Camper van conversion | How to install a diesel heater

[@ellipse330]

Just a few tips for you: Regarding the fuel pump: 1. wrap it carefully with some heat resistant insulation. This will reduce the pump noise and more importantly provide some additional fire safety should the electrical connection at the pump short and heat up. 2. when securing the fuel pump, place a thick rubber gasket (half inch) between the pump and the affixing structure (you will also need a longer screw). This will minimise any vibration from the fuel pump. Regarding the fuel tank: 3. Take the time to calculate the volume of fuel your new tank has and make markings on the exterior of the tank with a permanent marker so you will know how much fuel you have left at a glance. Then over a weekend trip you can get a rough estimte on the fuel consumption of the heater. 4. I suggest you never fill the tank more than 90%. If necessary keep a seperate filler tank (smaller) on the side. You seem to have one already. 5. Keep a small plastic white/ transluscent drip tray under the fuel tank with some coloured powder in it. If the fuel tank ever leaks, the coloured power will turn to a paste like consistency and ill easily let you know that there is a leak. Regarding the floor penetrating turret: 6. Apply some waterproffing sealant just to be safe. Yo do not want condensation getting inside or along the access perimeter. 7. Finally, I STRONGLY recommend you place a carbon monoxide (CO) detector along the bottom of the van structure. The last thing you want is have a dreadful accident. 20 quid or so from B&Q. Apolosie if this is a tad long. Hope its helpful.

[@callmehank88]

100% install a smoke and CO detector.

[@colinhunter4915]

What about preventing the white fuel line transferring the clicking and tapping on surfaces, any tips there? Thanks, Sharky

[@sjwarialaw8155]

The more detail the better, great videos, will surely watch them again when one day I will convert a van of my own.

[@smilerjon3670]

Great extra tips. Thank you :)

[@dexstewart2450]

Excellent advice

[@petecoventry6858]

Finally the man has a decent place to camp in ;) One of those heaters saved my balls last winter in my campervan.

[@chrismorgan2855]

Your style of presentation is brilliant, whether demonstrating wild camping videos or these van conversion episodes. Your wife us a lucky lady if you are this calm in dealing with all aspects of life. Your example helps me to tackle the minefield of everyday living and has inspired me to get out there and appreciate the wonders of nature. Thank you.

[@Brad-vs1lk]

Regarding the clicking fuel solenoid: That solenoid is so light all you need do is suspend it in mid air by hanging it from the electrical wires. Just clip the wires to the underside of a wood support and let it hang!! Coil the fuel line up and suspend it too if you can!! Tape it all together even!! Why have the pump secured to anything? That’s just asking for noise!! Just build an insulated box around it to deaden the noise!! Excellent Excellent video by the way!! You are puttin out great info!!

[@smilerjon3670]

Another good tip. Thanks :)

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Maybe fit it inside a plastic sandwich box....screw that to the wall.....fill with foam rubber..(heat resistant) ....fit lid....should be almost silent.

[@366craigsmith]

The most informative camper-van heater video I've seen - Thanks Paul

[@timhewitt1976]

the electrical wire/tape combo to get that connector on is genius!! i would have been there for ages trying to joggle it around to fit

[@bigtomsvan4817]

Best diesel heater install I be seen yet. Very professional. Thank you.

[@daveygal1]

Thank you for your great video, I much prefer long winded as you say because it’s simply much much better when you understand everything 👍

[@zealon3988]

When I was installing mine, I was looking for a detailed video just like this. I'm sure many people will appreciate the detail. Enjoying the uploads keep up the great content :)

[@sg7392]

There is a lot of good brains watching this van build with some excellent tips for anyone about to do their own. All good to see.Cheers Steve.

[@smilerjon3670]

A very well detailed tutorial. You are up in the top KZbinrs on van builds for that alone. It’s what people like myself are after, detail and very well explained subjects. So thank you for all the effort you put in for us all. It’s very much appreciated :)

[@milcotto4153]

Paul couldn't find an instructional video about how to instal a chinese diesel heater, so he just made one himself. And you can't make a better instructional video about installing a chinese diesel heater than this, in my opinion. Awesome job, Paul. You remember to explain all the little details, and your camera work is brilliant. I was thinking that that little o-ring or rubber washer at the bottom of the diesel fuel tank couldn't possibly stop if from leaking. I have a few of those three litres mason jar drink dispensers with wire handles (got them cheap). I took a 10 litres plastic rectangular see-through bucket with a lid on and hung it on the wall for gravity fed running water. I attached a spigot from one of the mason jar water dispensers to the bottom of it in the front, and voila - running water. And it doesn't leak. The design for keeping it tight is much better than on that fuel tank. And this is for water. They need to fix that design. People can't be driving around with leaking fuel tanks inside their vans.

