. The diesel heater directly connected to the combustion exhaust pipe. The outlet is made of aluminum, while the exhaust pipe is made of stainless steel. It relies on an exhaust pipe clip to secure it to the exhaust port.

However, customers often have problems as exhaust pipes sometimes come off the top of the diesel heater while the vehicle is running. That is because many diesel heater manufacturers use unthreaded ports. Those don’t have enough friction to keep the exhaust firmly in place in the exhaust port.

That’s why we recommend that all diesel heater manufacturers and sales stores, and customers should use an exhaust pipe with a spiral connection. Only this type of connection will allow the exhaust pipe to hold the diesel heater exhaust system in place securely.

14. Selecting Exhaust Pipe Material And Construction

The combustion system of a diesel heater is entirely separate.

The combustion exhaust pipe is mounted on the vehicle’s underside and is exposed to various corrosive substances at all times and to changing weather conditions. This is why the exhaust pipe needs to have good corrosion resistance. For that reason, most exhaust pipes are made of 304 stainless steel.

Furthermore, the constricted space available at the bottom of the heater requires the exhaust pipe to have good bending properties. A spiral exhaust pipe is made of multiple layers of stainless steel sheets that are overlapped and extruded. That allows good maneuverability and saves installation time.

15. Exhaust Port And Spiral Exhaust Pipe Orientation

When installing the diesel heaters exhaust pipe you should pay special attention to the orientation of the exhaust port. Don’t install the pipe horizontally or with the exhaust port facing upwards.

If the exhaust port is installer horizontally, the outside wind may blow right into the exhaust port, reaching the combustion chamber through the exhaust pipe. If the wind blows into the combustion chamber, it will interfere with its operation and may cause the combustion flame to escape out.

When diesel burns, a small amount of water vapor is produced, which may condense on the exhaust pipe walls, forming droplets. Although this is just a tiny amount, the water droplets will accumulate inside the exhaust pipe if the exhaust port faces upwards.

At low temperatures, the water will freeze, reducing the diameter of the exhaust pipe, and affecting the combustion performance of the diesel heaters.

Lastly, the entire exhaust pipe should be slightly tilted downward. That will allow the water droplets to flow out of the diesel heaters through the exhaust pipe.

    16. How To Choose The Exhaust Pipe Clamp

The exhaust pipe clamp is another diesel heaters part that is more important than it first seems. The quality of the clamp will determine how well it will hold the exhaust pipe in place.

When you drive the vehicle, you will go over bumps, and the clamp will be the only thing that will hold the pipe firmly in place, which is why it is essential to have a strong clamping force. A heavy-duty exhaust clamp will keep the pipe securely mounted to the diesel heaters.

The diesel heater’s exhaust system is mounted outside of the compartment and is exposed to various corrosive substances. To prevent decay and rust, it is imperative to use stainless steel for exhaust clamps, and also screws and nuts.

    17. Choosing The Best Muffler Location

Customers often make a mistake and install the muffler at the end of the exhaust pipe. This is not optimal, as the muffler won’t properly dampen the exhaust pipe noise.

To have the best muffling effect, you should install the muffler in the middle of the exhaust pipe. For that reason, we recommend that diesel air heater manufacturers should offer two lengths of the spiral exhaust pipe – short and long.

The exhaust pipe should also have a protector at the end, which will prevent insects from getting inside the diesel air heater, nesting inside the diesel heater combustion chamber during the summer when the diesel heaters are not in use.

    18. Exhaust Muffler Installation Notes

You have probably noticed that the exhaust muffler has a small hole in it. That hole allows the condensation droplets that form when diesel burns to flow out. But, for that to happen, that hole needs to be facing down when you install the muffler.

Note that there are exhaust mufflers without a hole too. These mufflers are not entirely sealed. For the water droplets to flow out, you need to install the muffler upright, and the water will go through the gaps in the muffler.

    19. Things To Watch Out For When Installing The Oil Tank

Many diesel heater manufacturers choose a white plastic fuel tank. But, this type of tank is not ideal.

Ultraviolet rays can easily penetrate the while plastic and reach the diesel fuel inside the tank. Exposing the diesel fuel to the UV rays for prolonged periods will lead to fuel deterioration. This fuel will clog the air heater’s fuel delivery system, filter, and pump, as well as the heater’s fuel inlet.

