Anybody install one of these in a Super duty? Would like some suggestions?
Local International dealer is selling the TSL-17 heaters for $700 and I would like to install it myself. Was quoted $2400 installed by a local company that deals Webasto.

 

why? these heaters use batt power like crazy and your engine starts just fine even at sub zero temps. if your that worried, use the block heater. besides, they burn diesel fuel at todays prices? and more than likely, in the morning your batterys would be dead and the engine wont start anyway.

 

I have one in my truck. I didn't install it myself though so I can't tell you about if it is difficult.

As for it using alot of battery power that is not true. I can take my truck hunting, leave it out in the cold (where there is no place to plug in) and come back to it (days later) at -40'F and it will start and be blowing warm air instantly from the heater. It does burn diesel straight from the trucks fuel tank (.3 gals per hour @ -25'F) it will keep all of the coolant in the truck at 120'F.

This is the 3rd vehicle I have put a Wabasto heater on and I have never had an issue with a Wabasto heater.

Wabasto does make a heater that runs a fan and a heater core and that heater would probably eat some battery juice. But the coolant heater that I use has minimal draw.

 

Some of us go places hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, skijouring.....where there is no electricity. I due have a pair of block heaters, trans pan heater, battery heaters, interior heater. I have an auto start that will start my truck before the batt voltage gets too low and if the engine temp gets down to a certain temp. And I have a Wabasto heater. I could not enjoy Alaska the way I do without my truck outfitted for the cold. For me, the fun begins when the tourist leave and the temps dip down cold. Of course we camp and fish all summer.....But I choose to see Alaska in a way most tourist would NEVER consider.

 

i can see that in alaska for so,e one who gets out there,,but its kinda over kill for the lower 48. i saw this stuff in river-de-lope canada where it would get to 55 below. but, that is not the norm. besides, if i had a wabsco on my truck. i would leave it off and turn it on when i got back to it. i wouldnt take the chance of it killing the bats etc that far out in the woods. i had one of these heaters on my 80 freightliner and it was more trouble than it was worth.

 

The wabastos on class 8 trucks work a little different I think. But my auto start makes sure my batts dont go dead. The guy asking lives in Calgary....it gets plenty cold there too.

 

Usually not for very long though, it was about plus 9 celcius here yesterday! Today dropped to -8 celcius though

 

Moved an Espar (same idea) from a '99 to a '02 7.3 f-350. Did it in '02.but don't remember too many flying profanities or tools, so I don't think it was too bad. Mind you, I had both trucks side by side in the shop, with basically identical vehicles

 

Thanks for the responses,

I do live in Calgary and although it does not get too cold here most of the time I do spend alot of time away from home. I thought that this would be better than a remote starter since your engine would be warm and the oil would flow really quick.

My questions would be
where is the best place to mount?
How hard is it to install the stinger into the tank?
Wiring?
Can a do it yourselfer do it or is better to leave it to the pros?

Got a big tool box with shiny tools and lots of experience on the farm but have not done a lot of wrenching in the past 15 years.

 

I just found this web site.
I am installing a heater in my 1991 7.3l (445ci) f250 truck and like to know if people have had success installing this unit (TSL 17)?

 

I just read your post and I have a webasto TSL 17 in my 96 350. I know it might seem to big for a pickup but if you look at the amount of coolant and how cold it might get, its just about right. I hope you have a better way of plumbing it than I did. The only way I was able to do it was to put it in series with the heater, but when the engine is running and your going down the road at 55MPH the water pump on the engine is pushing way more water than the webasto is designed for and the water pump on it doesn't last more than a couple years before the bearings go out on it. Other than that I love mine, it can be -55 to -60 and the heater is on for about a hour and the truck starts fine and is putting a little bit of heat in the cab.

I dint have any real trouble installing my heater, I didnt use the fuel tank pickup kit that comes with the heater, I cheated and put a T fitting on the engine side of my selector valve with the little pump for the heater. the rest of the hook up is easy for the electrical. I dont know if the newer engines have a better way to plumb the coolant lines or not, but I would look for a threaded plug on the heads to tie into.

 

I had auto trim design do mine.

Ol'trucker: These things draw 2 amps when they are running hardly "like crasy" like you said. My auto start starts my truck anytime my batteries get below 11 volts.

I love it. burns 1 gal in 5 hours. and sure beats coming back to a cold truck.

 

Thanks for the reply.

based in the information I have been able to find and this responce I will try to install this unit myself. The T on the fuel line is an intresting twist.
I will lreview the coolent plumming to see if their is a better way so I do not burn out the pump. I find a better way I will let you know.

kind regards Jim

 

I also live up in Calgary and I'm a mechanic. I've done a bunch of research on Espar and on the TSL 17. I'm looking at installing one in the fall. Doesn't look to terrible. Where I live I have no option to plug my truck in so at temperatures the reach -45C with a windchill the truck will not start period, without some kind of aid. The current draw and fuel usage on either unit is minimal. These units are only going to take and hour to heat the entire cooling system. I would highly recommend the purchase of the timer with one though. That way you can set it to come on and it will be ready when you are. So as log as you have half decent batteries there is no worry about you truck not starting.
Espar - HYDRONIC 5
http://www.webasto.us/press/en/am_tr...aters_823.html

 

I just came across this site. Great! I live in Calgary too and want to install a Wabasto coolant heater in my 2002 F350 7.3 liter turbo diesel as I am sometimes 200 miles from the nearest electrical outlet in winter in the mountains.

Where do or did you find the best place to put the unit? There does not seem to be any room in the engine compartment. In front of the radiator??

Would appreciate any experienced advice from people who have done it and had success or otherwise.

Best regards,

Jim Calgary