Custom Garage Mini Furnace Using a Vevor Diesel Heater

[@FixItScotty]

Check out my follow-up video linked in the description above.

[@4WillyD]

Plan installing one of these in a conversion van. This was a very helpful video in understanding what it will take to install. Thanks for taking the time to make this high quality video.

[@lloydmacdonald4492]

Fuel line should have been far from the exhaust as possible. The exhaust is set up like p-trap and will tend to hold condensate. (Raise your unit and have all the exhaust going down hill), I would also recommend running off a battery with a trickle charger. So in a power outage you can still have the proper cool down. You can put solf foam around the pump to dull the pump sound. The pump should be mounted at the recommended angle. The (opitional) power switch should be located where you don't have to reach over the unit in an emergency if you decide to keep the 110v. I would have mounted the fuel filter vertically under the tank and double check the flow direction. I would have mounted a fuel shutoff valve immediately below the tank. I would have mounted the fuel outlet in a straighter path of the fill lid and avoiding the mounting screw pockets. I would have mounted the fuel tank at the same height +/- but off to the air intake side and not above the heater. I would have drawn combustion air from outside rather the consuming heated air. P.S. the colder air also expands the air volume of the flame making it way more efficient and have cleaner exhaust. Other then that the file cabinet was a good idea.

[@FixItScotty]

Thanks for the great notes, I plan to do some rework based on comments to improve the longevity and efficiency of the furnace.

[@bkee62]

Why didn't you make your own video instead of writing an article about what the Creator did wrong

[@lloydmacdonald4492]

@bkee62 just trying to help. The creator appreciated my review. I have a lot of experience with this and have learned a few things. It is easier to get a helping hand sometimed.

[@kayefields1664]

​@@lloydmacdonald4492 we appreciate the feedback but I agree it sounds like with your knowledge that we need you to make us a video😊

[@TomBryan]

I like the idea of putting it in an enclosure for safety. I think i'll do the same thing when I install one in my garage.

[@braapyolefart4865]

Innovative and clever👍 I’ve bought 2 of them and I’m using them to heat my small home. Saves me a ton of money not using electric heat

[@nlo114]

I concur with all the construction points raised below. Drill another hole in the siding and take your combustion air from outside. If the thing is not set-up properly, it may soot-up, causing incomplete combustion products to reverse flow out of the inlet. Purchase a Carbon monoxide detector for improved safety, run the pump vertical. Kerosene burns cleaner. Stay safe!

[@shawnmayo6690]

I like the J Mount Grinder set up!! Nice work scotty

[@FixItScotty]

Thanks! You like that bench grinder mount? I made it from an old satellite dish mount. Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZCZYYOMa72Eqsk

[@johnshockley7921]

This is one of the cleanest installations I've seen. The only things I would change is a battery with a trickle charger instead of an inverter in the event of a power outage and lowering your exhaust to eliminate the loop. The condensation will accumulate in there and you've created sort of a p trap. Realize your concern regarding snow accumulation, but with the heat coming out of the exhaust it shouldn't be a problem. Not trying to be nit picky. You did an amazing install that will probably be just fine.

[@FixItScotty]

Great notes! I plan to rework the exhaust based on comments. Thanks!

[@Cybertruck1000]

I installed similar recently. I extended the exhaust inside running it through some box section filled with sand. The idea was to capture some of the heat from the pipe. Exhaust of course then gets vented outside. Most of these kits seem to come with inferior clips and green pipe which people tend to replace before install. The fuel tank I had is same as yours. If I was doing it again I would have a pick up pipe installed at the top of the tank, less likely to be a leak problem and you could have the intake picking up just above the bottom so that you weren't picking up rubbish that accumulates there. Good tip to use exhaust paste to make a seal. As someone else said, you have your fuel line with hot pipe either side of it. Thanks for the video, instructions are not great with these things so it's good to see other installs.

