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Install block heater like webasto or espar? Cat C12 Freightliner FLD

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by ichudov, Jan 20, 2019.

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  1. Jan 20, 2019 #1
    ichudov

    ichudov Heavy Load Member

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    I have a Freightliner FLD daycab year 2000 with Cat C12 engine. Overall a great truck.

    It starts very well without ether up to 0 degrees F and with ether below that. However, I know that it is hard on the truck.

    I am thinking to install a block heater to help with engine starts in cold weather. Any suggestions, what make/model and where to put it?

    thanks
     
    ichudov, Jan 20, 2019
    ichudov, Jan 20, 2019
    #1
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  3. Jan 20, 2019 #2
    Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    I'm no mechanic by any means... But I will give my $.02. I have always prefered the type of coolant heater that goes into the heater lines. This type IMO is less prone to leaks and actually circulates the coolant if installed correctly... When installed low in a heater line, the warm coolant will rise into the heater. Then as it cools it will naturally want to fall. It Will do so through the other heater line. This will keep the whole system warm... Not just the coolant in the block.

    I will however state that I believe the block style heaters will keep the block itself warmer than the style that goes into the heater lines.

    But I will leave it to the actual mechanics to give more and/or better info.
     
    Cattleman84, Jan 20, 2019
    Cattleman84, Jan 20, 2019
    #2
  4. Jan 20, 2019 #3
    Nick34

    Nick34 Light Load Member

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    If I had to choose between the 2 brands you have I would take wabasto they just seem to have a lower operating cost compared to Espar. Iv had both and the espars are always screwing up electrical problems fuel pump problems they just seem to always need to be worked on where wabasto have always been more dependable
     
    Nick34, Jan 20, 2019
    Nick34, Jan 20, 2019
    #3
  5. Jan 21, 2019 #4
    brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    When the factory block heater on our C-12 went bad we installed one like this from Napa. It is easy to install, simply cut a heater line and mount to the fire wall. Worked well for us.
    https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/KAT13151
     
    brian991219, Jan 21, 2019
    brian991219, Jan 21, 2019
    #4
    Cattleman84 Thanks this.
  7. Jan 21, 2019 #5
    Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    Yes these are exactly what I was referencing in my above post... I love these.... And very easy to change out if they go bad.
     
    Cattleman84, Jan 21, 2019
    Cattleman84, Jan 21, 2019
    #5
    brian991219 Thanks this.
  8. Jan 21, 2019 #6
    ichudov

    ichudov Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 14, 2012
    Berkeley, IL
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    My freightliner already has electric block heater. I wanted to put on a diesel fuel fired heater. That was the reason for my question.
     
    ichudov, Jan 21, 2019
    ichudov, Jan 21, 2019
    #6
  9. Jan 21, 2019 #7
    brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Oh sorry, misunderstood you. In that case I don't have any advice to offer, I only had a Webasco bunk heater but it didn't also warm the coolant. Great idea, they allow you to keep the truck engine warm when you can't plug into electric.
     
    brian991219, Jan 21, 2019
    brian991219, Jan 21, 2019
    #7
    ichudov Thanks this.
  10. Jan 21, 2019 #8
    truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    go with synthetic oil or synthetic blend oil. your better off putting in a oil pan heater then coolant heater. the oil on every engine is what has the most problems in the winter. oil gets super heavy.
     
    truckdriver31, Jan 21, 2019
    truckdriver31, Jan 21, 2019
    #8
  11. Jan 31, 2019 #9
    ichudov

    ichudov Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 14, 2012
    Berkeley, IL
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    A little update. We have installed this heater. I believe that I have done it in accordance with the instruction.

    The result is that Webasto works great and definitely quickly heats up the coolant.

    However, in terms of heating the ENGINE the result is very modest, it mostly heats the water in the top water manifold, water pump, and heat exchanger.

    The opposite side of the motor heats not so well.

    It is definitely NOT webasto's fault as it clearly heats the coolant passing through it, very fast and works well. It is more a problem, I think of how it is plumbed.

    Specifically, Webasto takes water IN using the top water manifold. Then it heats the water and outputs it to the same port of the thermostat housing that also supplies water to the cab heater core. I thought that the instruction said to do that. But the result is not so great so I am seeking second opinions on how to plumb it?

    Any ideas?

    Thanks
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2019
    ichudov, Jan 31, 2019
    ichudov, Jan 31, 2019
    #9
  12. Jan 31, 2019 #10
    truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    just run the oil like i said
     
    truckdriver31, Jan 31, 2019
    truckdriver31, Jan 31, 2019
    #10
    ichudov Thanks this.
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