[@PaulMessner]

That’s why I upgraded to the stand pipe tank. There’s no hole at the bottom for any leaks. The o rings are very fragile.

[@milcotto4153]

@@PaulMessner - Exactly. Everyone who owns one of these should do the same thing.

[@waynekeylock]

I have seen a video a while back about the noisy fuel pump and this guy suspends it with zip ties so its not touching any surfaces and the noise nearly Disappeared, very well put together video Paul👍

[@sayton131985]

Just followed this to install my heater, very useful guide. Thank you

[@keepitreal4387]

This is the best video out there and thanks a mill for taking the time to make it great install.

[@lenward474]

So manytips! The best one I've seen is hang pump through the included rubber bracket with tye wraps or similar . Seems the best return on noise abatement.

[@allrightsreserved3237]

I was worried about how I’m going to get that little piece into the tank… BRILLIANT!!!!

[@MargaretKeene-q1w]

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou Paul!! I've spent hours and hours searching for a video to clearly explain how to install my Chinese diesel heater and nobody explains the whole process as well as you do!! I now know that I need to buy a turrat plate and some of that black rubber sheathing for the fuel pipe. My heater didn't come with that. I can't tell you how much better I feel about tackling this job now! You're a complete gem!

[@adrianm.8126]

Great tutorial, mate! Really well made, I've seen plenty videos and yours is the best! I'm living full time in my small transit van and I think now's the time to do this job before the cold nights turn my life into ice age survival experience ;-)

[@Roblovesbushcraft]

Evening Paul, I'd have to say this is the best diesel heater instalation vid on KZbin. I have just replaced the existing one in my van and your video answered a lot of questions for me, especially the hard fuel line connection. Beautifully explained.

[@CheatedDeathFabrication]

You mentioned this video may have been long and I’m glad it was and you explained everything others didn’t. Great video brother, thank you! 🤘🏼

[@samanthasimpson4746]

I really appreciate the level of details you put in the video, 100% did not mind the length of the video, all important information! Many of the install videos very much skip multiple steps either of cutting the hole in the van or the electrical bits…big components of install.

[@Martyn-rn7ec]

I tip my cap to Paul, vantastic video(sorry for the pun). Your starting to make it look easy. It must be very rewarding knowing you did it yourself. 👍

[@jonkirkham7961]

Probably the clearest most comprehensive install video I've seen and I've seen a lot lol

[@lukeedwards6968]

Hi Paul, Thanks for the video! After been told £450 for this be installed I watched your video to see how easy it is and I’m really glad I watched it! Thanks for making it really easy from start to finish I’ve saved myself £350!

[@ohheytherelaura]

Really love the in-depth videos! Your meticulous work is super engaging and calming!

[@nickpritch3152]

Nice installation ... There's loads out there who over complicates the install even the guys and girls who worry about DIY fitting should be able to follow that . GOOD WORK 👍

[@boken3408]

Videos not wordy at all. Straight to the point. Awesome stuff!

[@19pointbuck]

Very good install video Paul. One thing I would do different is move the fuel pump as close to the tank as possible. These pumps and same as any pump will push fluid better than sucking. Less wear on pump when priming. The diesel lubricants the pump.

[@leighstewart5971]

Hi paul im a parcel courier and recently bought a new van leaving my 65plate pug boxer sitting doing nothing. So decided to convert it and copying you so please dont screw it up lol keep up the good work and no pressure pal

[@KyGoupil]

This is the best diesel heater install video I've seen, thank you!

[@luukashietanen3833]

Hello everyone! First of all thank you for an awesome and detailed tutorial Paul. This helped a lot on my installation. I wanted to leave a comment about priming the pump; don't OVER-PRIME it on the initial start up! I did over-prime mine to the point where diesel was dripping out from the exhaust and intake pipe also. I tried to burn out the excess fuel on the first and second go, but there was so much white smoke coming out I didn't feel it was safe anymore. I eventually had to take out and dry the heater of the excess diesel and install it again from the beginning. After installing it again and doing a start up without priming again, it worked wonders and without white smoke from the exhaust. I think the sweet spot for the initial priming is to get fuel just to the pump (my pump is about 30 cm from the heater) and maybe few drops out of the pump. Hope no-one else makes the mistake I did! Cheers -Luukas

[@jixipix2326]

Simply the best installation video I have seen for one of these heaters! well done!

[@nikolaucznaum4312]

Sir! One of the best instructional demonstrations on youtube.

[@LeakyD]

Paul just a tip. Move the exhaust to the back of the van and fresh air to the front, avoids pulling any of the exhaust gases back in 👍

[@jenyates3033]

Only relevant if running it with engine running. Not much need for that.

