ESPAR Mounting ...

[TBrennan]

I'm finally getting around to mounting my ESPAR coolant heater system in my '03. The best place I can come up with is next to the AC canister? by the firewall on the passenger side. I am making a braket that uses the same oem bolts that hold that thing up. It's a tight fit but I think I got something that will work and not require any drilling.



Here's the thing. This places the ESPAR unit fairly close to the exhaust header and turbo (a few inches). Should I be overly concerned about the heat destroying the ESPAR unit? Not sure how hot it will get a few inches from the turbo or the exhaust turbine section of the turbo.

 

[Slow Six]

I had my Espar installed by the dealer/distributor who have installed several of them. They mounted the unit under the air filter box. They removed the air box and the fender liner for the installation. Once the unit is installed at this location, it seems to be a good placement. I have had to take it out once for a problem with it. Just remove the air box and unit is fairly accessible from top and from below. As a side note the problem turned out to be in the connectors in the power lines to the unit. I now use dielectric grease in the connections to hopefully prevent a reoccurance. They are a PITA to install, but it is ones of the best bombs I have done.

 

[TBrennan]

Good info, someone elese mentioned that location. Any chance you could take a photo of the install?

 

[Slow Six]

Not right now. I would have to remove the air box and even than I don't know if a photo would show much. If I get a break in the action around here I will try. I am not very good at this computer stuff as well, so I need the time to trial and error getting the pic on the net. They also mounted the sending unit for the fuel back by the tank because they say there is a lot less problems . The old theory that pumps push better than suck.

 

[TBrennan]

After removing the stock air box I decided that under it is a better location for the Espar unit. The new bracket is done and I'm ready to start the install process.



Can anyone confirm that the stock coolant tubing from the engine to firewall is 3/4"? I would hate to cut it open to find I don't have the right size and can't repair it. Any tips on "burping" the air out of the system would be appreciated. I plan to install the Espar, bleed the air out at the Espar unit first then open the radiator and run the engine to bleed air out the whole system. Should this work ok?



If anyone wants pics of the bracket or the unit installed let me know. I'm using a stock hole to mount so this is a no drill installation. Clearance is a little tight but I think it worked out pretty well.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

I should see my Espar show up Tuesday or Wed. My buddy has one and its mounted down in the drivers side frame rail. I'd like to find a closer spot on mine. Anyone have any ideas for a 2 gen setup?