If you are going to use a clear white oil tank, make sure it is installed where sunlight won’t reach it directly. Also, consider adding a cover to the fuel tank to reduce the UV damage even further.

But, if you can, choose a black plastic fuel tank. Even better, opt for a stainless steel tank. These materials will protect the fuel inside the tank, preventing deterioration.

Also, consider choosing a tank with a lock. That will prevent pranking neighbors from messing with the tank and will also prevent theft.

Issues With Installing The Fuel Outlet At The Bottom Of The tank

Many manufacturers recommend you to install a fuel outlet at the bottom of the tank. That will connect it to the fuel delivery line directly—a simple installation method and very easy to use.

But, this method has some major downsides:

A. Тhe Risk Of Diesel Leakage

The fuel tank is made of plastic, while the outlet is usually made of aluminum or iron and is mounted underneath the oil tank. Because of the position, if the outlet is accidentally hit, it can be deformed by force, leading to fuel leaking out of the tank.

Solution:

A small hole is punched out of the gas cap, and the standpipe enters the fuel tank through the hole in it. This method will prevent any fuel leaks from happening.

B. Fuel Pump Sucking Contaminants IN

Diesel fuel sometimes contains contaminants, which is why it makes sense to install the fuel tank standpipe with some spare room at the bottom of the tank. Leaving 2 cm (3/4 inch) between the bottom of the fuel tank and the standpipe will allow any contaminants inside the diesel fuel to settle at the bottom of the tank. This will prevent them from being sucked into the fuel pump, clogging it up and preventing it from working correctly.

    20. Fuel Tank Standpipe Installation Considerations

The fuel tank standpipe is usually installed on top of the vehicle’s fuel tank.

Some people think that drilling holes in the vehicle’s fuel tank will damage the tank. That’s a common misconception, and drilling holes won’t affect the tank at all.

You just need to make sure that when you install the fuel tank standpipe, there is a distance of more than 2 cm (3/4 inch) between the fuel tank standpipe and the bottom of the fuel tank.

This is to keep substances that have settled in the bottom of the tank from being drawn up and clogging the fuel pump.

    21. Things To Keep In Mind When Installing The Intake Filter.

The intake filter filters the air entering the diesel heater’s combustion chamber, removing dust and other contaminants. It also prevents carbon buildup in the heater.

The air entering the diesel heater combustion chamber passes through the filter’s tiny holes. This not only removes contaminants but also results in the diesel heater operating much quieter. Because of this, many manufacturers call this part “intake air muffler” instead of filter.

When installing the intake air filter, you should put it away from the heater’s combustion exhaust pipe but also the vehicle’s exhaust. Installing the intake air filter further away from the exhaust systems will prevent exhaust gas from being drawn back into the combustion chamber, creating problems with the combustion process.

    22. Remote Control Precautions

Every diesel heater is paired with an appropriate remote control and control panel before it leaves the factory. Some remotes come with batteries; others don’t, which means you will have to purchase and install them yourself. Also, make sure you are using the appropriate remote control with an adequate heater – swapping remotes with different diesel heaters will not work.

Conclusion

After as many as 22 tips from above, you know all there is to know about diesel heater installation. But, you also learned how to choose the air heater accessories.

Whether you are a diesel heater dealer, a vehicle service technician who installs the diesel heaters, or just a customer, you will be able to install a diesel heater with ease after reading this article.

When installed properly, a quality diesel heater will work without any issues for 8-10 years. All you need to do is to start the air heater every two months, allowing the fuel and combustion system to work for 15+ minutes, and that’s it.

If you want to buy a diesel heater, we recommend you to choose the Warmda diesel heaters, it has automatic altitude adjustment, you can only move below 11000 inches above sea level and the air heater will work well.
Warmda diesel air heaters have a heat output of 8,500 BTU-16,000 BTU per hour, which is perfect for heating van.
You can enjoy the warm, fresh air in the cold weather in a cabin with the Warmda diesel heaters installed.

We hope that this article helped and that you have learned many useful tips about diesel heaters. If you liked it, don’t hesitate to share it with other people who can make use of it, as it is likely to help anyone who has a diesel heater mounter on their vehicle. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions regarding the Warmda diesel heaters. Thanks for reading!