heated stock tank? - Diesel Forum

jdr01 · 12-14-2005, 12:51 PM

Has anyone tried to warm the fuel in the stock tank? If so what did you do. I run B-100 until it gets too cold and then I blend with diesel. Temp. here was 9 degrees yesterday morning and fuel started to cause some problems. I will install the heated Dahl but would like to be able to warm the fuel in the tank if possible. I was thinking about something like this: http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...6&src=SRQB
Thanks

dssamp · 12-14-2005, 11:31 PM

Looks like a workable idea but...
How long are your batteries gonna last keeping this thing at 60+ degrees?
Also not sure of the legal issues concerning a setup like this. I understand the flash point of diesel...however I'm not sure anybody's insurance company would cover a vehicle (or the other guy)if they found out this was attached.

ToddT · 12-15-2005, 08:02 AM

Actually, with regards to insurance, this is probably less intrusive than most systems. We mess up any tank safety certifications when we cut a hole to insert a coolant heat exchanger.

The idea is to get your temperature high enough to flow. If you start with this external 'warming' pad, add the Dahl, plus a plate exchanger, some more hose/in/hose or hose/on/hose.... you may be able to get enough heat. It is experimental from what most are doing now but who knows?

I'd suggest getting the heat up quite a bit before trying to run it through the Dahl. Thick grease would likely mess up the design of the fuel flow through this type filter, even more than others. Also, consider adding a low pressure boost pump of some sort. The stock pump won't last long trying to draw such a thick oil. However, I think the Dahl must be on the suction side.

What if you go to a heated filter that can handle a low pressure feed? There may also be other external heaters though this is the first time I've seen this Camperworld unit mentioned. Creative.

Todd

jdr01 · 12-16-2005, 10:20 AM

My thought is to wire it in with the block heater. Heat with 12 volt after startup at the tank. Install the heated Dahl before the pump.
I only need to get it warm, not hot, because of the blend of BioD with kero. It was 4 degrees the other morning and the truck complained but did get me to work. Just looking to take the edge off the cold fuel without any major tank mods.
Has anyone figured a way to heat our tanks with coolant from the engine? I thought that would get too hot for a plastic tank.

Charlie_M · 12-16-2005, 03:23 PM

I believe Greasel's excursion kit involves heating the stock tank and adding their custom aluminum tank midship. I'm not 100% sure but I think they essentially drop a coolant based heat exchanger into the tank. They seem to consider their excursion conversion to really be the cat's nuts... and AFAIK it probably is a good conversion. Only thing is that last I checked they insist on doing the install. You might give them a call though and see if they'll give you something custom to suit your needs (i.e., just a tank heater, either they install or you install). Really though, the solution you found there looks to me like it'll cover your needs. Just tossing out another possible option in case you want to check it out.

Good Luck!

Charlie

tduncklee · 12-16-2005, 03:50 PM

I used a couple aircraft bulkhead type fittings, flared some 5/8 flexible aluminum tubing and routed coolant through it. My tank is steel though. For your plastic tank I’d heat a spot with a heat gun, check temp with a point and shoot temp gauge, and see how flexible the tank is at 190deg before doing it with coolant.

biobenz · 12-18-2005, 01:52 PM

You might want to look at the feedback comments on those 12V/110V pads before running out and buying one.

jdr01 · 01-01-2006, 02:10 PM

I have looked at Greasel and some others.. I think I will make my own from stainless tubing ordered from here http://www.mcmaster.com/.
I don't want fittings inside my tank to leak or copper for noncompatibility. I have to make the coil, have both ends stick out the top through a plate than can be screwed and sealed on the tank.
I will probably put and inline coolant heater in the connecting hose.
All I have to do now is find the time.

350 long rod · 01-02-2006, 01:52 AM

heres a premade one that are not too bad of a price.You could also put a control valve on the feed line to stop water flow when not needing heat to tank.

Heat exchanger