TheSamba.com :: View topic - The official Chinese Diesel Heater thread (Webasto Knockoff)

Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:26 pm

dobryan wrote: ^^^. That was fun to watch. I seem to be able to upload multiple pics at one time. Selecting more than one each time. Other then that how can it be faster then hosting to some other site?

Great question! This is my profession :D

The Samba is powered by phpBB. PHP can support asynchronous actions (For example - After I uploaded the photos, I was able to come back to the tab without refreshing the page).

This would not be the best solution, but the easiest to implement.

Add a "Upload Photos" button on the post a reply page. When you hit the button, a popup modal appears (easy way would be using an iframe) that is the 'add a photo page'. Note the X in the top of that page (to show its a pop up and you can cancel it out) - but after submitting it auto closes the pop up. Then you can hit the "Insert Photo from my recent gallery" button - which is a really cool feature of this site.

Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:34 pm

There kind of is already. Hit the upload a photo to the gallery link below insert photos. It opens up another page, taking you right to photo uploads.

Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:41 pm

beach_creature wrote: There kind of is already. Hit the upload a photo to the gallery link below insert photos. It opens up another page, taking you right to photo uploads.

Wow. Can't believe I missed that! Shaving down my time. I guess I'll have to post more photos now 8)

I feel like its appropriate to post pics on topic....

I bought an Amazon 5k heater for $200 and an eBay 5k heater for $120. I took them apart to compare the differences. The fuel pump is different. The heaters were very identical. I took each apart and took pics as I went. I compared later on my phone and spotted a difference.

I returned the Amazon unit and my ebay unit works great.

Tue Nov 19, 2019 5:24 am

Since there are 25 pages to this thread I figured this might be the best place to come for advice.
I've got the 3 Lever heater control panel on my Syncro so the heater box version does not have the 4 roof side vents or the door panel vents functional as this heater box does not have the air passages cut into the top of the side to side front structural duct/beam that the heater box rests on. No airflow at all from the doors or up the B-Pillar to the roof vents. I don't have the roof vents installed as a 4 Lever Control panel does. However, I'm assuming the vent openings are there under the headliner.
The heater floor vents have that plastic duct the runs from the dash down between the front seats to the rear cabin. With no rear heater installed it still gets plenty of heat into the back into the rear.
So my thoughts going toward installing the Chinese or Eberspacher in the normal spare tire location inside the protective box and running the Outlet Air to the floor duct between the seats and sucking the Intake Air either through the roof top vents-down the B-Pillar-through the door plenum to the Eberspacher.
This would mean cutting a hole/holes in the side to side front duct and getting the hot air to flow through the plastic floor duct into the rear cabin.

My problem is thinking the roof top vent channel along the roof line to the B-Pillar is going to be too restrictive to allow enough airflow to feed the heater. I could just let it intake through the duct in the front door and bypass the roof vents, but I like the air circulation idea of using the roof vents.
As far as getting the hot air through the floor duct VW did this on some of the early diesels with the original Eberspacher so it van be done.
Now I've read the specs on the Eberspacher B4 and it flows 185 kg/h, but that's something I need to feel the flow to know if the sucking air to feed it will make it through the roof vent channels.

So what's the experienced people think about this idea?

Wed Nov 20, 2019 12:36 am

FYI, there are brand new Espar / Eberspacher B1L gas heaters on eBay for $499 shipped. Seller apparently has a bunch of them. Seems like a far better alternative if one has a gasoline powered vehicle. And you won't have to do something silly like put flammable fuel containers in the closet or other places inside. :wink:

Wed Nov 20, 2019 1:34 am

westyventures wrote: FYI, there are brand new Espar / Eberspacher B1L gas heaters on eBay for $499 shipped. Seller apparently has a bunch of them. Seems like a far better alternative if one has a gasoline powered vehicle. And you won't have to do something silly like put flammable fuel containers in the closet or other places inside. :wink:

Which Eberspacher is the "B1"? It is not listed on any of the popular websites as there being a "B1" model unless I missed it.
I think the ebay page is showing it listed as "B1l" and the last digit is not an "L" , but a seperator betweem words.
edit: if you look at the last picture of the 6 posted on the enay ad it is the parts list of the box and this is showing it as "B1L".
edit: found info on it. Airflow 100kg/h, 1800w output. Apparently it is Espars 1st vehicle air heater from 1975.
http://www.club80-90.co.uk/pages/downloads/tech/eberB1LD1L.pdf

Too old tech for me!

Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:17 am

westyventures wrote: FYI, there are brand new Espar / Eberspacher B1L gas heaters on eBay for $499 shipped. Seller apparently has a bunch of them. Seems like a far better alternative if one has a gasoline powered vehicle. And you won't have to do something silly like put flammable fuel containers in the closet or other places inside. :wink:

Karl, Sorry to bother you but can you post a link to that? I am very interested in a gas heater and that price is awesome but I cannot find the listing.

Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:37 am

these are surplus units destined for John Deere Gator side by side atvs
John Deere Gas Fired Heater Kit BM23388 Am136952, Eberspacher B1l
(B=Benzine = GASOLINE)
1800watts = ~6,100 Btus (may not be enough BTUs for some people's comfort levels in some camping conditions.) and it might be plenty for some.. it's not for me in my travel scenarios. IMO the B1 unit is great for it's intended small car volumes. would put one in a beetle in an instant.
$500/shipped
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eberspacher-B1l-Gas-Fired-Heater-Kit-BM23388/254171757615

edit: added this link to the install manual
https://www.butlertechnik.com/downloads/Eberspacher_D1L_B1L_Workshop_Installation_Manual.pdf
the D1 manual is more clear and essentially the same install guides
https://www.butlertechnik.com/downloads/Eberspacher_D1L_installation_manual.pdf

Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:46 am

^^^^ Thanks. How do I find out if they compensate for altitude?

Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:48 am

maybe talk to these people.

https://www.heatso.com/eberspacher-b1l-gasoline/

there's support for Eberspachers out there.

looks like Butler technik has them https://www.butlertechnik.com/b1l-t235
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eberspacher-ESPAR-Airtron...3035366552

https://www.google.com/search?q=Eberspacher+B1l&am...p;ie=UTF-8

Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:54 am

there's also Espar B4 units $~1200
https://www.ebay.com/itm/123506664078

but they have a range from 4500~13000 BTUs

Quote: The characteristics of Airtronic B4
Voltage V 12 V
Heating Level Power High Medium Low
Heating Capacity W 3800 3200 2100 1300
Heating Capacity BTU 12974 10926 7170 4438
Air Throughput m3h 185 160 120 85
Power Requirements W 40 24 15 9
Fuel Consumption lhr 0.51 0.38 0.25 0.13
Dimension (L x W x H) mm 376 х 140 х 150
Weight kg 4,5

Wed Nov 20, 2019 10:18 am

danfromsyr wrote: maybe talk to these people.

https://www.heatso.com/eberspacher-b1l-gasoline/

Good advice. I just dropped them a contact note regarding altitude compensation or kit.

Wed Nov 20, 2019 10:19 am

danfromsyr wrote:

looks like Butler technik has them https://www.butlertechnik.com/b1l-t235
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eberspacher-ESPAR-Airtron...3035366552

https://www.google.com/search?q=Eberspacher+B1l&am...p;ie=UTF-8

Unfortunately the fine print shows for use in the D series (diesel) only.

Wed Nov 20, 2019 10:23 am

The ones in the eBay listing are B1LC, gas version of the D1LC I used in my first diesel van in the late 90's to early 2000's. NOT 'old tech' in any way, and still a far cry better quality materials than the current Chinese units. I'm not sure how much the gas version is affected by altitude but the same altitude pump used on the diesel version should be compatible.

But at the same time you can buy the newest version Webasto Airtop gas for just over $600 shipped. That makes a lot more sense, if you are running gas and prefer not to use propane.

Re: a B1LC not being enough to heat? Insulation is key. Why waste heat? My last Westy build was super insulated with Enguard over QuietCoat sound deadener, even at subzero (F) temps the diesel furnace would only run on low or second stage, would only go to high if the sliding door were left open.

Wed Nov 20, 2019 10:25 am

here's a install thread on the Espar B1l into a Syncro with a altitude kit.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=619095&start=0

though you lose ~%9 heat/btu per 1000ft.. I wouldn't think that the small B1l would have enough heat threshold to keep me comfy at those loses.

a reason why when I went Propex green vs propex blue

we travel as a 'family unit' of older individuals. not a soloist or adventurist in my youth. I sleep in the top bunk irregardless of weather. and I don't have room for thermal padding/blankets for all of the exposed to exterior surfaces..
so we throw heat at it like a poor house in the city. I'll make sure there's enough fuel(s) to be comfortable.
in fact I'm planning to add a CDH in conjunction to my already installed propex 2800. not to run simultaneous but to have options when there's equipment issues.. we had a propane regulator issue on our last trip out west in the colder shoulder season.. and sure I can and did deal with the part.. I like belt & suspender options and just turn on heat option #2 or #3. being cold is for kids.

Wed Nov 20, 2019 10:38 am

Yep, I only need 2000W to heat. In my other bus the Propex HS2000 is plenty.

Getting confused on the different versions of gas/benzene Espar and Webasto out there. Does anyone have a supplier or rep that I can call to discuss my options? Sorry for the thread hijack....

Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:44 pm

Ebay seller of B1LC gas heaters responded:
"Manufactured in 2011. Have 10 of them would sell for 3500.00"
Sounds like a heck of a deal if a group of ten can pool their $$$.

Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:58 pm

What a deal on some B1s! Id be interested in the group buy for sure.

Let's take the B1 stuff to the
Heater Showdown

Also can a mod move this conversation above to the heater Showdown? Or give me database access and I'll update them rows!

Fri Nov 22, 2019 5:08 am

I bought one of those Gator B1LC units a few weeks back. I’ll post my findings when the install is complete. Note, according to Heatsource this unit will not work with a newer style digital controller. The controller harness is a bit short, so I plan to lengthen it . Since my kids don’t smoke, I will install the controller in the RH ashtray so it can be turned on while standing at the sliding door or from the bed on a cold morning. The yellow switched power wire will be run to one of the blank switch spots on the dash. I believe this will allow me to turn it on or off from the drivers seat , although the temp will not be adjustable.

Fri Nov 22, 2019 5:45 am

BTW, I would be interested in buying another B1LC for my bay window in the group buy.