2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Espar fuel supply location

[Hootguy]

Can anyone tell me if it would be ok to tap into the fuel return line to supply my Espar which i want to install in the engine compartement. . on the passenger side somehow.

It would save going all the way back to the tank,,would be nice if this was acceptable.

Thanks

 

[WDaniels]

I would not tap into the return line. Unless the truck is running, you most likely would not have a ready supply of fuel in the return lines for an extended run of the heater. And as Espars can run for an unlimited amount of time unlike the Wabesto's, this could amount to a substantial amount of fuel. My heater supply goes all the way back to the tank where the installers tapped into the rubber portion just out of the top of the tank before the stainless lines begin. Besides, the Espars have a fuel pump in them to draw the fuel anywise. Maybe someone has done something different and they can chime in.

WD

 

[monkeyman]

I have a Espar mounted on the passenger Inner fender where stock air box would be.
I installed a T fitting in the line going to my Fass, I put in a one way check valve so fuel could not suck back through Espar line. I have Espar fuel pump right by my Fass so it pushes fuel not sucking it.
Rick

 

[DMcLeod]

I have Espar also on passenger side inner fender well. Do not tap fuel return line for reason stated. If tapping fuel supply, bear in mind the cost and reliability of the LP/VP44 system. My 01 had a spare feed at the top of the fuel tank and I simply pulled the rubber cap off and pushed on the Espar fuel supply hose. It works fine except when the tank is low (1/4full or less), the Espar has difficulty starting. I suspect the spare feed draw tube is a bit large for the Espar pump. I plan to install the Espar pick-up tube someday..... when I'm in the mood to drop the tank.

 

[Hootguy]

i have the stock airbox in place still. so i can't mount it there,,but i do have a really nice spot on the driver side wheel well next to the fuse and relay box,,perfect fit,,nicely lined up for fuel line and the coolant line,,looks like there is a theaded plug in the head right in front near the fuel filter i could use for the coolant supply to the espar,,and return to the inlet side of the heater core. . anyone have any thoughts on this mounting spot??

Thanks

 

[DMcLeod]

That sounds like a great location, especially nice for plumbing the fuel supply. Just be sure the Espar coolant pump is below the engine coolant level. There was a write up years ago in TDRmag and the unit sat right above the frame rail in the general location your speaking of. (I might have saved a copy of that article) I also have stock airbox, but mounted mine sort of below the passenger side battery, just in front of the air intake/turbo. I'll try to remember to get a pic for you tonight.

 

[BRobertson]

I have mine along the frame on the pass side. So far I have mounted it in the Espar factory location, in the front bumper(ARB bumper), and now under the pass seat, on the frame.

I have a 4 gal race cell (Summit Racing) that I mounted in the new aluminum bed I am constructing, that I use for fuel. I can use kerosene, diesel, etc in it.

When I burn straight kero, it is amazing how clean it is!!

I have used it down to 47* below, and never a problem.

While I had it out this time, I changed the igniter, and o-rings as it is 8 yrs old, and heavily used!!

Bob

 

[Hootguy]

I sure would love to see pictures of installations on 12valve motors,,

* years and still going good thats sounds really good for one of these,,hope mine last that long.

Thanks

 

[DMcLeod]

here's a 24 valve example

The attached picture shows my mounting location on the passenger side fender well. Unfortunately, I'm not that familiar with the 12valves, so not sure how helpful this is for you. I've got the fuel/coolant pumps mounted separately.

 

[Scrappy]

I have Espar also on passenger side inner fender well. Do not tap fuel return line for reason stated. If tapping fuel supply, bear in mind the cost and reliability of the LP/VP44 system. My 01 had a spare feed at the top of the fuel tank and I simply pulled the rubber cap off and pushed on the Espar fuel supply hose. It works fine except when the tank is low (1/4full or less), the Espar has difficulty starting. I suspect the spare feed draw tube is a bit large for the Espar pump. I plan to install the Espar pick-up tube someday..... when I'm in the mood to drop the tank.

the reason it won't work well below 1/4 tank is a safety feature built into the pickup in the tank. the pickup in the tank is intentionally made short. it is designed to cut the fuel supply to whatever is hooked to that port so if the truck is left unattended with the accessory running it cannot completely run the truck out of fuel.

 

[DMcLeod]

Thanks for the info, Scrappy. I thought I had the fuel level real low when I tested that aux. draw tube (using a vacuum pump) and it sucked fuel..... but maybe I was only close to that 1/4full mark. I try to keep the tank full in the winter, but someday I'll let her get near E and give it the old suction test and see what happens. Sure beats dropping that tank!

 

[Hootguy]

nice picture,,,that helps,,

How did you hook up the coolant supply and feed hose,,i mean where did you tap in. ??

If anyone has pictures of they're install,,i should would welcome them. .

Thanks again for the picture

 

[monkeyman]

I have a DW4, took out fuel pump and put it by Fass on frame so it pushes, not pulls. I like the passenger location as that is what side the heater core is on, that means less hose running all over the engine. I also used silicone hose, it last forever. My wife loves the Espar as when we go to the movies, when we come out truck is hot inside and snow is melted off cab!
Rick

 

[DMcLeod]

Coolant tap in... . there's a few ways I s'pose. I tapped into the 3/4" heater hose that supplies coolant to the heater core. Run the engine side of the hose to your espar inlet and run the htr core side to your espar outlet. Bear in mind your heater core is getting the heat from the espar first (before the engine). My coolant pump is mounted separately from the heater and I mounted it just above the passenger side front spring. Yours may have the coolant pump built inside the espar unit. I did as monkeyman and put the fuel pump back by the tank on the frame where it can push fuel. I like the silicon hose idea, as my coolant lines are quite close to the turbo (heat).



Espar offers a "one way valve" that I think would make for an ideal installation. When the espar is off, coolant flows right by the heater like it isn't there. You can look this up in Espar's accessory catalog. It's $$$$ though.

 

[monkeyman]

I bought my Red Silicone hose on the internet, I just did a search. Replaced all my hoses with silicone.
Rick

 

[David411]

There is an auxiliary fuel fitting on top of the fuel canister, I simply just tapped into it.