Mikuni Deisel Heater

[Guest]

I am fitting a Mikuni heater into , wait for it, a Narrow Boat. My problem is that I am unable to fit the fuel standpipe into the top of the fuel tank as per instruction sheet because that is my deck. Mikuni do not advise fitting the heater`s fuel intake to the engine`s main fuel line. Appreciate any advice with this problem.

 

[Strathglass]

Your heater takes very little fuel relative to the engine. The biggest hazard in tapping into the fuel pipe is that a fuel fault in the heater could cause engine problems, especially if it introduces some air into the fuel system. Apart from that however it will work perfectly well, I would put a stop cock in the fuel feed to the heater immediately after the junction. I do not know the current waterways regulations regarding whether this is permitted. This will depend on where you moor your boat.

 

[longjohnsilver]

I have a Mikuni and it is an excellent heater. Have you considered a seperate tank, from memory they use a very small amount of fuel thus, say, a 5 gall tank would last for ever (well almost).

 

[eddieperkins]

Eric,
I read somewhere of someone who fitted a seperate tank fed from the main engine diesel return pipe with an overflow returningto the main tank. If space permits you can tap into the return line, site your new tank where it suits and feed your heater from the top of it. I would not expect it would need to be too large as it would be constantly being topped up whilst the main engine is in use, or are you residential?.
Good luck,
Eddie

 

[vyv_cox]

Eberspacher....

don't recommend tapping into the fuel line either, but that's what I did, downstream of the primary fuel filter. No problems at all, the heater is now entering its third winter without a hiccup. It runs fine when the engine is running. So long as fittings are made properly and don't leak I can see no reason why not.

 

[Guest]

Thanks to all who replied to my query.Iam not residential so I think I will fit a separate tank,5 galls. eric.