Espar B4 Gas Auxiliary Heater Install for Syncro Weekender

[BCgee]

[vwwestyman]

I think if the outlet goes 90 degrees directly into the space, it isn't a problem. But if you use the 90 degree hood and then some piping to get the heat where you want, it can cause a problem.

If you want a 90 degree outlet, I have one from my Espar install. I used it, and then encountered the backpressure problem so I removed it and reworked my plumbing a bit.

At the time, I contacted an Espar dealer and was told that they are really only intended for use where the heat exits essentially immediately.

I would love to sell that part, rather than just toss it. I also have a little bit of extra piping I'd sell.
_________________
Dave Cook

President, Wild Westerner Club

1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing

[kguarnotta]

getting back to my heater - as winter approaches.

I got it in and running last year. I ended up taping the controller to the dash - right near the syncro knobs. It is a temp solution - comign on winter 2 - so I figure time to route wires nicely and clean up duct work.

I only put the 90 flex pipe just poking out the hole under the seat. I see that 90 degree outlet BCGEE installed. That looks nice - I was about to order one - and heatso was recommending against it - saying it can create too much backpressure. I thought it would be a real nice install...

Any thoughts or notes on your experience with that 90 degree outlet?
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-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

2001 Eurovan
'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[dobryan]

[vanis13]

[MarkWard]

[dobryan]

The exhaust pipe they supply is stainless steel. Not going to be rust free but pretty resistant. The condensation will not occur once the exhaust pipe is heated up. It occurs at the initial stages when the exhaust pipe is cold. So if you run the heater for a while until the pipe is nice and warm/hot you should have no residual condensation in the pipe when you shut it off. I would not sweat it too much.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2010 Subaru EJ25 (Vanaru) and Peloquin TBD

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[imstrider]

Thanks for chiming in Re: Slope

I just found this:

"Lay the combustion air system sloping slightly downwards. If necessary, make a drain hole of approx. 05mm at the lowest point to drain of condensation."

I'm guessing rust is the main issue to avoid. I cannot imagine enough condensation forming that would freeze and block or crack the exhaust pipe. It seems that with each cycle, the hot exhaust would evaporate the condensation and blow it out the pipe. The small amount collected would only be from the last cycle of the heater. But, maybe I've got this wrong.

I'm not thrilled with the idea of drilling a drain hole which would kick out exhaust directly under the vehicle.

Of course, a bit of water in the exhaust for the entire summer could cause some issues with the exhaust pipe.

[syncroserge]

[kguarnotta]

I dont know for sure, but i would think if exhaust pipe is not sloped properly - condensation will not drain out of pipe. Could fill and potentially freeze, or rust out pipe?

Hey vanis13 - how did you attach the coroplast to the controller? Hot glue? Nice idea, I'm going to take a look at my situation, and see if that would work. I don't have the cabinets like yours or any westy - it is a weekender type of set up (at least I think that is what it is).
_________________
-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

2001 Eurovan
'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[MarkWard]

I don’t think performance would be affected. They are probably concerned about moisture collecting in the low spot. My muffler has centered inlets and outlets. It’s mounted on its side, so that in itself is a low spot that hasn’t been a problem. The exhaust outlet is slightly down and slightly pointed rear wards.

[dobryan]

[imstrider]

[vanis13]

Like the coroplast insulation layer!

TELL US ABOT THE WINDOW NETTING!?

[MarkWard]

My thermostat was located in the spice rack so that I could reach it from the upper bunk as well as the driver's seat.

Exhaust and muffler are on the l/r out rigger exiting at the jack point.

No measurements, but the cutout worked out perfectly for mounting the Espar. Spent a week before I actually cut the hole.

The syncro fuel return is through the fuel gauge sender plate. Inside the tank should be a hose that runs down to the "cup" over the outlet. The problem is the rubber hose disintegrates over time. The only way to replace it is to remove the sender and that's a lot of work if the sender is dry and the gauge works. It's likely ok for the return to not have the intank hose, but it is nice to have it not spraying and aerating the fuel.

[dobryan]

[kguarnotta]

here are the dims for the T-fitting I got (the kit came with 2 of them)

Not sure exactly how to measure a barb fitting -

ID on large tubes - 5.4mm (3/16"?)
ID on small tube - 2.46mm (1/16"?)

OD on larger tube - biggest barb - 9.9mm
OD on smaller tube - largest barb - 4.93mm (3/16"?)

I see the fuel line coming out of the bottom of the tank - and going to the fuel pump. I've got a subaru 2.2 engine in there. I am not sure where the return line is - I'll try to figure that out.

I would think an issue with tapping into the return line - I'd only get fuel to my heater when the engine is running, right? As opposed to always getting fuel (as long as tank has some gas in it)
_________________
-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

2001 Eurovan
'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[djkeev]

Don't fret over finding 12mm fuel line.

Here is the ID of a used piece off of my tank (2wd but 12mm nipple)

And a new 1/2” fuel hose, granted, new isn't round but this is pretty much the average inner measurement. New hoses are smaller than what they say on the hose.

Dave
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[dobryan]

[kguarnotta]

I've got mine pretty much installed - except for the fuel line. I just have the wires taped in place with some gaffers tape - as a temp solution for the winter. I've not decided where I want to mount the controller yet - so that is another reason for the temp wiring.

A question about the fuel line connection. I was going to just use the barbed t-fitting that came with the install kit - is that ok? Did you use a check valve or anything like that?
_________________
-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

2001 Eurovan
'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper