Step-by-step instructions for making and installing engine heaters with your own hands

You need to connect a longer piece to the input, and a shorter piece to the output. Longfies are divided into powers - 1.5 kW, 2 kW and 3 kW. In general, this is one of the most optimal options - the battery does not run out, the power of the heating element is high, and after using it, the driver also receives hot air from the stove. For such a connection, a tee fitting is included with the device. This device is mounted in the engine cooling system. Engine HEATING 220V easy starting in any frost, principle of operation, installation on VAZ 2108,2109,21

If you install it yourself, follow the detailed instructions. The pipe leading to the radiator is simply cut and a heater is inserted there at both ends. This is where the idea arose that it was time to change the car to a foreign car. In order to use them, you just need to press a button. When inserting into the cooling system, keep in mind that it is advisable to place the heater below the interior space heater radiator. The air filter device with the blower is reinstalled, and high-voltage cables are connected to the spark plugs.

In addition to standard functions, heaters quickly warm up the interior of the car. Do not turn on the engine heater if there is no coolant in the cooling system.

This power is not enough to warm up the engine in severe frost. Most drivers consider this nuance to be a disadvantage, since it is difficult to find a parking space where it is possible to connect to the electrical network. Overview of bumper connector for engine heaters. Installation Guide.

Thermal accumulators

Toyota Prius is equipped with such devices.
What are they? A heat accumulator is a thermos that collects a certain volume of warm coolant. When the engine starts, the collected liquid is injected from the heat accumulator into the cooling system. On average, the temperature of the entire cooling system fluid increases by 10-15 degrees, which makes it possible to operate the engine without much load. By the way, heat accumulators can keep coolant warm for up to 2 days. It is obvious that the method has the right to life. Moreover, when using such batteries, there is no need to consume additional electricity or fuel.

Kinds

Apart from homemade devices, which are extremely dangerous to operate due to objective reasons of non-compliance with assembly technology, there are 2 main types of heaters:

• autonomous liquid;
• electric.

Electric models operate by connecting to a 220V power supply. That is, the car should be located near the outlet. The possibility of using such devices is present in garage conditions. Such equipment is inexpensive, has a simple design and does not require complex work when connecting. But the device is very dependent on the presence of a nearby power source.

KAMAZ engine pre-heater

The heating itself is carried out due to an electric heater immersed in the cooling liquid. In simple terms, an electric heater can be described as a boiler.

The coolant circulation process occurs due to the temperature difference. Hot antifreeze goes up the cooling jacket, and cold liquid goes down. For the PPD to work effectively, the heating element should be located at the lowest possible point in the cooling system. But provided there is a built-in pump, it becomes possible to install it anywhere while simultaneously increasing heating efficiency. When the coolant temperature reaches the desired value, the thermal relay is activated and turns off the heater.

Such a heater has its own motor with a spark plug, combustion chamber, etc. After a signal is given to turn on the heating, fuel and air enter the combustion chamber, mix and ignite. The power itself is supplied from the battery. The heat obtained by combustion is transferred through the walls of the heat exchanger into the cooling liquid. The PPD pump pumps coolant through a small circuit, that is, antifreeze passes through the cylinder block jacket and the heater radiator to heat the interior.

In fact, the use of a heater makes it possible to do without a cold start of the engine. Almost everyone knows about the disadvantages and side effects of a cold start. They are especially dangerous at very low ambient temperatures. This explains the popularity of PPD in northern regions, where temperatures can fall far beyond -10 degrees Celsius, sometimes reaching extreme values.

Pre-heater device

Engine heaters

Pre-starting mechanisms for heating the engine are divided into two groups:

• stationary (gasoline or diesel) – work autonomously, independently;
• dependent - devices do not work independently, but only from a 220V electrical network.

Example of heating equipment

Electric heaters are produced 12V or 24V.

Electrical (dependent) heating of the engine is called a boiler (heating element - tubular electric heater), which heats the cooled antifreeze to a given temperature and passes through the cooling system of the car’s engine.

Subsequently, as soon as the antifreeze has heated up to the required temperature, the equipment automatically turns off and the heating element stops heating the antifreeze.

Electric heaters for starting are installed on the radiator. This mechanism regulates the correct operation of the cooling system. Structurally, the unit has the following device:

• directly the one-piece, non-separable boiler itself - gas supply, combustion cavity, water tubes;
• burner – with two cylinders;
• pumping system – electric fan, fuel and water pumps;
• control panel (panel);
• block - electric heater of petroleum products, nozzles, electromagnetic valve, fitting for air release.

The heating unit is part of the car engine cooling module. The coolant flows through tubes into the boiler cavity, where it is divided into two streams. One of them is directed through the fuel combustion chamber and gas supply pipes. Cooling antifreeze goes inside the surface of the water jacket.

Another stream washes through the outer water jacket of the pipes.

Both flows of cooling medium are connected in the device housing. Next, from the starting pipe it enters the vehicle engine.

Unit

Types of engine preheaters

Today, there are a large number of pre-heating devices on the market for automobiles.