[@LeakyD]

What about the exhaust gases from the heater? That is what I was referring too 👍

[@daz.j]

@@LeakyD i may be wrong but the air intake is for the burn chamber i think the air in the van passes through a different intake inside the van

[@WildCamper]

@@daz.j correct

[@SuperJ8son]

And use red diesel I do loads cheaper.

[@dannyg7016]

Fantastic video, followed it step by step. Heater working exactly as it should. Saved me a lot of time. Thanks

[@paulg5501]

good video looks simple enough to fit and allot cheaper to . i would of gone for the connection to the van fuel tank , nothing worse than the smell of diesel spilt inside. you new tank does look a better quality one, hope you get no problems , cheers .

[@douglafferty7688]

Tell you what Paul, I've learned so much from your campervan conversion its unbelievable. Looking forward to your next episode. Brilliant video!!

[@jeffreyruth7881]

Amazing video. Very straight forward. Not long winded.

[@terryclarke7101]

Your doing a cracking job Paul loving these videos ,ps must keep Jo warm.

[@christabezooyen9968]

Thank you Paul. This is by far the most helpful video I have seen on how to install a diesel heater.

[@Sprucegrove123]

Excellent video and instructions, the manufacture's inspections were vague you made it clear

[@BBox99]

Excellent detailing of this installation now I'll save it for when I install my heater I'll watch it again to refresh my memory. Thanks a lot bro.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😎

[@LionessHiker]

Thank you so much! I have heard of the wabaso heaters but no one (until now) made a video with detailed enough instructions that I felt confident I could do this as well. Well done Paul! I appreciate you taking the time to show this properly. I also appreciate some of the suggestions your community has made. Thanks Paul and everyone!

[@najahweir9825]

That was thorough. Exactly how I wanted my information. Straightforward and thorough on each step. Thank you! Happy camping!

[@lazylad2336]

Brilliant work there pal👍👍. Glad it's ok. You made it look easy. Agree about the intake and exhaust in opposite direction.

[@goonluv]

best vid on youtube by far of instalation chinese diesil heater

[@sarahfreeman3268]

Hi Paul I've just found your Chanel and I think in all the diesel heater fitting I've been watching yours has to be the best I've seen . Your explanation of installation is great and by watching it I think I coined do this myself now .

[@gilljo1]

good job. Them diesel heaters are awesome. Thanks and stay safe.

[@chaplaincullerton1265]

I feel confident in my understanding of how to do this myself. Thank you!

[@theoldhobbit3640]

A really good instructional video and presented faultlessly. I too have watched others who have vlog'd their diesel heater fitting, but this is very clear and concise and I'm positive it will stop others making a few silly errors. Thank you for sharing..........

[@mustang774]

Very interesting and detailed video. You are making great progress on the build........Take care, Bluefin.

[@VictorTasTimpieces]

Thanks Paul for a detailed easy to follow presentation! I like your calm manner MATE and feel confident to install my own heater now! FYI, I follow you from all the way down under...Tasmania, Australia.

[@andyh6017]

Simply outstanding Paul. Brilliant.

[@chillonfunsmart4929]

I'm about to embark on this project, thank you for the thorough walk through. It doesn't feel as intimidating now.

[@homer1033]

Brilliant in depth video of the install of the diesel heater fair play, doing a van build at the moment and its going to be very very helpful when mine arrives thank you.

[@danniedamour4397]

Definitely the best step by step video showing parts and every step . Thanks 💕

[@dr.freddyb.wilson4541]

Thanks so much!! I've been looking all over to see how to tap that valve into the tank! Now I feel much more confident in doing this project! Good job!

[@moandjen]

Finally a step by step video I understand!! Thank you sir!!

[@jordanschofield1837]

Love your videos. Started watching your videos around the first lock down last year. Been walking 5 miles everyday thanks to your inspiration. I'm now going to walk Snowdon on 2nd May! Thanks for your content

[@aukett16]

Bideo was spot on and exactly what i needed. Ill be doing this some point next week, but i will be going into my fuel tank

[@marionsutcliffe1119]

Thanks ..very clear and helpful. I can do this! My instructions do say to place the pump below the heater.

[@richardsunday1612]

Mate!! Great tutorial, while I’ve been overthinking buying for several weeks, this makes me feel more confident setting it up (for use at home) and I might get a self-contained set-up too - thanks so much Paul

[@mickspain330]

Great video Paul, i have seen the pump suspended in mid air so it doesn't vibrate 👍

[@awheeleygoodlife9720]

Just installed ours yesterday thanks to your great video!! You're a hero, thanks Paul Mesner!!