[@ElectroStrong]

Thank you for the video! I have a differing opinion - put the fuel tank below. If the pump fails open, if you have the fuel above, gravity will dump the fuel into the heater. The pumps are designed to last for quite some time and mitigating a fire hazard is always a good thing. Also note - you should consider adding a battery backup if some sorts so if it stops, it'll at least fail over to safely do cooling during shutdown

[@FixItScotty]

Thanks for the info! I will roll the dice on the tank height as it would be a difficult change now and it has been working well. I noted on my follow-up video that I may do the battery backup; I could even just throw a cheap computer UPS in between the outlet and the power supply. I just haven't gotten to it yet. Cheers!

[@StratOvation]

Very interesting setup, creative use of an old file cabinet. There are some issues that you will likely need to address in the near future however. These fuel pumps need to be installed more vertically, 30 to 90 degrees upright, because they create cavitation bubbles. the bubbles will collect in the horizontally mounted pump, since all the lubrication for the piston is provided by the diesel, the upper half of the piston will wear out quickly. Looks like the fuel filter is mounted backwards? the combustion exhaust should have a continually descending path, because water is a byproduct of combustion and the water from diesel combustion is acidic, so it will corrode through that low point, allowing exhaust gases to escape into your home. You can also realize an efficiency gain by routing the combustion intake outdoors, so you're not consuming the heated air from indoors to support combustion. The green PVC/ vinyl tubing is not well suited for this application, it will become brittle, crack and start leaking fuel. upgrading the fuel line to a 2 mm ID rigid nylon is probably the most common upgrade folks do to to these heaters from China. I would also suggest you take the switch out of the supply circuit to prevent an accidental shutdown. If you have any risk of a power outage, I would replace the power supply with a 12V battery on a trickle charger. Any loss of power to the unit will prevent the required cooling cycle from running, which will typically result in an overheated/melted ECU. Take a look at John McK 47 video library here on KZbin, he has a great reference library of diesel heater information kzbin.info/www/bejne/inipdXmQa9dkmqs . Best of luck with your unique installation!

[@pstreetgarage7304]

Great feedback on Scotty's video. So this could go in a camper ??? Plugged in to a cigarette lighter outlet ?

[@StratOvation]

@@pstreetgarage7304 Yes, they work great in campers when installed correctly. the lighter outlet will need to be capable of providing 9-15 amps, as Scotty mentioned in the video, due to the amperage required to power the glow plug on start up.

[@johnshockley7921]

You covered all the bases, my thoughts exactly.

[@FixItScotty]

Such good information in this comment. Thanks so much... I am already going to start working on these changes this week and will put out an addendum video. Thanks!

[@norm5785]

Awesome idea. Thank you for sharing. Some great suggestions. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia 😊

[@nkeel]

Nice install but for the space and money spent, you could get a good mobile home oil furnace and still run it off diesel and a simple 110v install. I installed one in my 20x40 garage and it heats great. Exhausted straight through the wall, no chimney. My FIL has one of these 12v diesel heaters in his garage and works well but takes some time to warm it up.

[@FixItScotty]

Very cool. If you have a suggested model or link to one of these units, drop it in a comment. Thanks for watching!

[@FrankGraffagnino]

neat stuff... looking forward to updates and what you have learned. we're all learning!

[@johnmerryman1825]

I DIY installed a mini split heat pump in my shop. More expensive than your setup but no worries about fuel, and provides AC and dehumidification in the summer.

[@FixItScotty]

I mini split would be nice. Since I live up north, I don't need AC so I decided on this cheap option for heat. Thanks for the comment!

[@NeverTakeNoCut-offs]

I have two heating my off grid cabin. They don’t put out much heat, so don’t be misled thinking you can heat your house with one (unless its extremely well insulated)

[@FixItScotty]

Agreed. I think I mentioned in the video that my only expectation is that this heater will help cut the chill out of the air in that area of my garage. To heat that space properly would involve a LOT more energy. Thanks for watching!