Classification of car heaters:

1. Autonomous liquid.
2. Autonomous aircraft.
3. Electrical.

Autonomous preheater is the most common type. These include such well-known brands as Webasto, Eberspacher Hydronic, Teplostar.

The differences between liquid and air autonomous are that air only heats the air in the cabin, which provides comfort for the driver, while liquid heats the coolant and creates comfort for starting the engine, and also heats the air in the cabin.

Some aspects and nuances

When using preheating, it is recommended to take into account the following points:

• a switch with a timer will ensure engine heating in the mode that the vehicle owner needs;
• the engine is started with the clutch depressed;
• I do not lay the 220V wire through high-voltage supports on the road;
• If the boiler power is higher than 1.0 kW, you should not leave it on overnight.

Compliance with these rules will protect you from fines from the fire inspection and unpleasant situations.

Luxury equipment

Webasto or Hydronic

Those who trust only foreign manufacturers should pay attention to diesel engine pre-heaters Webasto and Hydronic. The first are represented by three models:. The first are represented by three models:

The first are represented by three models:

• E - for cars;
• C - for engines from 2200 cc;
• P - for SUVs, minivans and minibuses.

The advantages of the models include the presence of an automatic programmable timer and remote control. The disadvantages are the possible freezing of the liquid crystal screen and the high cost of the equipment.

The pre-heater for the Hydronic diesel engine is available in five modifications:

• 4 - for small cars with an engine capacity of up to two liters;
• 5 - for cars with an engine of more than two liters;
• МΙΙ - for trucks and special equipment - from 5.5 to 15 liters;
• ΙΙ Comfort – for engines from two liters;
• LΙΙ - for trucks and special equipment - over 15 liters.

The devices are capable of self-diagnosis, but their glow plugs can often become clogged, which will have to be replaced at your own expense.

Teplostar PLANAR-44D-24-GP-S

The device is an autonomous system that runs on diesel fuel and is a more affordable analogue of Webasto heaters. It can be installed on any type of transport - it perfectly warms up the interior of a passenger car to a minibus, and also copes with heating the body space in small cargo vans.

Owner reviews note the compactness of the equipment. Installation is quite simple and can be done on your own. When installed on vehicles with a gasoline engine, a small fuel tank is required. Also positive is the presence of a remote control, with which you can adjust the temperature of the cabin. At maximum power (4 kW), the PLANAR-44D will consume a little less than 0.5 liters of fuel per hour of operation. With normal heating or a small car, the consumption will be only 0.12 liters of diesel fuel per hour.

The best autonomous engine preheaters

Self-contained pre-start models work by connecting them to the fuel tank or fuel pump. The air and fuel mixture enter the combustion chamber and are quickly ignited with the help of a spark plug. At the moment of combustion of the mixture, heat exchange occurs, which generates heat in the cooling system. Heated antifreeze provides heat not only to the mechanical part of the car, but also to the interior itself. Due to this, the system is used by many motorists who are accustomed to comfortable movement. During the selection process, 7 nominees were evaluated, of which only 3 were selected.

Webasto Thermo Top Comfort+

The model appeared in 2022, and has already become popular among car enthusiasts. It guarantees an instant supply of heat, distributing it not only to the engine, but also to the interior. Webasto Thermo Top Comfort+ allows you to control the level of heat entering the interior, does not overheat the heater radiator, and warms up the interior well. The diesel pre-heater is equipped with a universal combustion air intake muffler and has an extended exhaust system. The car is heated in 10-15 minutes, does not waste time, guarantees comfortable, safe movement and operation of the cooling system. As soon as the engine reaches 60 degrees of air, heat is automatically supplied to the cabin. The function turns off when the temperature reaches 86 degrees.

Advantages

• Works quickly;
• Joint heating system;
• High quality;
• No need for electricity.

Flaws

• High price;
• Fuel consumption.

Binar-5S

Binar-5S is designed to warm up a car with a volume of up to 4 liters, used down to -45 degrees. It provides advanced capabilities for the heating system and operates using fuel. The principle is based on the instant heating of a liquid, which solidifies under the influence of minus degrees. The process takes up to 20 minutes, and heat enters the cabin at the same time. The set includes a remote timer, with which you can control the heating level, turn it off if necessary, and you can also control it using a mobile application, in the absence of a remote control. It has an affordable price, high quality, and efficiency.

Advantages

• There is a remote control;
• Heats well;
• Keeps the interior warm;
• Economical consumption.

Flaws

Not detected.

Reviews show that a gasoline engine preheater is the best modern model that operates using new technologies. It is installed in many cars, guarantees a comfortable supply of heat, and eliminates loss of functions.

Teplostar 14TS-10-S 24V

Liquid models that supply heat not only to cars, but also to trucks powered by natural gas or diesel fuel. They are used in winter to quickly heat the interior and engine, ensuring optimal operation. Even at a temperature of -45 degrees, the engine will start quickly. Within 15-20 minutes, heat will enter the cabin, providing warm air and its space in a few minutes. An affordable price allows every car enthusiast to buy a model, prolonging comfortable travel even in winter.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;
• Fast heating;
• Many functions;
• Works smoothly;
• High quality material.