[@markosbroughton5573]

It's really taking shape now Paul it won't be long until we see some out out footage

[@darrenknight4787]

well thanks to this video i have followed every step you have done and now enjoying my lovley warm van i had to find out how to prime my desial pump as i didnt know they have updated the display so priming is a diffrent process but thank you sir i couldnt have done this without your guidence

[@ackosadventures2486]

You’ll have to do something with that fuel pump that clicking would drive me crazy but the vans coming on a treat really enjoying the transformation 👍👍

[@stevensteggles7560]

One of the best instructional videos I’ve seen!! Very useful

[@adyadams5752]

Great video really helpful it saved me money as I was going to buy a branded heater but after watching this a Chinese heater is the way forward

[@petecoventry6858]

20:30 it's warming the glow plug which it does when you start/stop 21:00 that's the heat bar not power.21:20 that's because when it hits temp it cycles down to maintain it

[@Happyliving_]

The best video on this subject! Thank you so much for this, learned something for life I appreciate you!

[@infledermaus]

I am just beginning to look at building out a van, something I've never done before although I've done remodeling in my house and have always worked on my cars. Your instructions are superb. 👏👏👏 Thank you for sharing your new heater installation with us!

[@Agudmunsen]

Great video Paul, I’ve been watching this series from the playlist and thought you’d finished and not uploaded anymore! (This video and all the ones after it aren’t on the playlist, just so you know!)

[@jackdean3599]

Great appreciate the detail as the instructions on these heaters are so vague 👍🏼

[@RvWorldTraveller]

Soon I'll be installing one of these in my school bus conversion. I have a 35 000 BTU furnace that works great in winter but i need something less drastic for the spring and fall. I'll be showing that video on my channel as well.

[@romanmondryk5985]

Superb comprehensive video, the best I've seen amongst 100s 👏 I didnt want it to end 😂 Explains so much about how these heaters work. Have one on my campervan...currently with E.08 fault which shuts it down after 10 mins - hopefully it'll be an airlock in a pipe. Almost brand new so dont think its a coked up chamber 👍

[@mickyjb2003]

Great job, well done, it is a little noisy but I think you will fix that.

[@WadeWilliamson]

Love the longer videos! Really enjoying this van build

[@karlbigmore7949]

Thanks for your help and advice made my install easy the instructions are usless watched about 30 times good clear video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@michaelbrown3731]

We don’t own a van, and we’ve sold our RV (caravan to you British folks.) But, I always enjoy your videos.

[@johnhillman4705]

Brilliantly shown and explained, to the point that I am gunna give it a go

[@brixham20]

Love all your videos Paul. Calm, knowledgeable and educational. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@philipwalton4877]

My Sunday night has just got a lot better

[@smithywick]

That’s a great job Paul have to say everything you’ve done so far has been absolutely spot on mate 👌 your a very handy chappie there’s no doubt about it 👊🚚👊⛺️🙌👌

[@valerikorenevski]

Thanks for explaining how to get that tank outlet to install

[@louisestill1577]

paul you have saved my life!!!! pop off paul!!!

[@orbepa]

Great info on the silencer - allowing it to drain

[@marksadventures3889]

Not something I think I'll be doing, but I watched it because I know a lot of folk thinking of doing up vans to tour or live in, so I can pass on the video to them. Sharin' Time! I like the explained it in detail all the way through, champion.

[@dheard1014]

Hey Paul! Thank you for the video. I was so nervous to set it up by myself but your video got me through!!!! Thank you so very much from Philadelphia, PA in the States!!!!

[@PaulMessner]

Glad it helped!

[@Chucky-b7v]

Great job Paul, we love our diesel heater in our van, wouldn’t be without one now. You both will love it.

[@delararesadv9140]

Smashing the build, well done! Can see its a pair effort!

[@123marlo]

Great job Paul really enjoyed watching this video and it certainly must help anyone else who is thinking about fitting one of these you made it look easy big thumbs up 👍

[@oshiforb6052]

You walked us through the set up great well done I can’t wait to see the completed version I feel just as excited watching you do this project as I was when I did mine nearly 40yrs ago mine wasn’t as good as yours but we had great times with it when the children were little as I’m sure you both will.👍

[@stevenmarahall5694]

Brilliant tutorial, gives me confidence to give it a go myself. Only thing I might struggle with is the electric part .

[@williamatchison6261]

Nice video, easy to follow. Im installing one over the next few days. Thankyou

[@mrbeefy9947]

Great job Paul .best video on installing a Diesel heater

[@johnhenderson2247]

Brilliant vid. Really enjoyed it and great to see you making progress

[@danieldalton9055]

Love your vids Paul! Keep it up!

[@jontaunton1911]

Thank you for sharing this video. It's very helpful and well produced too