CHINESE DIESEL HEATER

[fearmhuir]

Apologies for starting yet another thread on Chinese heaters, but just looking for specific information?

All the Eberspacher clones appear to have only 75 mm inlet and outlets. My current Eberspacher installation has 90 mm ducting.

Does the Chinese version fit inside the Eberspacher plastic body, allowing me to use the existing ducting?

Alternatively, has anyone fitted a 75 mm to 90 mm adapter like this:
Eberspacher Heater 75mm - 90mm Ducting Outlet Adaptor | 251226890001 | eBay

Will the airflow be reduced with the 75 mm outlet as against the 90 mm on my now defunct Eberspacher?

Also, do the Chinese heaters have an external temperature sensor like my current Eberspacher, the information on most sites is not clear.

Thanks

 

[LittleSister]

A ducting diameter adapter (other brands are available) is likely your easiest option.

The Eber housing (body) isn't going to provide a seal between the 75mm inlet and outlet of the Chinese heater and the 90mm opening in the housing, so even in the unlikely event the Eber housing mated exactly with the fixings of the Chinese heater, you would get the heater inlet drawing in heated air from the outlet, with the risk of overheating the unit, let alone the inefficiency and reduced flow from the ducting's outlets.

I don't know the relative nominal airflow of the two heaters. The actual airflow will depend on the length, bends/corners/branches of the ducting and number of outlets, as well as the design/manufacture of the heater. That the outlet is smaller would tend to suggest (but doesn't necessarily mean) the the flow of the Chinese heater will be lower. That your ducting is larger diameter will allow the smaller heater to maximise its airflow, and/or allow you to have a ducting length greater than the maximum length & no. of bends etc. specified for 75mm ducting.

One of the shortcomings of the Chinese heaters is paucity (and unreliability) of detailed specifications.

 

[Hunterlees]

Search for HCalory 5-8kw Bluetooth car diesel heater, although they are a bit thin on the ground just now. These newer models have a 90mm outlet.
Also note that there is no chance of it producing 8kw, about 4.5 is the realistic max.
I have one installed and it functions perfectly, from both the display, and phone app. The display monitors the room temperature and can adjust output accordingly.

 

[fearmhuir]

A ducting diameter adapter (other brands are available) is likely your easiest option.

The Eber housing (body) isn't going to provide a seal between the 75mm inlet and outlet of the Chinese heater and the 90mm opening in the housing, so even in the unlikely event the Eber housing mated exactly with the fixings of the Chinese heater, you would get the heater inlet drawing in heated air from the outlet, with the risk of overheating the unit, let alone the inefficiency and reduced flow from the ducting's outlets.

Thank you! On examining my Eber, I have discovered that the air inlet is actually 75 mm, not 90 as I thought. The hot air outlet is definitely 90 mm, but maybe reducing this to 75 mm this will not throttle the flow as much as I originally thought.

 

[fearmhuir]

Search for HCalory 5-8kw Bluetooth car diesel heater, although they are a bit thin on the ground just now. These newer models have a 90mm outlet.
Also note that there is no chance of it producing 8kw, about 4.5 is the realistic max.
I have one installed and it functions perfectly, from both the display, and phone app. The display monitors the room temperature and can adjust output accordingly.

Thanks Hunterlees. I had a look at these and they don't seem to be available now - at least not the Eber clone shape I need?
Some are available on AliExpress and Banggood, but I need one urgently, so need a UK stocked item.
There are some 'suitcase type' but I don't have the space for those. Will keep looking!

 

[Hunterlees]

The suitcase type simply contains all the same components in a housing, with a built in tank,

 

[Bobc]

You can take the 90mm hood off and it will fit onto the new heater. I did exactly this.

 

[fearmhuir]

Thanks to all that replied! I thought I should let you all know how I have got on.
In the end I went ahead and ordered a Chinaspacher from a guy here in Northern Ireland:
Diesel Heaters NI - Diesel Heaters | Belfast who I just stumbled across during my search.
It was a little more expensive than on eBay etc, but had the advantage that I was able to collect the same day I ordered.
I was involved in fitting one of these about 5 or 6 years ago with a friend, but the heater I received now is of a much higher standard - putting the Eber and Chinapsacher side by side, they look identical, with the exception of the ECU unit.
I tried the Chinese heater in the old Eber case, and it fitted exactly, so I decided to keep the old case for two reasons. Firstly, it had the 90 mm outlet, secondly, the inlet on the Eber case was about 5 mm larger internally. The Chinese heater has a screw on cap that reduces the internal dimension on the intake. It also has a lattice covering I didn't like - I could have cut it off, but it was easier to use the old case.
As the connection from heater to controller is only 3 wires, it was easy to use old Eberspacher wiring, so installation was straightforward!
So, back with a nice warm boat again!
Thanks guys!

 

[Hunterlees]

Didnt realise you are in Bangor NI - that’s where my boat is!

 

[fearmhuir]

Didnt realise you are in Bangor NI - that’s where my boat is!

Yes! Small world! I recognised your boat. I am just across the main walkway from you - the Malo nearest the facilities.