Flaws

Not detected.

As reviews show, the model was created for cars and trucks, guarantees a complete supply of heat, increases comfort while driving at temperatures down to -45 degrees.

preheater

If you have a financial opportunity, bet without hesitation. in cold weather it helps to start without torturing the engine, and you can also warm up the interior. Regarding the battery, yes, it is powered by the battery, but you can say it smells (40W), as well as diesel fuel (about 0.4 l/hour). You just need to keep an eye on the battery, and the Duster’s battery capacity is sufficient; if you want to keep the battery longer, buy a heated thermal case. At my work, we are already installing heaters on our second car (diesel) (Gazelle and KIA Bongo). babble in winter. The guys also brought the exhaust to the crankcase of the internal combustion engine (both antifreeze and oil are heated). We usually set the time for 30 minutes; in cold weather it heats up to about 50 degrees. for control: you can install an inexpensive standard remote control (timer) (about 3 thousand rubles), and if you have a smart electrician, you can do it without a remote control from the alarm key fob at all (using an additional channel).

My diesel MB-Vito 2004 has a pre-heater + interior heater. Cool stuff. Set by default at the factory. When I was in Lvov at the end of January (the frosts had just begun) I felt all the charm.

Last edited by Vintik77; 02/20/2012 at 23:56.

If you install Webasto, all your keys remain in place and in order. This is a completely autonomous system; it warms up the engine without starting it.

I do not agree with this statement. It may start, but not without problems. Not a single cold start goes unnoticed on the engine, no matter diesel, gasoline, or gas. Maximum wear on the engine occurs in the first seconds of startup, because all the oil ran off the hot parts just yesterday. and the pre-heater eliminates cold starts, and after just a second of rotation of the starter, warm oil rushes through all the engine channels. and besides, the interior is warmed up, the windows are thawed, BEAUTY. I don’t know how it is in Kokhtla-Jarve, but here in Kuzbass it’s minus from September to April, and in winter it gets down to -55. We are far from the north. Tomsk, Tyumen, Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk, I think, will agree with me (I’ll keep quiet about Anadyr). I have an old Toyota Corolla 2000. Hydronic is in its third year. the battery is not drained. charge it at least once a month and everything is fine. Once I get Duska, I’ll definitely install the PPP (Pre-Start Heater), probably again. Hydronic. It is slightly cheaper than Webasto. I’m not considering Teplostar - I don’t trust Rossavtoprom

12V antifreeze heater

Nuances that must be taken into account when assembling the heater with your own hands:

1. The heating device is powered from a 12-volt source, which is a battery (on trucks it is a 24V battery). During the cold season, the battery discharges quickly, so in winter you can use an additional transformer to power the unit.
2. All contacts and conductors must be carefully insulated to eliminate the possibility of current leakage and short circuits.
3. It is recommended to additionally wrap electrical circuits with electrical tape, this will increase their service life.

What will you need?

To complete the task you will need:

• two pipes made of thin metal - the diameter of the first should be 8 cm and the thickness - 1 mm, the diameter of the second is determined by the dimensions of the hoses of the car’s cooling system;
• two heating components (you need to make them yourself);
• set of wires;
• 10 amp safety device and switch to activate and deactivate heater;
• soldering iron with consumables or welding machine;
• scissors for cutting metal;
• steel sheet 1 mm thick;
• grinder for cutting pipes or other similar tool.

Algorithm of actions

Installing a homemade heater

After assembling the heating equipment, the following steps are performed:

1. The device must be wrapped with electrical tape.
2. The pump is installed in the cooling circuit of the vehicle in the direction of the flow of consumables.
3. After this, you need to connect one cable to ground, and the second to the positive terminal of the battery. A 10 amp fuse device must be used to protect the power line. For simplified operation, you need to install a switch.
4. To operate two heating devices, you will need a 12-volt battery with a parallel connection. It is possible to use a 24-volt battery, but in this case the connection must be in series.

The photo shows a heating system connection diagram

Heating the fine fuel filter of a diesel engine

The manufactured fuel filter heater is non-removable and must be assembled on a filter that will be directly installed on the vehicle.

If you do not have the necessary knowledge and skills, you should entrust the connection of the fuel heater to a professional electrician. Improper modifications to the vehicle's electrical circuit may cause a fire.

First way

The main goal of this method is to create a heating field around the outer contour of the filter device.

What will you need?

To complete the task you will need:

• from 7 to 10 meters of copper wire with a cross-section of up to 1 mm (nichrome material can be used);
• four-pin relay;
• 10 amp safety device;
• heat-resistant sealant or fiberglass;
• two couplers or plumbing clamps;
• device activation and deactivation button;
• connecting electrical circuits of appropriate length;
• elements for soldering cables - rosin, tin and soldering iron.