[@dougshedshop]

Thanks your set up is nice great job

[@huggmeister]

Ingenius!!! Nice video sir!!

[@MichaelAChang]

Have you had condensation accumulation in the "U" exhaust pipe bend? I've seen videos where the low point was filled with water from condensation rather than external water intrusion.

[@FixItScotty]

Before I started using this heavily, I made a follow-up video with several enhancements; one being the exhaust. Check out that video linked in the video description. Thanks for watching!

[@Mstred]

Nice build! Do you have any issues with the fuel pump not being on the recommended angle?

[@FixItScotty]

Multiple people have mentioned this. An easy change I intend to make immediately. Thanks!

[@rorymax8233]

I like the use of a 2 drawer filing cabinet, I might copy that. Combustion air intake should be mounted externally. I don't see any backup system to run the shutdown sequence should the ac\dc power supply fail or malfunction.

[@FixItScotty]

Good comment. I don't plan on a backup system as I don't plan on using this everyday and will just be careful to turn it off in the proper sequence. Thanks!

[@007tallguy]

Nice setup! 👍 As some commenters have said, the pump should be mounted at a 45deg angle. Others who have mentioned the exhaust, yes, it "should" run downhill to prevent condensation in the pipe. I don't think any of those commenters have ever used one of these heaters! That pipe, especially that section closest to the heater, gets HOT.... like in excess of 400 degrees...!!! What does water do at over 100 deg C (212 deg F)?? It evaporates! With a short exaust pipe like that, i don't think you'll have to worry about any moisture in there. 👍

[@FixItScotty]

Thanks! I did a follow up video where I fixed the pump angle and changed the exhaust. I agree that a little condensation would just steam out so it probably would've been fine the way I had it.

[@tonyshipman257]

Nice setup. It would be best to have a continuous downward slop the entire length of the exhaust, with no U shape in it. That is what I did with my CDH setup. This will prevent any condensation from ever collecting inside the exhaust. If the CDH ever starts to operate funny and might even seem like it is backfiring, remove the exhaust and see if there is any water in the bottom U shape section of your exhaust. (It so happens the other day I watched a video of another youtuber that had this happen with his setup.) All the best, Tony

[@FixItScotty]

A few other commenters have mentioned this too. I am redoing the exhaust tube this week as you suggest. Thanks for watching!

[@HubertusSchaper]

Happy New Year Scotty & your family, I hope you can keep it on a proper temp in your work spot. Greetings.Hubertus

[@FixItScotty]

Happy New Year to you as well, Hubertus. This should be a big year for both of us to get our vans running.

[@RIMHQ-YT]

I have w vevor 8kw in my workshop size slightly bigger than a double garage. 2 heaters transform my garage from 3+ to 18+ clcius within 40 minutes

[@FixItScotty]

My single heater will provide a 20 degree Fahrenheit temperature lift, but it takes a bit longer than 40 minutes. So far, I am pleased with it. Thanks for watching!

[@RIMHQ-YT]

@@FixItScotty buy another one. 2 is really a difference.

[@pete7894]

What i have learned so far on these and some suggestions. Tank does not matter above or below pump. The pump should be mounted on vertical surface at a approx. 45 degree angle to one side or other in proper direction. Recommend upgrading fuel line to nylon fuel line, green fails. That power supply your using is a converter/charger, so you can run the unit off a 12v battery and charge at same time in the event of a power outage. If you shut these down before cool down is complete you can destroy your heater, really must have battery backup or a automatic whole house generator for quick power recovery say in like two minutes. The heater goes into cool down as power is restored. As others have noted exhaust is a trap, must all flow down, exhaust installed like this lead to sooted heat exchanger over time and a real mess. These are simple but they do have some must does when installing.

[@FixItScotty]

I agree with your suggestions. I have a link to a follow-up video in the description where I addressed these issues. Thanks for watching!

[@CrisPonder]

I saw a guy talking about the exhaust and it stuck in my mind. He said a byproduct of that combustion is moisture or water that might collect in the flex pipe and restrict the airflow, causing soot in the heater I haven’t used a diesel heater and maybe I’m wrong but I think I’ll try to make the point where my exhaust vents out a little lower than the connection on the bottom so it can go downhill the whole route.

[@FixItScotty]

You are correct. Other commenters have noted this and I am in the process of redoing the exhaust.

[@pstreetgarage7304]

Great vidro Scotty and a very nice set up. Do you think this would be suitable for the bay windown bus. ???

[@FixItScotty]

Absolutely, they are made for 12 volt applications. I believe, back in the day, VW had a gasoline heater that worked similar to these as an option. I'm not sure the best design for mounting, but I'm sure there are videos on installing these in a camper van or RV. Also, the 8kw version would probably be overkill, but Vevor makes smaller versions of this unit. Happy New Year, P Street!

[@uncioclasprinlume]

The biggest mistake I noticed is the loop from the exhaust which will favor the collection of water from the condensate in the exhaust - this means it will malfunction over time

[@FixItScotty]

Other commenters noticed the same issue. I just finished raising the cabinet a few inches and ordered a new exhaust tube and clamps. I will be making a follow video to show the correction very soon. Thanks for the comment!

[@gchacon316]

Nicely done.

[@rickbraden4272]

I noticed you have your fuel pump horizontal. The manual shows it is supposed to be mounted 35-45 degrees from vertical.

[@FixItScotty]

Thanks! I am planning to make that change.

[@dougshedshop]

Take a look how built my enclosure but your set is kool

[@FixItScotty]

Your enclosure is very creative and comprehensive for an external setup. Nice job!

[@01ltlb7]

The odds of the fuel pump failing aren't worth having to fill the tank at shoulder height. They typically don't fail if they're burning clean diesel.

[@FixItScotty]

I will likely only refill the tank once a year, but that's good to know.

[@stevensorrels1753]

Also not cutting down your job it’s a cool idea but the exhaust being with the loop on the bottom will hold water ( condensation)

[@FixItScotty]

Critical comments are welcome. I plan to tweak the exhaust and will post a follow-up video on this. Thanks!

[@xmarksthespot5188]

A ceiling fan will help to distribute the heat evenly in your shop !

[@FixItScotty]

Yes, I mounted a large, oscillating fan high on that back wall. That helps move the heat around. Thanks for watching!

[@richardchayer6597]

Nice work

[@sntruck]

Exhaust pipe already has a burnt spot under the bottom of the box. Raise the box up higher.

[@FixItScotty]

Already done. I have a follow-up video coming out soon. Thanks for the comment!

[@stevesadnick204]

Question for everyone. Can the control panel be changed to fahrenheit ?????

[@FixItScotty]

Yes you can. While it is on, push the up arrow button for 3 seconds. That will toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

[@stevesadnick204]

@@FixItScotty Thank you

[@Skywatchersx]

I bought one. I think I’m just gonna drill a hole in the cap and push the fuel line down in the tank.

[@FixItScotty]

Yes, they also make fuel pickup tubes for these tanks as well. amzn.to/3tX5nbf

[@jrgreatwhite]

Can anyone say how much it burns in a day? say it's heating a shop 900 sq ft, insulation is pretty.

[@jrgreatwhite]

say it's -20

[@FixItScotty]

I can't say how much it burns in a 24 hour period because I only use it for a few hours at a time. My guess is that it can burn anywhere from a 1/2 gallon to over a gallon of fuel per day depending on how much temperature lift you are trying to get, how insulated your shop is, and the volume of air that's in it, etc. There are many variables that make it difficult to give an accurate answer.

