[Vwdiesel] espar vs webasto coolant heater?

[Area31 Research Facility]

Sandy,

I was in the Princess Auto store in Barrie when the sale had just started on
those and had a look at them.  I couldn't think of a need since I have 10
kW, 3-phase backup diesel power on my estate now thanx to a DIY plant using
a 1.5 L 1980 Rabbit engine, and have since repaired the 3kW B&S 3600 RPM
noisemaker that siezed solid when it ran itself out of oil just before I
needed it during an ice storm outage a couple of winters ago.  That B&S
could be hauled to the back 23 for running power tools but would never be an
item to consider taking in the trunk of the car.  Your idea to be able to
get a VW diesel started and more, as part of an emergency kit is a good one.
These cute little gensets would not take much room in the huge trunk my 1995
Jetta has.

The huge pile on the sales floor is all gone and I really didn't have the
spare coin anyhow. :(

I'm waiting for Princess to start offering the Changfa single cylinder water
cooled diesel engines.  I've been trying to convince them to carry them
instead of those foolish gasoline engines.  I would NEVER spend serious coin
on anything that burns gasoline any more.

Attention All,

BTW, sales opportunity for someone.  I am actively looking for a big Changfa
like a 195, 1110 or 1115 diesel engine, or a 6/1 Listeroid (or a vintage and
restorable real Mcoy) at a good price in Ontario RIGHT NOW!

Rob

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sandy Cameron" <scameron at compmore.net>
To: "Will Taygan" <william at taygan.com>; <vwdiesel at audifans.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 2:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] espar vs webasto coolant heater?


> At 03:53 PM 03/07/2006 -0800, you wrote:
> >The 1994 1.6TD FrankenJetta needs to be able to start in -20F after
> >sitting for 14 hours.
> >
> >I'm considering the webasto blueheat ($1695 installed) or an espar
> >hydronic 4 ($1232 kit) system.
>
> Here in eastern Ontario, the global warming (?) has resulted in tolerable
> winters, with only a few days a year around zero F.  A few weeks ago, a
> local FLAPS (Princess auto) had a cute little 800 Watt genny, 2 stroke,
(can
> you say easy cold weather start?) , pick up with one hand, made in China,
> that takes up little room in the trunk.
> $138 CD.
>
> In case of 40 below, (yes, it has happened here) I have "warmed"
snowmobile
> engines with a propane torch for an easier start, so should work for the
> genny too, in the event of -40 temps.
>
> My solution to starting goldie at the powerless snowmobile camp this
winter.
>
> Half an hour with the 350 watt block heater gets me a summer start, (and
it
> has an 8 amp 12 volt output too, for "freshening" the battery
>
>
> Any 1000w genny will blast your block heater, battery warmer, and boost
> charger, for less fuss, muss, and bother than a plumbed-in fuel burner.
And
> you can make toast, light the camp, and maybe pump water with it too.
>
> Don't have to carry it around in the summer either.
>
> I do have one of those cute little diesel burning coolant heaters used on
> big trucks, (Wintermiser), but never got around to the necessary plumbing
> and control arrangements it required. Also looks like I would have to
mount
> it on the front bumper or in the trunk, as it is just a tad big to go
under
> the hood (takes a little more room than a good size battery)
>
> I might make it into a "hot water boiler" (using antifreeze) to heat the
> cabin at night when the fire goes out.
>
> Trouble is all those 12 volt motors loading the solar power, minimised by
> the lack of winter sun. It has one for the burner, and another for the
> circulating pump.
>
> On the other hand, the small espar is compact, and well received by the
> yachting classes, and if you are near the ocean, you will be able to find
a
> dealer nearby.
>
> Fooey, the little genny, (5 hours run time) is a simple, elegant solution.
>
> Sandy
>
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