Algorithm of actions

Independent work on installing and connecting a liquid heater is done as follows:

1. At the first stage, you need to lubricate the fiberglass with sealant, and then glue the material to the outside of the filter device housing.
2. Then this structure is dried for 24 hours.
3. The body element is wrapped with wire, and the ends are fixed with clamps.
4. Then the made coil, coated with sealant, is wrapped in fiberglass.
5. The resulting structure is dried.
6. Terminal clamps are soldered onto the ends of the wire to connect power lines.
7. The device is assembled in accordance with the diagram shown.

Connection diagram for bandage filter heater

Second way

The main difference compared to the first method is that in this case ready-made heating equipment is used. Such a device uses a heating system for side mirrors or a special flexible heater.

What will you need?

To complete the task you will need:

• insulation;
• conductors of appropriate length;
• button to activate and deactivate equipment;
• four-pin relay;
• foil thermal insulation 0.5 mm thick;
• 10 amp fuse;
• plumbing or plastic clamps or a piece of wire.

Algorithm of actions

Installation of the electric fuel filter heater is carried out as follows:

1. A heating thread or special material is wound around the filter device. Fixation is performed using insulation.
2. The wiring is being connected and laid.
3. The thermal insulation material is attached on top of the heating device.
4. The resulting structure is fixed using clamps or wire.
5. The resulting device is connected to the battery.

What to do to quickly warm up the car interior

use the cabin stove correctly

Immediately after starting the stove, do not direct hot air onto the icy glass - it may crack.

Set the speed to moderate and turn on the recirculation mode. This way the stove will slowly heat the air inside the cabin, without trying to warm the icy air from the street. In the meantime, you can go clean your car of snow and the glass of ice.

As soon as the interior has more or less warmed up, the recirculation mode can be turned off and the warm air flow can be directed to blow on the windshield - at the same time, eliminate the fogging of the windows (in the recirculation mode it is higher due to the fact that the stove does not remove the humidity inside the cabin to the outside).

remember about heating systems

If your car has heating systems for the steering wheel, seats or windows, these are also quite serious sources of heat - and they can significantly affect the rate of heating of the interior as a whole. Therefore, feel free to turn the seat heating to maximum.

Heating the windows, windshield and rear, will not help warm the air in the cabin, but they will prevent the air already warmed by the stove from blowing out through the windows - so turn them on too.

buy an electric heater

You can buy a portable electric air heater that connects to the cigarette lighter socket. This is a pocket-sized and affordable alternative to serious pre-heaters such as Webasto.

The device will come in especially handy when you have to warm up frozen hands after clearing snow.

But remember that by turning on all the interior heating systems at the same time, and adding a portable electric heater to them, you are putting a lot of strain on the battery. Therefore, you should use everything at once only with a charged, working battery and in such a way that the duration of the trip allows you to charge the battery from the generator while driving.

start moving

There is no point in standing in a parking lot for 10-20 minutes, waiting for the engine to warm up normally while idling: you are simply wasting fuel.

While driving, modern cars warm up much faster: after just a couple of hundred meters, hot air will begin to flow from the stove.

The main thing is to drive the first 700-900 m of the journey as carefully as possible in relation to the engine and transmission, avoid sudden maneuvers, do not “turn” the engine above 2000 rpm, shift the gearbox smoothly and carefully.

As soon as you set off, you can slowly increase the speed of the cabin heater fan.

To determine the moment when the engine has warmed up enough to start moving, look at the tachometer.

Immediately after starting the engine, the speed needle will probably swing slightly higher than the standard idle speed. For example, instead of 800-850 rpm it will be around 1000-1200 - with a difference of 200+ units.

After a couple of minutes of warming up the engine at idle, the tachometer needle will drop to the standard value - this will be a signal that the engine has reached operating temperature, you can drive.

cabin filter clogged

If you forget about the standard replacement of the cabin filter, the stove may also fail or barely work. Also added to this is the problem of car windows quickly fogging up. The solution is to replace the cabin filter.

The cabin heater fan is faulty

Most often, fan bearings or graphite brushes fail; in this case, the fan needs to be replaced. It could also be due to a blown fuse.

heater radiator clogged

It is possible that dirt, insects, leaves and other debris have gotten into the radiator of the interior heater. Or the channels are clogged with sediment from poor-quality coolant. The solution is to flush the radiator and replace it with a new one.

Thermostat is stuck

The thermostat (valve) of the cooling system regulates the circulation of antifreeze throughout the large or small circle of the cooling system. If it gets stuck in the open position, the stove will work worse.

The owner should be alert if more than 5 minutes pass after starting the engine and turning on the heating, and no warm air comes from the stove. In this case, the problem is solved by replacing the thermostat.

low antifreeze level

When the coolant level drops and it stops flowing into the radiator in the required quantity, the heater may fail. The solution is to find and fix the leak, add fluid to the reservoir.

Models and their characteristics

Longfey electric heaters are divided into series. The models included in each of them differ in performance characteristics.

