Espar B4 gas heater install – Webasto Propex alternative

[crazyvwvanman]

The house GFI outlet has an entirely different purpose than the circuit breaker does. You need both, not just a GFI. The GFI does not protect against a circuit overload. Wires can overheat and catch fire from too much current but the GFI won't care. That is not its job.

Mark

[davevickery]

[motochadzi]

Hello, I'm very interested in doing a webasto gas furnace in my syncro. The propane tank was removed a few years ago, as it was rusty. I don't have the extra time to learn how to do the this type of project installation myself. How would you all suggest that I go about finding someone in Oregon who would do a good job on the project, at a reasonable cost? I'm in Portland, but could drop it off in other places. I often travel to Southern Oregon, and a few times a year I go to Bend.

The reason why I'd like to do a gas furnace rather than propane is that I like the idea of connecting to the gas tank, and not having to worry about an additional tank. I currently have my stove set up to run off of the small "green" propane tanks, which I've enjoyed, as it is small, and I can disconnect, and never worry about it.

How much would you estimate a project like to this cost? Also, there are places like "Camping World" and RV service places; would you think they would be a good place to do one of these projects, since they deal with RV's, and their heaters?

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

[HoustonPhotog]

I installed mine a couple of months ago.. Ran me about $1300 after I bought the necessities, fuel tee, webasto vents, ducting, p-clips, exhaust and intake muffler.
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Abel Longoria
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[HoustonPhotog]

[dobryan]

Abel, Can you post the links here for everyone's benefit?
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[HoustonPhotog]

[DeadSetMonkey]

[bosruten]

I've heard replacement parts are available for Espar but not Webasto...can anyone substantiate this claim? I'm tired of my Propex not working correctly in sub zero temps.
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'87 Syncro Weekender

[vanis13]

I was able to get parts for my Espar from either online vendors or at the local shop which services mostly semi-trucks. both experiences were good.
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83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace

www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make

[dyldebus]

@vanis13

I'm about to do my Espar install and I love this spot. Since I have 2 batteries on the passenger side of my bench my plan is to remove the original rear heater and give myself some room again.

How did you go about cleaning up the old hole overtop your vent? I've considered making a custom vent that's rectangular and simply cutting out a larger hole.

Thanks!

[raoul mitgong]

Dyldebus,
Right after I installed my Espar, my front heater core sprung a leak. Front cores are NLA (other options luckily) and it is a bear to remove the dash and everything else to replace that core. I am glad my stock rear heater was still back there. I had considered removing it during this install. If I had, I would have to pull over every time I wanted to adjust the heat at the rear control panel.

By the way, do you know a guy named Brett H. who also owns a Westy in your town?

-d
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim))

[dyldebus]

Thanks Raoul, maybe I can just wire up a second controller for the Espar up front. So far no systems have failed on my van, *knock on wood*. Do you have any problems running your Espar while driving?

I don't know Brett but there are a few dozen Westy's in Encinitas. In fact, there is a very nice GoWesty loaded Westy 2 streets down from me and another very nice Syncro Westy in Cardiff. Both inspired me to get one.

[vanis13]

I use my espar at times when driving w/o issue. its actually designed for it

I love my oem rear heater and use it more than the front. i would not remove it

I haven't yet covered the extra opening. the plan is to overlay with laminate or sheet metal. a sticker would even work.
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace

www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make

[raoul mitgong]

I think I saw in one of the manuals a remote was an option. No issues with driving it while running, but only did it once and for only about 20 miles.

One change I am going to make on my install: I am going to plumb the exhaust to the driver's side. When the slider opens, exhaust sometimes gets in the van. Stinky and easy to fix so why not.

I finally did the 10 to 11 jumper wire and I can report that it is now working like it is in ACC key position. I put a switch in so I can change it back and forth from 120 minute mode to full time mode but didn't have any extra wire at my shop. So the switch just looks cool for the moment.

-d
_________________
84 Westy with a 2.1 (Groover)
86 Tintop Syncro (Crow)
86 Tintop Syncro to Westy project (Tom Servo)
91 Westy (Only the top 12 inches of this van (a burn victim))

[owokie]

Installed mine in the "propex" location. Love it so far. Still need to tidy up the wiring and make a small cover. I originally cleanly plumbed it into the stock rear output but the stock grate will not tolerate the heat output and it started to sag.

[/img]


Edit: Now that it's fall I have some more real world experience. Find the fuel pump tick a little bit annoying but tolerable, will try some neoprene around it. Last night top up (og tent), stock curtains all closed without extra insulation, vents all closed with ~23deg low heater cycled between low and a rare medium to keep the van at ~65 deg main cabin.

[Tom-Q]

Owokie, Looks clean! Did you have the B1 or the B4? How are you finding it to be now that it's season 2? Sounds like it's more than adequate heat.

I'm hoping to be installing the B1 here in my now-insulated Split in the next few weeks.

[vanis13]

Just a quick shout out to the awesome Espar Tech support. 800-387-4800

Seeing this thread rekindle reminded me I wanted to call them on some custom ideas I had. Very helpful, knowledgeable, and kind. gave me few ideas how to solve from buying new tech to using what I had to accomplish what I had in mind. Thumbs up.

I'm still happy with my system.
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace

www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make

[vanis13]

[shagginwagon83]

Wow. Such a clean install. I might end up going this route instead of a propane propex.
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan