Espar Performance ...

[TBrennan]

Just wanted to compare my Espar performance in heating to anyone else running one (mine's a 3rd gen Dodge). I can run it for 2 hours in zero deg F weather and the cab will be warmed but not overly. The temp gauge will still not be registering any movement yet (< 140). Just wanted to make sure that is normal and I don't have a problem of some sort. I have the Hydronic D5 model.



I have a 25 minute commute to work, and even though I'm warm the whole way, the truck still isn't up to full operating temperature (190) before I get there in these temps.

 

[JakeGMCHD]

Do you have a winter front on? Did you park the truck in the Wind?

I don't warm the passenger compartment but I can run my Hydronic D5 for 45 minutes and see 170* on my Tech II. I know this is on a Duramax with Evan NPG+.

 

[TBrennan]

I don't have or use winter fronts. When parked at home overnight my truck is fully exposed to the elements, and I live on top of a hill where the wind is ALWAYS active. I guess I should be happy it's heating the cab enough to be comfortable at all. :-laf I do run the cab fan at the lowest setting (first click) and I did note that with the fan off, the coolant heats much quicker. The fan comes on fairly quickly, what I would like is for it to come on when the coolant reaches a certain temperature. I may try to wire in a timer relay for it next spring so I can delay it's start.



With the temps up to the 30's today and the truck sitting for only 8 hours at work, it was up to 150 deg or so after running two hours. I just wanted to make sure it was operating normally and I didnt have air trapped in the system or something.



Are winterfronts really worthwhile? Any negatives in using them?

 

[monkeyman]

My D5W after runing for about 45 minutes,then I use remote start combo makes engine warm up really fast (2002)

 

[JakeGMCHD]

I forgot to mention I do use a winter front. I know some of the locals around my part use winter fronts on their Dodges. If you are only driving 25 minutes to work it would surely help you. Only thing you have to watch is engine temp while towing. I've also heard some of the guys around here pull the fan out for the winter. Only negative that comes to mind would be intercooler not getting as much air through it so performance may be down a little.

 

[dieselshu]

I dont have a ESPAR yet! but I do use winter fronts from Eric Buckel. I have four fronts on the grill and leave the fan on the engine with the bumper holes open. I have a 20 min run to work and the winter fronts definately help. They low cost and easy on an off.



Dave