The manufacturer offers customers a choice of series:

"Little Q"

Heaters of this series have a square shape with parallel pins. In terms of power they come in 1.5 kW, 1.8 kW and 2.0 kW. The pump capacity for all models is 8 l/min. Designed for insertion into a small circle of the cooling system. Installed in a small circle of the cooling system;

"Little Dragon"

Models in this series are rectangular, the terminals are located perpendicularly. It includes three models, identical in power and performance to the previous series;

"Decepticon"

A series of powerful rectangular heaters (2.0 kW, 2.5 kW and 3.0 kW) and perpendicular pin arrangement. At the same time, their pump performance is still the same 8 l/min;

"King"

Includes only one model - 3 kW. This heater has a rectangular shape with terminals installed perpendicularly. Electric pump capacity – 8 l/min. It is placed in a small circle of the system;

"Brothers"

The series also consists of one 3-kilowatt barrel-shaped model. Its leads are installed perpendicularly, the pump pumps 8 l/min;

In general, all models differ from each other only in the power of the heating element and the shape of the body.

Sources

• https://kaminguru.com/obogrevatel/ustanovka-nagrevatelja-dvigatelja-lunfej.html
• https://jmc-motors.ru/cms.php?id_cms=109
• https://remcat.ru/stati/ustanovka-lunfey/
• https://radir.ru/ustanovka-podogrevatelya-lunfej
• https://remont-avtovaz.ru/ustanovka-podogrevatelya-lunfej/

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What are the benefits of using preheaters?

Professional drivers recognize the presence of an autonomous or electric engine pre-heater as a mandatory requirement for a modern car, guaranteeing the necessary healthy working conditions during winter operation. For trucks operating in Europe, this principle has been observed for a long time. From the point of view of ensuring driving safety, their use improves comfort and reduces driver fatigue. Among other things, heaters help improve the efficiency and durability of engines. This is achieved through:

Video: Engine preheater

1. Reducing the number of “cold” engine starts. It is estimated that on average each driver makes from 300 to 500 “cold” starts per year. At the same time, special research in this area carried out by well-known European companies has found that, in terms of one “cold” start, the use of engine preheating reduces fuel consumption from 100 to 500 ml. The amount of savings depends on the outside temperature and the duration of warm-up. Thus, according to rough calculations, the use of preheating from autonomous heaters allows you to save from 90 to 150 liters of gasoline or diesel fuel in one winter season.

2. Reducing heavy operating conditions that increase engine wear. The overwhelming majority of engine wear occurs during its startup. This is due to the fact that at the time of “cold” start, the viscosity of the engine oil is increased and the lubricating properties are reduced. At the same time, the friction of the surfaces of moving parts is increased and wear in the connecting rod, crank and piston assemblies is increased. One “cold” start reduces the life of the power unit by 3-6 hundred kilometers. The Russian climate with 100 days a year of sub-zero temperatures can reduce the engine life in one season by 80 thousand km.

3. Increased safety and comfort in driving. Cold contributes to increased body heat transfer and rapid fatigue. Drowsiness and lethargy increase, and driver attentiveness decreases. Driving mode becomes more irrational. In addition, the risk of contracting such occupational diseases as cervical, lumbar osteochondrosis, and acute respiratory infections increases.

Types of electric heaters

Block

This type of heating systems for cars is designed to be built into the cylinder block (BC) of the power unit. As a result of the fact that the BC heats up, the power unit warms up evenly and centrally.

The power of the heating element itself is not very high - 400-750 V.

In terms of design, such devices are quite simple, since they are equipped only with a heating component and a connector that must be connected to the motor. There are no fastenings or additional elements in the heater.

Table: block heater models

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros according to reviews +++

The possibility of long-term operation associated with low power, due to which the refrigerant does not deteriorate.
Operational safety. Modern heaters are supplied with thermal insulation material that will prevent the insulation on nearby wires from melting.

Easy to install

Cons according to reviews -

Long warm-up time.
At an ambient temperature of 0 degrees, the system will be able to heat the consumable in only one hour of operation. If the air temperature drops to -10 degrees, this figure will increase to two hours. Accordingly, if you choose a less powerful and budget version of the heating system, heating the refrigerant will take even longer. Mechanical heater timers may malfunction in cold weather

Low heater power

Video: review of the Chinese preheater

The channel “Parcels from China for CergeyNchina” published a video in which the characteristics and capabilities of the motor heating system ordered in China are presented in detail.

Branch pipes

Such devices are designed for installation in the cut of thick hoses. Universal models of heating systems are equipped with durable housings, which eliminates the possibility of damage to the unit as a result of physical impact.

Table: models of pipe heaters

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros according to reviews +++

Easy installation and connection
High-quality heat transfer, allowing you to effectively warm up the power unit

Ease of use

Relatively cheap and large range of devices from different manufacturers

Cons according to reviews -

Heaters are always designed for standard hose diameters, so during installation you will have to additionally install an adapter.

Video: review of the Start-M heating system

A video has been published on the Sergei Pukhov channel, which presents in detail the characteristics, features and overview of the configuration of the Start-M heating devices.

Remote

The design of remote heaters is more complex and additionally includes:

• pipes;
• adapters;
• thermostats;
• fastenings and clamps, etc.

The heating element is more powerful - the average consumption for passenger cars is from 1-2 kilowatts; for trucks, 3 kW heaters are usually used.

Table: models of remote heaters

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros according to reviews +++

Inexpensive installation

Large selection of models from different manufacturers at different prices

Ease of use

Cons according to reviews -

It is necessary to ensure free access to the plug.
To eliminate this drawback, you can purchase a remote bumper heater. Domestic and Chinese-made systems are less reliable and fail faster. Due to leaks, they can leak refrigerant, so additional sealant must be used during installation.

Poor quality and fragility of additional devices (the problem is more typical for Chinese systems). Therefore, before installation, it is recommended to purchase imported pipes, duralumin adapters instead of plastic ones, and the holders should be replaced with stronger and wider clamps.

Difficult to install yourself

Video: review of the Chinese Longfei engine heater

The channel “Parcels from China for CergeyNchina” presents a video about the operation, as well as the installation and characteristics of the Longfei engine pre-heaters.

External

External heating systems are heating plates that are placed on the power unit housing, crankcase, cylinders, etc. Heating plates operate on the basis of thermal electric heaters, and most of them can be connected not only to a 220-volt network, but also to a 12-volt car battery IN.

The power level of such devices varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and averages from 100 to 1500 W. The temperature that the plate can develop is from 90 to 180 degrees.

Good to know

The electrical components of the plates are not allowed to be used for heating batteries, as this can lead to boiling of the electrolyte and destruction of the internal elements of the battery.

Table: models of external heaters

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros according to reviews +++

Safety of use - the devices are reliably protected from exposure and ingress of moisture and small particles, the degree of protection complies with the IP65 standard
. Easy installation. To complete the task, you only need to glue the plate to the work surface.

Increased resistance to wear and abrasion

Long service life and reliability

Cons according to reviews -

High cost of the product
Rapid wear of the battery if the connection is made to it and not to a 220-volt network. To eliminate this drawback, you need to install a more powerful battery.

Video: Keenovo heating plate test

A video has been published on the channel “Your Lunapark”, which shows the process of testing the operation of silicone heating plates for starting an internal combustion engine and its results.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Longfey preheaters include:

• Small overall dimensions, which makes it easy to find a place for its installation;
• The presence of a pump ensures uniform heating of the antifreeze in the system due to forced circulation;
• Availability of overheating protection systems (when a certain temperature is reached, the device turns off);
• A wide selection of models allows you to choose a device for any car;
• Connecting the Longfey heater will not cause any difficulties and does not require modifications to the motor;

But they also have certain disadvantages that relate not only to the devices of this particular manufacturer, but to the design and operation features of all devices of this type:

• To connect, you need a 220 V socket, so such devices cannot be used if the car is located far from housing;
• Requires compliance with safety precautions when using;
• The breakdown is detected only during the process of starting the car (the device was turned on, hoping that it would work, but then it turns out that the engine is not warmed up);

But all the negative aspects do not become a reason to use this device in a car. But at the same time, for everything to work normally, the Longfey preheater needs to be installed correctly.

Boiler installation

The boiler is installed in a special engine section. In earlier cars such a place is not provided.

Manufacturers of pre-heater instructions regulate the process and layout of its installation. The installation procedure is simple; you can do it yourself. What is needed for this:

• buy antifreeze;
• pit;
• two hours time.

Depending on the manufacturing company, the installation scheme has several variations. Installation is performed:

• with installation in a block - installation complexity, but greater efficiency of the device;
• as a separate device - at the lowest point of the system for cooling, it cuts into the ring of a small circle.

Model equipped with pump

Visual diagram of the boiler installation:

• an electric heater is mounted to the cylinders using special brackets;
• remove the automatic temperature sensor;
• connect the fitting;
• screw the temperature sensor into the fitting;
• remove the drain plug;
• screw in the outlet for the antifreeze supply hose;
• clamps are placed on both hoses.

The installation diagram also contains an option in which the output from the heater is into a tee. To do this, cut the upper radiator pipe. Then the coolant goes into the block to exit into the boiler. In this case, the head will become very hot and the block will be warm.

Sometimes the opposite connection method is used, in which the output from the heater goes into the block. The coolant is hot, has a lower density, and it is easier for it to pass into the cross-section of the adapter. With this option, the block will heat up too much, unlike the head, and when the engine starts, its operating temperature does not drop.

Emergency heating or how to heat the oil in the engine crankcase before starting in cold weather

Increased fuel consumption from frequent warm-ups is successfully forgotten when the mortal body is immersed in a warm cabin. Another concern is the unattended operation of the engine, you never know what can happen. And the neighbors on the first floor are not happy with the exhaust fumes, and conflict is not far away.

Old-fashioned methods

A proven way to heat up the oil is to heat the crankcase with an open fire. A blowtorch or a bunch of wood chips neatly stacked under the object to be heated will help you get a fire. Plus - there is no need to re-equip any machine system.

