Diesel feed options for Webasto heater

[Plum]

I do have a blanked off dip tube already in the tank, but it will be the same length as the engine dip, it is welded in with a plastic weld, so I don't think I can remove an shorten it. But I usually carry 20l extra diesel so even if I was negligent and let it run out, I should always have spare.

I was hoping not to have to spend the cash on another fuel filter, but maybe that is the way to go.

In that case I think you will be taking far less risk than if you were to use the engine feed or return line. You are lucky to already have a spare dip tube. I had to fit one when i installed my Eberspacher 4 years ago. The eber installation manual does not specify a filter to be fitted. There is a small mesh filter incorporated in the pump.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[jiris]

In that case I think you will be taking far less risk than if you were to use the engine feed or return line. You are lucky to already have a spare dip tube. I had to fit one when i installed my Eberspacher 4 years ago. The eber installation manual does not specify a filter to be fitted. There is a small mesh filter incorporated in the pump.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

I can hardly see any risk in using the return line - with the exception of a catastrophic hose/joint failure causing a major leak - unlikely with the small pressure we a dealing with here. Anyway, with the extra dip tube already in place, this may be the way to go. Perfectly true about the filter, the heaters are not as fussy on the fuel purity as engine injector systems are. A water separator couldn't hurt if you are having some problems with condensation in the tank.

 

[Jokani]

You are lucky to already have a spare dip tube.

Well I think that is the way to go then.

I have no one else to blame, I spec'd the fuel tank and had it made. I made 2 mistakes, I did't have the spare dip tube shorter than the engine, and then I had it chemically welded in.

http://www.westerly-centaur.co.uk/new-fuel-tank

I might 'test' it, to see if I can remove it to shorten it, otherwise I will go 'as is'.

I appreciate your advice, thank you.

 

[pvb]

You are lucky to already have a spare dip tube. I had to fit one when i installed my Eberspacher 4 years ago. The eber installation manual does not specify a filter to be fitted. There is a small mesh filter incorporated in the pump.

The OP has a Webasto, and they suggest an inline filter before the pump.

 

[jiris]

The OP has a Webasto, and they suggest an inline filter before the pump.

Some of the Chinks actually supply a filter with their kit. But is is only a little plastic thingy with a fine wire mesh in it. It definitely does the job and unlike the small area mesh strainer in the Eber pump it doesn't block as quickly if the fuel is highly contaminated with rust particles etc. A serious micron-particles fuel filter used for engines is definitely an expensive overkill.

 

[savageseadog]

The filter in the pump is tiny and a faff to clean. I stand by what I say. The suggested issues with a feed from the main filter are a myth. There should be no issues drawing fuel whether the engine is running or not, the fuel filter should be clean obviously.

 

[lw395]

I used a plastic inline filter before the eber. It worked fine. It will also trap any air that gets into the line.
Some of the issues I've seen with ebers involve air in their fuel, avoiding that and arranging for easy priming can reduce irritation IME.