diesel heater

[DELILA]

Hi
I need some advice. What are the pro's and con's of installing a inline heater to heat diesel before it enters the filter and injection system. This is on a 2.4d engine. I saw a few older Isuzus with inline heaters.

[lukestoyzx]

Why would you need to heat it?

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[DELILA]

Where I stay it do get very cold during winter up to - 6 C early morning, the result is very poor performance, up to when temperature rises to about +15 C and some days that never happens.

[lukestoyzx]

Oh ok cool. Do they not sell winter diesel?

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[DELILA]

No not in South Africa. It happened few times that i removed my fuel filter, then it was clogged with gel, early morning in winter.

[ChrisF]

The problem is with starting in that cold weather.

I have heard of diesel gelling to the point where people could not start their diesels in the morning. If you cant start it, how do you heat the diesel ?


Apparently fuel stations at Sani add some additives to diesel to prevent gelling.

Wonder what they do overseas - both for the diesel additives, and for heating the diesel before starting ??

[lukestoyzx]

Google it. From memory some places add caster oil or similar, cant remember exactly.

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[pietpetoors]

Makes sense, do you get such pre heaters in South Africa?

[DELILA]

Pieter

Some older Isuzus came with a heater fitted in the water line that supplies water to the cab heater. I fitted one of those on my Hilux and on short run i do experience some improvement in performance. Found mine at a scrap yard. I would like to hear what other guys have to say about this. You also get a electric 12 or 24 volt heater plate for some filter heads, not sure if it is available in our country.

[niclemaitre]

Winter diesel is usually just a paraffin/diesel blend, you might be able to make it your self.

[pietpetoors]

OK but if it runs on water from the radiator it does not fix the frozen diesel before startup problem. It only helps to improve performance once then engine is at operating temp.

[Mud Dog]

The cab heater hose circuits are normally 'taken off' before the thermostat, so you wouldn't have to wait till operating temp is reached. There should be enough heat to solve the gelling problem at the filter within a minute or so from start-up. Getting it started in sub-zero temps will be where the problem is. Battery will have to be good, as these also tend to suffer in cold weather and you might be relying on the glow plugs a bit more as well.

[DELILA]

Thats correct Andy. Mine is always parked indoors, but outside temp go down to -6 C at times. The question is will there be any improvement in power and fuel consumption? I usually let it idle for few minutes to heat up a little bit before driving.

[lukestoyzx]

Parrafin, thats it! Just do what I seen one nitwit in the states do, light what started as a small fire under it to warm it up! Lol lol lol!!! What a retard!

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[pietpetoors]

The question is will there be any improvement in power and fuel consumption?

I think there will be because you increase the temp. of the diesel taking it closer to flashing point temp., thus spontaneous combustion should be easier.

[DELILA]

Thanks for your input guys. I just had a conversation with a guy running a Hilux with a heater he manufactured himself. Fuel consuption down with 1 litre per 100km and better power as well. This guy is running around all day with the Toyota as it is his work truck loaded with up to 700kg.

[Scott]

I learned something today that diesel freezer/waxes from -8C.VW imports used to heat the fuel so there must be something in it.

[pietdevs]

We add 1 liter of petrol to our bakkie's diesel tank in winter to increase the combustion. It works very well and we have been doing it for many years very successfully. Try it, you may be pleasantly surprised! It stopped the gelling as well.

[DELILA]

I have installed a second hand heater and after a few short trips i can report that i do have better performance. I filled my tank and will monitor to see if i get improvement in consumption. Will keep everybody posted on this.

[pietpetoors]

Thanx, looking forward to your feedback.

[BKRITZ]

After 2 refills I am able to report that there is a big improvement in performance. Start and let it idle a few minutes and you can feel the filter heating up. Overall performance is better. Comsumption down with 1.5 l/ 100 km.

[Mars]

Very interesting. Thanks.