• Directing the same blowtorch to the required location is difficult, and sometimes even impossible, due to the small clearance or installed protection.
• Open flames pose a high risk of fire because they are concentrated near rubber and plastic parts.

Modern methods

Safe recipes for heating the oil in the crankcase before starting are based on obtaining heat from an electric current. Where to get it from depends on where the car is stored: in a street parking lot, autonomous power supply from the battery is preferable; in a garage, it can be powered from a household network.

The electric heater is different from that used in the antifreeze heating system from the muffler, but is similar to the glow plug, which is an integral part of the flow-through coolant heater. Generally speaking, there are several electrical oil heating schemes:

• External “heater”: a heating plate (220 V) is installed on the outside of the bottom engine cover.
• Electric dipstick: Through the hole for the oil dipstick, a flexible element is temporarily integrated into the crankcase, which heats up when electric current from a standard battery (12 V) is passed through it.
• Modified drain plug: instead of the standard plug, a part with a built-in heater (12 V) is mounted.
• Heating element: a tubular heating element (220V) is integrated inside the crankcase.

The heating rate and type of power supply are the main guidelines when choosing an idea. The best qualities among autonomous devices are shown by the electrical probe. A 220 V heating element heats the fastest, but its installation is fraught with difficulties.

Installation diagram

For this type of model of pre-start electric heaters, in accordance with the location of the thermostat and the drain hole on the motor, one of the types of installation diagrams is used:

• progressive method;
• parallel method.

The parallel method does not involve using the lower of the coolant circulation speeds depending on the resistance of the heater itself. The scheme is effectively implemented by several solutions.

Thermal sensor on the top pipe, there is no tap for draining:

• selection and injection of antifreeze from the return pipe through the trigeminal disk;
• removal of coolant from the lower radiator hose and injection into the heater tube;
• selection from the return pipe, injection through the tee into the upper pipe.

Mounted model from 12V network

Thermal sensor is on the lower element, there is a drain tap on the block:

• selection of the product from the drain valve through the fitting, injection into the engine block;
• selection from the lower radiator tube, injection into the block;
• selection from the block, injection into the upper pipe through the trigeminal element.

Installation progress:

• determine the supply and extraction hoses according to the instructions;
• choose a location and calculate the distance for both hoses;
• drain the coolant;
• remove the tubes going to the stove;
• install ready-made hoses;
• the heater is fixed to the free edges of the hoses;
• fill the cavity with antifreeze.

It is recommended to ensure that the system is completely filled with liquid. If there are air jams, the heater is at risk of serious damage. To fill completely, you need to wait a certain period. The stove tap is open during operation, the temperature regulator is set to the maximum permissible value.

Difficult choice

To answer the question of which diesel engine preheater is best to purchase, you need to take into account various nuances. This includes the frequency of use of the vehicle, the characteristics of the vehicle itself, as well as the conditions of its operation and the service life of the engine.

If the climatic conditions are satisfactory, then there is no particular need for the device. Also, if the car is in a heated garage most of the time, then a heater is unlikely to be needed. It’s another matter if the car is operated in a harsh climate, where winters are usually long and frosty. Then the preheater will be truly in demand.

Naturally, a modern new car will easily start even in cold weather, but the wear of its engine parts will accelerate, since they are subjected to additional and heavy load. Therefore, those car enthusiasts who want their vehicle to last as long as possible should take care of it and purchase a diesel engine pre-heater.

Reviews from those who already use the device are mostly positive. Some people prefer domestically produced models, while others choose only imported ones. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Let's look at the brands that are most in demand among car enthusiasts.

Installing an electric engine heater - device features

Immediately after starting the engine, its parts come into contact with virtually no lubrication. Cold engine oil is still viscous compared to its warm state. In order for the narrow oil lines to be filled with the working solution, it takes time to warm up. During a cold start, a special load falls on the piston group (the service life is reduced by 1.5 times). To prevent negative factors and make starting easier in cold weather, pre-start heaters are exactly what you need.

Structurally, this device is similar to a boiler, the task of which is to heat the liquid to a temperature of 60-70 degrees Celsius. Next, the solution moves through the pipes, “warming” the parts of the power unit.

Pumpless devices are included in the “cold” cycle at the bottom in order to provide pressure due to the temperature delta. The option equipped with a pump can be connected anywhere. When the required value t is reached, the relay turns off the heater. If cooling occurs after this, the heating is automatically switched on again.

Such devices do the following:

• warm the engine cooling jacket;
• charge batteries;
• provide warmth in the cabin;
• can be controlled remotely from a remote control.

Depositphotos_39661271_s_new size

In fifth position in our ranking is the simplest way:

BUDGET

Not only modern thermal underwear can help you avoid freezing in the cabin while waiting for the engine to warm up or roadside assistance, but also a car electric fan or the most common “pop warmer” - a seat cover with built-in heating, powered from the cigarette lighter socket. Of course, this will be needed if seats with built-in heating are not installed on your car at the factory.