[@whalesmiff5712]

I installed a Chinese Diesel heater in my 6x12 cargo trailer conversion... I spent all my effort making sure I properly exhausted the unit through my 1 inch insulated wall using a thru-hull stainless outlet as well as using high-temp RTV around my exhaust hose with high quality hose clamps, and thought everything was great.. I now know that I need to also properly setup a thru-hull port for the combustion intake (away from the exhaust). These devices are primitive.. don't trust that the exhaust flow will happen in one direction with 100% certainty... and don't expect your Home Depot CO detector to save you either.. I've smelled the funky smell, and let it go... and it made me pretty sick.. Don't ignore it... do it right. ...also, if you drop the diesel pump frequency, the exhaust-to-intake leak is even worse... Treat the combustion intake just as important as the exhaust itself.

[@FixItScotty]

Thanks, I am considering routing the intake to the outside as well.

[@spacebike420]

Can get more heat for less cost out of a Big buddy propane heater

[@FixItScotty]

That's true. I actually have a 'Little buddy' and used it a lot in my old garage. The two advantages of this diesel heater is that it blows the hot air to circulated it and it doesn't require ventilation like the propane heater.

[@spacebike420]

@FixItScotty they have a fan on the big buddy pro, there is an O2 safety shut off and the garage isn't sealed the best anyway. This way I don't have to drill a hole for exhaust. There's a bunch of ways to get more heat off the exhaust from the diesel heaters before dumping it but I'm not heating it all the time just a few hours here and there. So that's a lot of extra work for a diesel heater for me

[@FixItScotty]

@@spacebike420 Good to know the propane heaters are improved. And I agree, it is a bit of work to modify the exhaust to make these diesel heaters efficient.

[@spacebike420]

@@FixItScotty they still seem the best option on something mobile with diesel available though. I'll probably put on in the truck topper just for camping.

[@jamesclary7191]

It is better to have the tank below the heater that way if you have a fuel leak you won't die ☹️

[@jamesclary7191]

Do you trust your shop to a 25 cent rubber hose ?

[@FixItScotty]

No, see my follow up video. I upgraded the fuel line and exhaust.

[@RADMAN752]

Fuel pump mounted wrong

[@FixItScotty]

You are correct. I linked a follow-up video where I fixed this among other fixes and upgrades.

[@stevensorrels1753]

The pump is suppose to be at an angle. Something like 35% Happy Newyears

[@FixItScotty]

Thanks! I will definitely make that change.

[@skippercaship]

YOUR FUEL ILNE IS TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST PIPE THIS GETS REALLY HOT (FIRE HAZARD) !!!!!!

[@FixItScotty]

Thanks for the heads up. Based on comments, I do plan to modify the exhaust slightly and will move the fuel line around to the front to keep it away. Thanks!

[@sakabatanuki9744]

you don't need a fuel pump if fuel tank is above the heater.

[@FixItScotty]

It would be an interesting experiment to try it without the pump.

[@EviLzLiKeNeO]

How can you be so smart with everything else, but then totally F up the exhaust? It needs to be either always downwards or even and downwards. You went down, up and then back down... totally negating the entire point.

[@FixItScotty]

Yep, I fixed that. Follow-up video on its way. Thanks!

[@garyschultz253]

"CRAPPELY"

[@FixItScotty]

I'm pretty sure that's a word 😁

[@Cybertruck1000]

Amazing how some people set out to destroy your day for no good reason@@FixItScotty

[@PainterD54]

Car charger? Say no more. I see the problem.

[@FixItScotty]

Is this just some way of stating your opinion "EVs = BAD"?

[@PainterD54]

​@@FixItScotty I"m not going to start a big discussion about EVs. If you haven't done your research on one, before buying into that whole bull shit sandwich, I feel sorry for you.

[@FixItScotty]

@@PainterD54 Right... I am sure you have done your research. Look at the rest of my channel, I think I understand the advantages and disadvantages of electric vs ICE drivetrains.

[@PainterD54]

@@FixItScotty I live in Minnesota which is no place for an EV. Production of EV batteries costs are astronomical and a big joke.