Fuel heater?

[WDaniels]

I have read in someones manual that our rigs have a fuel heater. But I cannot remember if it just works upon startup or all the time. I asked the big rig mechanics how these rigs stay running on #2 when it reaches -70 and -80 or more below on the haul road to the North Slope. They said that they have heaters in the fuel tanks that keep the fuel warm. Could we do that? Would it be lines with engine oil? Transmission oil? Anyone know? Thanks

WD

 

[Adam]

In the fuel filter...

WD,



All our trucks have a heater element in the fuel filter/water separation unit, with the possible exception of the pre-2000 ISB's. I know my '99 didn't have it, and my '02 does. If you could be convinced to add a dozen valves, the fuel return from the VP44 would keep the fuel in the tank warm, and prevent gelling while running. When you stop though, you're on your own, and here's to hoping the Power Services stuff really works!



-Adam



P. S. If you haven't had your heater checked, it might be something you should do. I'm not too familiar with the 12V trucks, but a friend of mine lost 2-3mpg and the dealer replaced his fuel heater, which returned the lost mileage. I'm sure someone else can answer for sure though.

 

[Whitmore]

WD

I remember reading a thread of Illflems where he stated that like in an hour that the tank temp is like 100* with his heat gun.



Run your truck and when you stop feel the tank with your hand, I bet you will be suprised as to how hot it will be.



cheers, Kevin

 

[illflem]

Warren, your 12 valve's heater is a separate unit below the fuel filter, which btw has a screen in it that needs to be cleaned occasionally. The heater has an internal thermostat, on at 40° off at 80°. Like Kevin said I checked the temp at the bottom of the tank on a zero degree day, after a 40 mile drive it was around 100°. Don't think our trucks need tank heaters but I don't live where you do.



#ad

 

[Uncle Mike]

Heated fuel tanks

The ones that I've seen run coolant through the tanks. Usually run a hose from the engine to a nipple on the tank, inside the tank is a coil of metal tubing, back out to the engine. Can't remember the exact flow direction.

 

[WDaniels]

Thanks guys, that was good info.

WD

 

[lmills]

Re: WD

Originally posted by Whitmore

I remember reading a thread of Illflems where he stated that like in an hour that the tank temp is like 100* with his heat gun.



Run your truck and when you stop feel the tank with your hand, I bet you will be suprised as to how hot it will be.



cheers, Kevin

I tried that yesterday. I don't know if the cold weather had any affect on it, but the tank didn't feel warm at all.

 

[24VChev]

Heaters

Allot of the big rigs use a diesel fired heater. One company that makes it is called Espar.





They burn a small amount of diesel and heat the coolant of the engine, cab and wherever else you feel like plumbing coolant lines. They have their own pump to push the coolant through the cooling lines. I think that they put out about 30,000 BTU's.





It saves them from running the engine all night long to keep everything warm.





Malcolm