+ Inexpensive; gives heat almost immediately

— Limited area of ​​influence; Electric heating can drain a car battery quite quickly

Method No. 4 - STATIONARY

If the car spends the night near the house or in an unheated garage in winter, pre-start electric heaters operating on a 220-volt network will help. Among them there are also quite serious products from respected manufacturers. This is a completely different level of fighting frost, which spoils the life of the car owner and his iron horse.

Such devices safely and effectively heat the oil, and some models also heat the antifreeze, which ensures faster heating of the interior. Particularly advanced ones can be started by a timer built into the system or remotely, by command from the owner’s radio key fob. True, they will only help you if there is an outlet near the car that the electric heater cord can reach. No outlet - the device is useless.

+ The car can be started even in severe frost; no fuel consumption

— Severely limited use due to electrical requirements

Method No. 3 - FOR EVERY FIREFIGHTER

There are also devices independent from the electrical network that can provide a lot of heat and can maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin for a relatively long time. These are autonomous portable heaters that run on both gas and liquid fuel. Naturally, when using them, you must be very careful to ensure that there is no fire. And when using devices running on gasoline or diesel fuel, you should be doubly careful, since they burn oxygen in the confined space of the car. Therefore, in order not to get burned, you need to periodically ventilate the interior, although this is fraught with loss of precious heat.

Some of the autonomous portable heaters - the so-called "tourist" ones - are best suited for emergency heating of the cabin, since they are structurally designed to operate in the enclosed volume of a tent. Devices that produce heat through catalytic combustion are considered advanced.

+ Effectively help in an emergency

— Do not warm up the engine; expensive; risk of car fire: unsafe for humans

Connection methods

Since the instructions included with the devices are poorly translated, and the diagrams depicted in them are not very clear, many simply cannot figure out how to properly install the device with their own hands.

There are several ways to install the device on your car. The first connection diagram is serial, and it is shown below:

Sequential installation diagram of the Longfey heater

It is more suitable for models with a parallel arrangement of terminals, since the device is inserted into only one pipeline of the system - supplying antifreeze to the interior heater radiator.

This scheme is quite simple, and to install it you need:

1. Find the required pipe (on a warm engine, find the pipelines leading to the stove and check the degree of their heating with your hand. The connection is made into the warmer pipe);
2. Drain the coolant;
3. Choose a place to mount the heater on the engine or body (away from highly heated elements). If necessary, you can make a mounting bracket;
4. Cut the pipeline and install the device into this cut (it is important not to confuse the heater leads: we connect the section leading from the engine to the water inlet, and the section leading to the heater radiator to the drainage outlet);
5. Secure all connection points with clamps;
6. Secure the device;
7. Fill with coolant and check connections for leaks;
8. Lay the heater cable along the body and remove the plug to a convenient place for connection. The wire must be secured;

With this connection diagram, for normal operation of the device, you should always keep the coolant supply valve to the heater radiator open.

The second connection method is parallel. It is more suitable for models with perpendicular leads. A diagram of such an insert is presented below:

Parallel installation diagram of Longfei heater

This scheme is somewhat more complicated in terms of implementation. You will also additionally need to have:

• Pipelines of appropriate length and diameter;
• Fitting for connecting the pipeline to the cylinder block (installed instead of the drain plug);
• Tee (for inserting into the pipeline);
• Clamps.

To install the heater in parallel, do this:

1. Drain the coolant;
2. We unscrew the drain plug on the cylinder block and screw in the fitting instead;
3. We cut the pipe leading from the radiator to the engine (upper) and install a tee in this cut;
4. Choosing a place to install the heater;
5. Using prepared pipelines, we connect all the elements into one system (we connect the water inlet to the fitting, and the water outlet to the tee);
6. We tighten all connections with clamps;
7. We attach the heater;
8. Fill with coolant;

Now, as for connecting the Longfey heater to an outlet. It is better to do this through an adapter with a timer, which will allow you to set the time to turn the device on and off.

If an extension cord is used to power the device, the wiring in it must be designed for the load created.

Finally, we note that even though Longfei heaters are manufactured in China, they are quite reliable products that can work for a very long time. The only malfunctions they have are usually associated with burnout of the wires inside the device. Fixing such breakdowns is not difficult.

The Longfei heater does not have to be left on all night; it will warm up your engine without any difficulties in a fairly short period of time compared to classic “reservoirs” operating on the principle of natural thermosyphon circulation.

General recommendations and description of the method for sequential installation of the heater on the engine:

The heater must be embedded in the cooling system, where the liquid flows from the interior heater to the cylinder block (Fig.-1). As a rule, this section can be traced along hoses about 20 mm thick running from the car engine towards the car interior (with a running, warm car and the heater fan on, the inlet hose is hotter than the outlet hose.

The place for installing and fastening the heater must be chosen lower, relative to the radiator of the interior heater, in order to prevent airing of the heater. For the sake of convenience and versatility of placement, it is recommended to use additional hoses for installation in order to maintain the integrity and length of the original ones.